Leia will not appear in Episode 9 of the new trilogy, after actress Carrie Fisher passed away at the end of 2016.
It is unknown how returning film-maker JJ Abrams will explain her on-screen departure, especially after her original co-stars Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) received a lot of fanfare for their characters’ exits.
Reddit user magidmarvel suggested that the as-yet-untitled Star Wars 9 will begin with a tearful farewell to her iconic character.
“The film will start with Leia’s funeral, who has become one with the Force,” they speculated.
“The Rebels will be in a desperate search for a leader.”
This, they suggest, will lead them to Lando Calrissian – with Billy Dee Williams all but confirmed to be reprising his role from the original trilogy.
The theorist went on: “They find Lando, who is depressed after hearing of the deaths of Han and Luke.
“He will lead the rebels as Leia’s replacement.”
LucasFilm have already emphasised that Leia will not be seen using CGI or archive footage – and that Fisher will be totally absent on-screen.
Before she died, the plan was seemingly to have Leia taking centre stage in Episode 9 – after Episode 7 focussed heavily on Han and Episode 8 on Luke.
It was recently reported that Kerri Russell of The Americans is joining the movie in an as-yet-undisclosed role.
As for whether or not Hamill will be seen as a Force Ghost remains to be seen – with many fans speculating that the fact he has shaved off his beard means he is not gearing up for filming.
The likes of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver are all due back when filming begins this summer.
Star Wars: Episode 9 is out on December 20, 2019.