With the New Republic timeline, including Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which will be the next release in the franchise, and Ahsoka season 2. Although unconfirmed, there's still heavy speculation that The Mandalorian season 4 is coming, which would no doubt also take place during this period.
In its place, at least for now, is The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, yet another Star Wars project set in the New Republic era. This period in the Star Wars timeline is clearly paramount in the franchise right now, meaning that many of the era's major players will be returning to the screen. While this is an exciting prospect for viewers, it does create a bit of a problem for Star Wars, as it would make no sense for Leia Orgnan to not be one of these key players.
As Leader Of The Defense Council, Leia Has To Be Involved
Leia was incredibly important in the New Republic era for a number of reasons. She had played a major role in the early years of the New Republic, helping the galaxy pick up the pieces following the fall of the Empire and establish a new senate. Leia also played one role in particular that will prove critical in Star Wars' shows and movies: Leader of the Senate Defense Council.
The Defense Council was a smaller council within the larger New Republic Senate that specifically focused on military defense. This became clear in Ahsoka season 1 when Leia requested information about Morgan Elsbeth's prison break from New Republic General (and Star Wars Rebels fan-favorite character) Hera Syndulla. In light of all that transpired in the Ahsoka season 1 ending, particularly Grand iral Thrawn's return to the main Star Wars galaxy, this council will be critically important.
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Thrawn's intentions are clearly to draw together the Imperial remnants and any sympathizers and attempt to restore some semblance of the Empire. This will mean the first major threat to the New Republic, and it will require all hands on deck, the Defense Council certainly included. Whether this story happens in Ahsoka season 2 or another show or movie, though, Star Wars can't stick to its same tricks.
There's simply no way Leia would sit out such a massive battle.
In Ahsoka season 1, Leia's absence was explained away when C-3PO appeared on her behalf. While that may have worked once, it would be a true disservice to the character—and would start to feel like clunky writing—for there to always be some reason Leia wasn't there. There's simply no way Leia would sit out such a massive battle, and, given she's the leader of the Defense Council, her continued absence would reflect poorly upon her character.
Alderaan's Growing Importance Makes Ignoring Leia Impossible
Star Wars also seems to be setting up an important connection to Alderaan, Leia's homeworld that was tragically blown up by the Death Star in A New Hope. Carson Teva, a character who has repeatedly appeared in shows during this era, including both The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, is from Alderaan, according to the actor, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee. While that might seem like a minor detail, it's really quite significant.
Because of the cruel fate Alderaan suffered, very few Alderaanians remain. Having a key character from Alderaan would be a possible sign of things to come, but knowing that this character would certainly be crossing paths with Leia makes it all the more likely that Teva's Alderaanian origins are going to come into play in some way. An Alderaan storyline has been more than earned, especially after Obi-Wan Kenobi revealed how beautiful Alderaan was. If Star Wars is building toward an Alderaanian story, though, Leia absolutely must be included—anything less would be an insult.
If Star Wars is building toward an Alderaanian story, though, Leia absolutely must be included—anything less would be an insult.
Leia Has To Appear - & She Has To Be Recast
Although it will legitimately be a thorny decision to navigate, Star Wars must recast Leia Organa in the New Republic Era. Many are rightfully defensive about this possibility because of Carrie Fisher's devastating ing. Fisher and Leia are equally beloved in the franchise, and it's difficult to imagine anyone else playing Leia Organa. Yes, Obi-Wan Kenobi cast a young Leia, but this would be different. This is effectively the Leia seen in Return of the Jedi, just a little older.
While difficult, recasting truly is the best option by far. It does nothing but undercut the importance of this incredible character to have her continue to be absent in an era when she should be at the forefront. Finding someone who can bring Fisher's same energy and spirit to the character would be the perfect way to have Leia return to the Star Wars screen and reveal the profound influence she had at this time. It will no doubt be bittersweet, but Leia Organa absolutely must be recast in Star Wars.
