Upcoming Novel Debunks Idea That Leia Had a Ph.D.

Star Wars fans were buzzing yesterday over the revelation that George Lucas said Princess Leia Organa had a Ph.D. at the age of 19. Well, that might not be the case after all.

The upcoming novel Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray will be the definitive telling of the future general’s origin story and the author is not aware of the character’s doctoral status, according to her tweet.

It should be pointed out, as we did in our own report yesterday, that Lucas was not likely speaking literally regarding the Ph.D. While there are doctors in the Star Wars universe, the term ‘Ph.D.’ likely doesn’t translate over to A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Lucas was likely speaking broadly about the type of character Leia is, her accomplishments, and her abilities as a rebellion-leading diplomat at such a young age in comparison to her brother.

And, of course, if it’s not recognized by Lucasfilm, it’s not canon. But still, it’s not hard to believe the character WOULD have the equivalent to a Ph.D., as recognized by the Alderaan educational system.

Maybe we’ll find out more when Leia, Princess of Alderaan releases in bookstores September 1 as part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The upcoming Star Wars movie releases in theaters 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.