Carrie Fisher's brother credits JJ Abrams for 'masterfully re-crafting' her role in 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

The family of late actress Carrie Fisher has given their approval for her recently announced presence in the next Star Wars film via use of previously unreleased footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

"I couldn't be more personally thrilled and happy that our Carrie will reprise her role as Princess Leia in the new and final Star Wars: Episode IX, using previously unreleased footage of her shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Fisher's brother Todd said, reported Variety.

"As we, her family, as well as her extended family of fans around the world so believe, Carrie's Princess Leia is forever entrenched in the franchise and her indelible presence is fundamental to the film. JJ Abrams understood Carrie's iconic role, and he has masterfully re-crafted this final entry to include this unused and very last footage of Carrie ever taken, without resorting to CGI or animatronics. Our family and her fans will look forward with great anticipation for this one," he added.

The cast of Star Wars: Episode IX will include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.

Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell will also be joining the cast, along with veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

The movie is slated to release in December 2019.