A long-speculated Star Wars project has officially entered production, and it’s making history in more ways than one. Lucasfilm and Disney have announced the start of filming on “Leia: A Star Wars Story,” a standalone feature chronicling the untold journey of Princess Leia Organa—from Alderaanian royalty to rebel icon and Resistance general.
What sets this project apart is its headline star: the late Carrie Fisher, brought to life through advanced AI performance synthesis, developed in collaboration with Fisher’s estate and the pioneering VFX firm, NovaSentience Studios.
A Legacy Preserved, With Consent and Compensation
In a groundbreaking agreement finalized in early 2025, Lucasfilm secured digital likeness rights not only for Fisher, who passed away in 2016, but also for a small number of original trilogy actors including Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. This unprecedented contract allows the studio to utilize AI-generated versions of their characters in future media—provided that the actors (or their legal estates) receive compensation directed toward either their chosen descendants or approved organizations.
Carrie Fisher’s daughter, actress Billie Lourd, played a central role in negotiating the terms. “This isn’t about replacing my mother. It’s about honoring the stories she helped shape and ensuring she—and all actors—are treated with respect, even in the digital realm,” Lourd said in a press statement.
The Story Behind the Rebel Princess
Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, “Leia: A Star Wars Story” is set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One. The film will explore Leia’s teenage years in the court of Alderaan, her secret missions for the Rebellion, and her complex relationship with adoptive father Bail Organa.
Zhao describes the film as “a portrait of resistance in its purest form—a coming-of-age tale laced with political intrigue, heartache, and hope.”
The script, penned by Tony Gilroy and emerging talent Amara Kelley, draws from canon materials and unused story treatments developed by George Lucas in the late 1990s. Fans can also expect appearances—AI and otherwise—by characters like Mon Mothma, Grand Moff Tarkin, and a young Wedge Antilles.
Digital Ethics and the Future of Performance
The announcement has reignited debate in Hollywood about digital resurrection and performance rights. However, Lucasfilm emphasized that the project adheres to strict ethical standards. The AI model of Fisher is based on a blend of archival footage, performance capture by a live stand-in actress, and a custom-trained neural net fine-tuned with Fisher’s voice, expressions, and known improvisational style.
“This is not a deepfake gimmick,” said VFX supervisor Linh Tran. “This is digital performance built on consent, respect, and cutting-edge artistry.”
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Initial fan response has been mixed but passionate. Many longtime Star Wars fans expressed gratitude that Leia’s story will finally be told in depth. Some have raised concerns about how AI might reshape acting itself.
“I just hope the story is worthy of her,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “She’s royalty—not just in the galaxy, but in film history.”
“Leia: A Star Wars Story” is slated for release in December 2026, with a teaser expected to debut at D23 later this year.