Star Wars 8: John Boyega discusses Carrie Fisher's General Leia send-off

'She lives forever in a sense'

Excitement for next Star Wars film Episode VIII: The Last Jedi has been tinged with sadness ever since the death of Carrie Fisher in December 2016.

While it's unknown how the Rian Johnson-directed film will deal with the send-off of such an iconic character, the film's lead John Boyega has promised fans it will be 'amazing.“

Speaking to ABC News during the promotional trail for new Kathryn Bigelow film Detroit, Boyega commented: “This movie, it sends her off in an amazing, amazing way. And she is still kept alive in this franchise. That's the beauty of it: She lives forever in a sense.”

While unconfirmed, Boyega's words seem to suggest that the film was re-edited to give Fisher's character General Leia Organa closure considering Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy confirmation that The Last Jedi was never intended to be her final appearance in the Star Wars franchise.

Discussing his emotional state after hearing news of Fisher's death, Boyega continued: “It was a strange, strange feeling. I felt like everyone in the cast went silent for a bit after that.”

Not much is known about Episode VIII other than it'll pick up where The Force Awakens left off with Rey (Daisy Ridley) having finally tracked down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The film, which also stars Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie and Oscar Isaac, will see new additions in the form of Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran.

Fisher died on 27 December after suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles. Her mother, Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds, died from a stroke just one day later.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in UK cinemas on 14 December.