Carrie Fisher and J.J. Abrams revealed that Leia Organa no longer bears a royal title in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ release date is rapidly approaching, which means we’ll soon see Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia together on-screen again. Well, except for one tiny detail: Leia technically isn’t a Princess, or any other kind of royalty. Actor Carrie Fisher and director J.J. Abrams recently discussed Leia’s new backstory, revealing that between Episodes VI and VII she became General Leia Organa. And on reflection, that seems far more appropriate and badass.
“She’s referred to as General,” Abrams said. “But … there’s a moment in the movie where a character sort of slips and calls her ‘Princess.'” Feel free to guess who slips up and how Leia reacts. Personally, I suspect Private Link will regret his words.
Long-time Star Wars fans will probably have trouble separating Leia from her royal title, but it makes quite a bit of sense. “Princess” was a position Leia received on Alderaan, a role rendered unnecessary when millions of her subjects were suddenly silenced. (Too soon?) After parting ways with Luke, Han, and Chewie, Leia stayed in a leadership role, but gained an appropriate new title that demanded respect.
That’s not to say the transition was easy. Fisher herself describes General Organa as “solitary. Under a lot of pressure. Committed as ever to her cause, but I would imagine feeling somewhat defeated, tired, and pissed.” But Fisher still wants fans to take a strong message from this version of Leia: “Never give up.”
Sounds like Leia may not have changed that much after all.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
