Carrie Fisher will appear in 'Star Wars: Episode IX' through unseen 'The Force Awakens' footage

Lucasfilm

• Carrie Fisher will return as Leia Organa in "Star Wars: Episode IX" through unseen footage shot for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
• Fisher passed away in 2016, though her character Organa survived in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
• Lucasfilm also said that Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill will return.

Carrie Fisher is officially returning to the "Star Wars" universe.

The actress behind Leia Organa passed away in 2016, but Lucasfilm confirmed on Friday that she will appear in next year's "Star Wars: Episode IX" through unseen footage filmed for 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

The film's director, J.J. Abrams, said that recasting the character or using CGI was never an option.

"We desperately loved Carrie Fisher," said director J.J. Abrams. "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 honor Carrie's legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII."

Organa survived in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," leaving her fate up in the air for the film's sequel after Fisher's passing.

Lucasfilm also said that Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill is returning for "Episode IX." Skywalker died at the end of "The Last Jedi."

"Star Wars: Episode IX" comes to theaters December 20, 2019.