Lucasfilm Officially Replaces James Earl Jones’ Voice in ‘Star Wars’ With ‘The Last Jedi’ Actor
When Star Wars was released in theaters in 1977, few could have predicted the historic cultural phenomenon it would become. For nearly five decades, the legendary space opera has captured the imaginations of generations of fans worldwide.
Next year, the franchise will reach a massive milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
To honor this momentous occasion, Lucasfilm is doing something completely unprecedented with the movie that started it all. The studio, alongside Disney, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales, has announced that Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) is getting a full, ground-up Welsh-language dub.
Officially titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the project brings the galaxy far, far away to life using Wales’ rich, lyrical language.
Related: ‘Star Wars’ Fans May Be Cut Off From New Release as International Availability Remains Uncertain
Darth Vader Gets a New Voice in Star Wars
Of course, a brand-new language means an entirely new voice cast stepping into some of the most iconic roles in cinema history. Lucasfilm has assembled an incredible lineup of Welsh talent, including Matthew Rhys (Widow’s Bay) as Han Solo and Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man) as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
But among the star-studded roster, there’s one particular casting choice that stands out to modern Star Wars fans.
Acclaimed Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones will provide the voice of Darth Vader, replacing James Earl Jones’ voice for the Welsh-language of the original Star Wars. And if Mark Lewis Jones sounds familiar, it’s because this isn’t his first time in the franchise, as he previously appeared in live-action as First Order Captain Moden Canady in 2017’s Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd is scheduled to premiere on S4C and its streaming platforms this coming Christmas Day.
What do you think of Mark Lewis Jones taking on the mantle of Darth Vader? Are you excited to watch this historic Welsh-language dub? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
