Star Wars is set to release its first-ever Welsh-language dub, with A New Hope recast using a lineup of prominent Welsh actors, expected to launch before the end of 2026. It marks a historic first for the franchise, giving new performers the chance to reinterpret some of its most iconic characters, even as the wider Star Wars slate has had a mixed year on screen.

In the Welsh version, Matthew Rhys voices Han Solo, Rhys Ifans takes on Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aimee-Ffion Edwards plays Princess Leia, Mark Lewis Jones voices Darth Vader, and Osian Morgan takes on Luke Skywalker. The news comes during an eventful year for the franchise: The Mandalorian and Grogu underperformed at the box office, on track to be Star Wars' lowest-grossing film, while the Disney+ series Maul – Shadow Lord proved a hit and has been renewed for a second season, with Ahsoka Season 2 and the Ryan Gosling-led film Starfighter due in 2027.