'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' news: Leia now identified as Resistance General

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - General Leia Screencapture, Youtube via Star Wars

Actress Carrie Fisher will be reprising her role as Leia Organa in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," 32 years following the release of "Return of the Jedi." According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, Leia will no longer be called a princess this time around and instead will be identified as one of the leaders of the Resistance.

"She's referred to as General," explains director J.J. Abrams. "But... there's a moment in the movie where a character sort of slips and calls her 'Princess.'"

It is speculated by fans that this character who slips up is none other than Harrison Ford's Han Solo. Han referred to Leia as "Princess" numerous times during the original trilogy and this habit may have stuck with Han thirty years later.

Abrams then continues to explain that the stakes are high for General Leia and that there won't be much room for humor when she is around. However, Abrams did note that there is a "historic" atmosphere with having her around, particularly with Harrison Ford and when they share scenes together.

When asked how Leia is dealing with the war against the remnants of the Empire, now referred to as the First Order in the film, the actress explains that Leia isn't handling things well.

"Solitary," Fisher describes her character. "Under a lot of pressure. Committed as ever to her cause, but I would imagine feeling somewhat defeated, tired, and pissed."

Not much about the original trilogy's characters have been revealed in the trailers, particularly Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, who is completely absent in the trailers and promotional materials, but it is hinted that General Leia will be one of the prime moving forces that will keep the Resistance moving against the First Order.

There is one moment in the trailer where General Leia is seen hugging Han Solo, although the context of the scene is still unknown.

The report then concluded with Fisher giving a short but powerful message to the young girls that continue to look up to Leia as a role model, simply stating "Never give up."

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters this Dec. 18.

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