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 . 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 . It stars Mark Hamill , Carrie Fisher , Adam Driver , Daisy Ridley , John Boyega , Oscar Isaac , Lupita Nyong ` o , Domhnall Gleeson , Anthony Daniels , Gwendoline Christie , and Andy Serkis in returning roles .