Carrie Fisher was in a production.
Carrie Frances Fisher ( October 21 , 1956 -- December 27 , 2016 ) was an American actress , writer and humorist who first became known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars film series . Her final film , Star Wars : The Last Jedi , is scheduled to be released on December 15 , 2017 . Star Wars : The Last Jedi ( also known as Star Wars : Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi ) is an upcoming American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson .