Seeking to dispel a looming phantom menace—i.e., ongoing rumors that the company intends to recreate Carrie Fisher’s digital likeness to bring her iconic character back for future Star Wars films—Lucasfilm has released an official statement on the matter. “We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address,” the company said in a statement. “We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.”
The rumors began shortly after Fisher’s death last month, and were sparked by the use of Peter Cushing’s virtual likeness in the recent Rogue One. (BBC Newsnight went so far as to report that the company was negotiating with Fisher’s estate for a similar deal.) But if those plans ever existed, they’ve now been destroyed, as surely as any giant, world-shattering superweapon being attacked by a plucky, ragtag force, or a well-trained army when confronted by a bunch of teddy bears armed with sticks.
“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family,” the company’s statement continued. “She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.” Fisher will still appear in Star Wars: Episode VIII, in footage she filmed some time before her death.