Star Wars: A New Hope, the first movie released in the hit sci-fi franchise, is to be dubbed into Welsh for the first time to mark the classic film’s 50th anniversary next year.
The new version of the 1977 film, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, is set to be broadcast on the Welsh-language TV channel S4C and its platforms from Christmas Day onwards.
The news was announced at the National Eisteddfod, the vast music and poetry festival in Wales, on Tuesday (4 August).
Welsh First Minister Rhun Ap Iorwerth said in a statement: “Star Wars was one of the most influential films of my childhood and its appeal shows no sign of waning, captivating audiences to this day.
“To see a Welsh language version of this iconic film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic.
“We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I’m really looking forward to seeing Star Wars in Welsh later this year.”
Helmed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Lucasfilm and Disney in collaboration with S4C and the Welsh government, the film features an epic voice cast of Welsh talent, including Widow’s Bay actor Matthew Rhys, who’s set to take on Han Solo, the role that was played by Harrison Ford in the original film.
Rhys Ifans, who’s known for playing Ser Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon, dubs Obi-Wan Kenobi, while Peaky Blinders and Slow Horses star Aimee-Ffion Edwards voices Princess Leia.
Elsewhere, Mark Lewis Jones, who previously starred in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), takes on the role of Darth Vader, while Osian Morgan, whose credits include Waterloo Road and Emmerdale, voices Luke Skywalker.
Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan said: “Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.
“We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh and I am so thankful that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality.
“Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time.”
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