‘Star Wars’ Episode VIII News: Carrie Fisher’s Death, Loss Of A Beloved Icon; Princess/Gen. Leia’s Pivotal Role In The Franchise [Report]

"Star Wars" Episode VIII will likely see more of Princess/Gen. Leia Organa as head of the rebellion, mother of Kylo Ren and sister to Luke Skywalker, who will be featured mainly in the movie as the mentor of Rey to be a Jedi. Hence, it is apparent that Carrie Fisher's passing led many to mourn the loss of a beloved icon, leaving concern on how it impacts future installments especially episode IX of the "Star Wars" trilogy.

"Star Wars" director Rian Johnson has kept filming for the second episode to the trilogy under wraps,but the sudden death of Carrie Fisher yesterday prompted the studio to reveal that the actress has already completed her scenes for episode VIII, Insider reported. With the sudden demise of the actress, "Star Wars" fans are mourning the loss of a beloved icon, leaving many to wonder on how the storyline will progress without Fisher's Leia on Episode IX.

"Star Wars" Episode VIII Storyline

The "Star Wars" episode VIII will take off from where the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" left, which is on a remote island where Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally met Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). This means that episode 8 will center on Rey and Luke as the two embarks on a journey where Luke will teach Rey on how to understand the Force and be a better Jedi.

"Star Wars" Princess Leia

It is understandable that Fisher as Leia in "The Force Awakens' saw very little screen time since the movie centered on Rey's discovery of the Force, However, "Star Wars" episode VIII may be different, featuring more of Leia who plays a key role connecting the key figures, namely, her son Ben Solo aka Kylo Ren and twin brother Luke according to Cinema Blend.

If there is to be redemption for wannabe-Sith Lord Kylo Ren as Darth Vader did with young Luke, then Gen. Leia wil most likely figure prominently in the movie. Moreover, J.J. Abrams who directed "The Force Awakens" lamented on his handling of Leia's grief over the death of Han Solo, making fans anticipate that "Star Wars" episode VIII may finally tackle this element albeit briefly.

The loss of Fisher is not only the loss of a beloved icon, but also of a talented actress who have endeared herself to many fans. Fisher's Leia is a huge loss to the "Star Wars" franchise, which will most likely have some changes in storyline especially for the character of Kylo Ren in Episode IX.