Under a 1985 California law filmmakers must get permission from the estate of a celebrity to use his or her image for up to 70 years after death.
Other possibilities include redrafting the plot of Episode IX, reshooting scenes from Episode VIII, or casting someone else, as the makers of Harry Potter did when Richard Harris, who played headmaster Albus Dumbledore, died after filming the first two movies.
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Some fans have suggested that singer Stevie Nicks could play Leia in future movies. But others said the character should be given a glorious screen death.
“I swear they better find a way to write Princess Leia out of the movies, cause if they try and recast there will be hell to pay,” a fan identified as Kaitlin tweeted.
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