How Carrie Fisher’s Daughter Ensures Her Star Wars Legacy Endures
The sudden passing of Carrie Fisher in 2016 left a void in the entertainment industry and the hearts of millions of fans who adored her as Princess Leia Organa. While the sequel trilogy of the ‘Star Wars’ saga had to adjust its storytelling to accommodate this tragic loss, Fisher’s presence remained palpable throughout the final films. Much of this continuity was made possible by her daughter, Billie Lourd, who has quietly but powerfully carried the torch for her mother. Lourd did not simply watch from the sidelines; she actively participated in the franchise to honor the character that defined her mother’s career.
Lourd initially joined the galaxy far, far away in ‘The Force Awakens’, playing the character Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix. Although it was a relatively small role, her involvement allowed her to work alongside her mother, creating memories that she now describes as a gift. Director J.J. Abrams originally invited Lourd to audition, and while she did not take a leading role like Rey, her character became a recurring figure in the Resistance. By the time of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’, Lourd’s contribution became even more personal and significant.
In the final installment of the Skywalker saga, filmmakers faced the difficult task of concluding Leia’s story without Fisher present to film new scenes. They utilized unused footage from previous movies, but for a crucial flashback sequence depicting a young Luke and Leia training, they needed a physical stand-in. Billie Lourd stepped in to portray her mother’s younger self, performing the physical stunts while visual effects artists digitally successfully superimposed Fisher’s likeness. This moment allowed Lourd to literally embody the legacy of Princess Leia, serving as the physical vessel for her mother’s most iconic role.
Beyond her professional contributions, Lourd keeps the memory of her mother alive within her own family. She has spoken candidly about the emotional experience of introducing her children to the original trilogy, describing the films as the “ultimate high-budget home movie.” Watching ‘Return of the Jedi’ with her son, she had to explain the distinction between his grandmother and the character of Princess Leia. These viewing experiences have become a way for her to connect her children with the grandmother they never got the chance to meet.
Lourd has embraced her status as the keeper of this legacy, ensuring that future generations understand the strength and wit that Fisher brought to the screen. Her participation in the franchise serves as a bridge between the original films and the modern era, grounding the fantasy in real familial love. By stepping into her mother’s shoes, both figuratively and literally, she has given fans a sense of closure and continuity that special effects alone could never achieve.
Do you think Billie Lourd should continue to appear in future ‘Star Wars’ projects as Lieutenant Connix or in another capacity? Share your thoughts in the comments.