Following Carrie Fisher’s death last year, Star Wars fans have eagerly been awaiting her final performance as Princess Leia.
More shots and footage of her were revealed in the latest trailer for The Last Jedi, including the possibility of Leia being murdered by her son Kylo Ren.
Now director Johnson has spoken out on her final performance, following the release of a new behind-the-scenes featurette.
Speaking with USA Today, the director said: “Having these scenes in the film recontextualise tragically with her not being here anymore, it’s incredibly emotional.”
Johnson continued: “We obviously didn’t make the movie to be her final Star Wars movie. Given that though, I think there are scenes that she has that are going to mean a lot to people.
“There are scenes that we have with her where now not having her around I watch them and I think I’m really thankful that we have that and we can give that to people.
“So ‘wraps up nicely,’ [referring to his previous statement] I don’t know but it emotionally gives some kind of catharsis I guess, gives some kind of emotional satisfaction, I really think so, I hope so. I know for me it does.”
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi is out on December 14, 2017.