Carrie Fisher to feature in 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

Disney and Lucasfilm have announced the cast of "Star Wars: Episode IX", confirming late actor Carrie Fisher will feature in the film.

The star, who played Princess Leia in the film series, died in December 2016.

To make Fisher a part of the final installment of the Skywalker saga, the makers will be using previously unreleased footage shot for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", reported Variety.

"Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character.

"With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honour Carrie's legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII," director J J Abrams said in a statement.

Billy Dee Williams is reprising his role as Lando Calrissia. Mark Hamill will be returning as well, whose Luke Skywalker seemingly died in "The Last Jedi," and Anthony Daniels will reprise his role at C-3PO.

Naomi Ackie and Richard E Grant have also joined the cast. Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.

John Williams will return to score the film.

"Star Wars: Episode IX" is set to be released December 2019.