John Boyega Explains What He’ll Miss Most About Carrie Fisher

In 2015, Star Wars fans had to say goodbye to the iconic character of Han Solo and Harrison Ford’s performance as the smuggler in The Force Awakens. Sadly, with Carrie Fisher‘s sudden passing late last year, The Last Jedi will also be the actress’ final portrayal of Leia Organa, abruptly ending her story when there was still much to tell. When speaking to Variety, John Boyega, who joined the saga with Force Awakens, revealed that of all the things he’ll miss about Fisher, her overall energy might be what he’ll miss most about her.

“Carrie Fisher means freedom,” Boyega shared. “She influenced people to be authentic and say what you want, however you want. I’ll miss her energy. You were always going to hear Carrie Fisher somewhere saying something that she has no business saying, that makes everybody laugh.”

Many members of the cast and crew have regularly pointed out the actress’ indelible spirit, which clearly transcended just the character she played and also permeated every interpersonal relationship she had.

Although her passing forced the filmmakers to make adjustments to The Last Jedi, Boyega had previously explained that Leia is given the treatment she deserves.

“This movie, it sends her off in a very amazing, amazing way.” Boyega explained to Popcorn with Peter Travers. “She’s still kept alive in this franchise.”

“You know, that’s the beauty of it,” Boyega continued, “she lives forever in a sense.”

Audiences will get to say goodbye to the character when The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second film in the new Star Wars sequel trilogy that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. The film will deal with Luke training Rey to become a, and possibly the last, Jedi. Meanwhile, the Resistance, including Poe Dameron and First Order defector Finn, continues to fight against the First Order, led by General Hux, while Supreme Leader Snoke and his Dark Side follower Kylo Ren continue their mysterious plot.