Written By Kieran Bugg
Live action Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo short films are reportedly in the works for Disney Plus. Since beginning in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has always boasted some of cinema’s most impressive visual effects.
In recent years, Lucasfilm has begun tapping into de-aging technology. We first saw them utilise this relatively new CGI technique in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The late great Peter Cushing was digitally brought back to life as Grand Moff Tarkin for the film. In addition, the ending also featured a de-aged Carrie Fisher for Princess Leia’s brief appearance.
Upon release the initial reception to these effects was divisive with some considering it to be disrespectful to Cushing. Nonetheless, this didn’t stop Lucasfilm from using them further in more of their projects.
Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia And Han Solo Short Films Reportedly In The Works For Disney Plus
Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Following Solo: A Star Wars Story’s mixed response, the studio opted not to recast any more of their beloved characters. Instead we saw a de-aged Mark Hamill make his mind blowing appearance in the finale of The Mandalorian’s second season.
A year later the character would re-appear in The Book Of Boba Fett with the effects now seemingly perfected. For many the youthful likeness of Hamill as he appeared in the original trilogy was uncanny.
Moreover, we’ll see Lucasfilm use this digital technique again in the next Indiana Jones movie later this year. Trailers for Indy’s final adventure have already showcased their impressive work on de-aging Harrison Ford.
Unsurprisingly it likely won’t end there.
According to a new report from insider Shaun O’Rourke, Lucasfilm is currently developing several new Star Wars short films. Furthermore they’ll star the original trio of heroes, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.
All of which will be de-aged using CGI to coincide with their appearances in the original trilogy. O’Rourke has over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry and has connections with multiple studios.
Via social media, the insider posted:
“I am hearing a rumour of a new Disney+ series announcement coming at Star Wars Celebration of a series of short films with Luke, Han and Leia.”
If what he says is true then this would be exciting news for diehard fans of the original trilogy.
It’ll just be a question of whether or not Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford will reprise their iconic roles again. It’s very possible that they will should Disney throw enough money their way.
Sadly due to Carrie Fisher’s tragic passing in 2016, the role of Princess Leia would have to be recast. Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd took on her mother’s role for a brief flashback scene in The Rise Of Skywalker.
Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia And Han Solo Short Films Reportedly In The Works For Disney Plus
Image: Disney Plus
There’s a possibility she could once again step into Fisher’s shoes for these rumoured short films. Seeing the classic trio back together onscreen would be dream come true for fans.
Especially after the sequel trilogy failed to make that dream a reality.