For almost half a century, the faces and voices of Star Wars have remained mostly consistent.
Ask anyone to picture Luke Skywalker, and they'll immediately think of Mark Hamill. Princess Leia will always be Carrie Fisher, while Harrison Ford's portrayal of Han Solo has become every bit as iconic as Indiana Jones. Even though Ewan McGregor later stepped into Obi-Wan Kenobi's robes, Alec Guinness remains the Jedi who started it all, and it's impossible to imagine Darth Vader without the unmistakable voice of James Earl Jones.
Over the years, those characters have appeared in prequels, animated series, video games, and audiobooks with different performers. But George Lucas' original Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977) has always remained untouched when it comes to casting.
That is finally changing.
Star Wars (1977) Gets a Surprising Redub
Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales have announced the first-ever Welsh-language version of A New Hope (1977), with the entire film being redubbed using an all-new cast of Welsh actors.
The movie is officially titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd while famous lines such as “May the Force be with you” are translated as “Bydded y Grym Gyda Chi,” and “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” becomes “Amser maith yn ôl.”
The new cast includes Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia, Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader, Llŷr Ifans as C-3PO, Nia Roberts as Aunt Beru, Richard Harrington as Grand Moff Tarkin, Owain Arthur as Red Leader, and Rhodri Meilir as Gold Leader.
Fans can also hear the new performances in the official teaser, which showcases the Welsh-language opening crawl for the very first time.
Related: ‘Star Wars' Officially Replaces Iconic Phrase After Nearly 50 Years
The project forms part of Star Wars‘ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027. Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan said in a statement, “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.”
She 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 Welsh-language version premieres on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day.
What do you think of Lucasfilm's latest Star Wars announcement? Let us know in the comments below!
