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One of Disney’s biggest franchises is getting a surprising update.
When Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977, it introduced audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a galaxy that would redefine blockbuster filmmaking.
Credit: Lucasfilm
The original film launched a franchise that now spans movies, Disney+ series, novels, comics, video games, and theme park lands at Disney Parks around the world.
For generations of Star Wars fans, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford have remained the definitive Luke, Leia, and Han. Even as Lucasfilm expanded the timeline, the original trio continued to define the Skywalker Saga.
Disney has occasionally revisited those characters using younger actors, digital effects, and archival performances. Now, it’s getting a new cast.
Disney Gives ‘A New Hope’ a New Voice
Disney, Lucasfilm, S4C, and Creative Wales have announced the first Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope.
Known as Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the release features an entirely new voice cast performing the original 1977 film.
Osian Morgan has been cast as Luke Skywalker.
Aimee-Ffion Edwards will voice Princess Leia, while Emmy winner Matthew Rhys takes over the role of Han Solo.
The supporting cast includes Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader, and Llŷr Ifans as C-3PO.
Credit: Lucasfilm
Nia Roberts voices Aunt Beru, Richard Harrington plays Grand Moff Tarkin, Owain Arthur voices Red Leader, and Rhodri Meilir plays Gold Leader.
The dubbed version will premiere on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day.
Lucasfilm said the project is part of its wider work creating Indigenous and minority-language versions of Star Wars to celebrate and preserve languages while making the franchise accessible to more audiences.
Michael Kohn, Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm, said: “I’ve been involved in a few Indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language.”
Credit: Lucasfilm
He continued: “They have been tremendously successful not only in their communities but internationally as well. The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn’t pass up.”
A Different Kind of ‘Star Wars’ Recasting
The announcement arrives ahead of Star Wars’ 50th anniversary in 2027.
Rather than remaking A New Hope, Lucasfilm has chosen to preserve the original film while giving Welsh-speaking audiences the chance to experience it in their own language.
Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan welcomed the project.
“Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.”
Credit: Lucasfilm
She added: “We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh and I am so thankful, that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality.”
Brennan continued: “Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time.”
The release also comes as discussion continues around the future of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo on screen.
Fans have long debated whether Lucasfilm should officially recast the original trio for stories set between the events of the original trilogy. So far, the studio has largely relied on digital recreations or younger performers in limited roles.
Credit: Lucasfilm
The Welsh version takes a different approach. It leaves the original performances untouched while introducing new actors to voice Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and other classic characters for an entirely new audience.
Nearly 50 years after A New Hope changed cinema, Disney is once again introducing fans to Luke, Leia, and Han — this time with brand-new voices leading the adventure.
