The iconic 1977 film "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" will be dubbed into the Welsh language for the first time, marking the film's upcoming 50th anniversary. The project, a collaboration between S4C, Creative Wales, Lucasfilm, and Disney, was announced Tuesday at the National Eisteddfod.
The Welsh version, titled "Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd" (Star Wars: A New Hope), is scheduled to broadcast on S4C and its associated platforms starting Christmas Day. Several prominent Welsh actors are lending their voices to the characters. Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo, Rhys Ifans will portray Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards will voice Princess Leia.
Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who previously appeared as Captain Moden Canady in "The Last Jedi," will take on the role of Darth Vader. Osian Morgan is set to voice Luke Skywalker.
Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that it aims to preserve and revitalize interest in learning the Welsh language. "The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn't pass up," Kohn said. The dubbing is directed by Ellyn Stern.