Rian Johnson allowed Carrie Fisher the ultimate freedom with Leia in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Carrie Fisher makes us feel all of them feels for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Feels only our Princess, Leia, can provide.
Apparently, Rian Johnson gave Fisher free reign to implement her personality within Leia, with most of her best one-liners coming from improvisation.
In a recent interview with People, the writer/director for The Last Jedi reveals how much of a say Carrie Fisher had on set, which apparently was quite a bit.
"Every single part of her performance."
Rian Johnson and Carrie Fisher developed a close bond during their time filming The Last Jedi, where the two would brainstorm for hours on end, on Leia’s character arc for the film.
"I would have filled up pages and pages writing down the notes and one-liners that she would pitch."
One that generated much laughter and joy from the opening night crowd was her scene with Laura Dern. Their characters, Leia and Admiral Holdo, talk over one another uttering the most iconic Star Wars phrase.
May the Force be with you.
Johnson expresses how essential a lighthearted feel and comedic tone for a Star Wars film was, with Leia providing a few of those heartwarming moments.
"I was 10 years old when Return of the Jedi came out. That was the perfect age for it. And the humor and the slight goofiness of it also, and kind of the slight free-wheeling feel of it, and how it’s unafraid to have fun."
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Mark Hamill opened up about his on-screen “sister” reminiscing about a woman who became family to him, in real life, for over 40 years.
"I learned so much from her. I’ll never stop missing her."
Fisher is the one who reminded Hamill not to take things so seriously and to enjoy the ride of the magical galaxy far, far away, once again.
"C’mon Mark, I’m Princess Leia, you’re Luke Skywalker, get over it, enjoy it."
The final scene with Luke and Leia was a perfect “sendoff” for the dynamic duo, leaving the opening night crowd — who were once rowdy and energetic — speechless. We received that Skywalker reunion we all wanted, and then some.
Next: 5 questions we have after TLJ
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is currently playing in theaters worldwide.