This week kicks off the fortieth anniversary of the Star Wars franchise, which honestly seems to always be celebrating something. As a gift to to all of us, Vanity Fair shared their new covers online Tuesday, celebrating the cast with images taken by Annie Leibovitz. They include one of the last official portraits of Carrie Fisher, princess and heroine.
The editions will be released in print on June 6, if you want to rush to a stand and buy one, along with a commemorative poster. A further preview posted Wednesday includes and image of Fisher in costume, posing with her daughter, Billie Lourd:
The cast reflected on how Fisher influenced them on set in the accompanying interview, most saying she taught them all “how to deal” with being a part of such an all-encompassing world and fandom, particularly the new young woman on set, Daisy Ridley:
“Carrie lived her life the way she wanted to, never apologizing for anything, which is something I’m still learning,” Ridley said. “ ‘Embarrassed’ is the wrong word, but there were times through it all when I felt like I was … shrinking. And she told me never to shrink away from it—that it should be enjoyed.”
It’s also revealed that a much larger role for Leia had been planned in Episode IX, and things had to be quickly changed for filming next January following Fisher’s death. Many wondered if Fisher might be recreated via CGI, as Peter Cushing briefly was in Rogue One, but thankfully Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, has said that the company doesn’t “have any intention of beginning a trend of re-creating actors who are gone.”
Once The Last Jedi is released, it will be the last glimpse of Carrie Fisher in character.