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In news we did not see coming, a new Welsh language dub of Star Wars: A New Hope is coming to screens later this year.
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd will be airing on S4C and across its platforms from Christmas Day, an early and linguistically specific 50th anniversary pressie for George Lucas’ legendary space opera.
The new Welsh dub of Star Wars will boast the vocal talents of some of the country’s most accomplished actors, including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Slow Horses’ Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Up-and-comer Osian Morgan will be providing the Luke Skywalker.
The big winner, though, is surely Mark Lewis Jones, who played First Order captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and who scores the ultimate promotion to voice Darth Vader in the new dub.
The Welsh cast also includes Llyr Ifans (C-3PO), Nia Roberts (Aunt Beru, who sounds a bit Welsh anyway), Richard Harrington (Grand Moff Tarkin), Owain Arthur (Red Leader), and Rhodri Meilir (Gold Leader).
Lucasfilm and Disney will be producing in collaboration with free-to-air TV channel S4C and the Welsh Government. Directing it will be voice actor and Lupin III director Ellyn Stern.
‘We're really excited about this project for many reasons,’ says producer Michael Kohn. ‘I've been involved in a few indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language. They have been tremendously successful not only in their communities but internationally as well. The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn’t pass up.’
‘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,’ adds Wales’ first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. ‘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.’
Wales already has Star Wars history, with a full-size Millennium Falcon built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back, and scenes from Star Wars: The Acolyte filmed partly in the Brecon Beacons.