Full Breakdown
Welsh-language Dub of *Star Wars: A New Hope* Announced
8/4/2026, 8:22:59 PM
Core Announcement and Details
On August 4, at the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire, Lucasfilm and Disney confirmed that the 1977 film *Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope* will be dubbed into Welsh for the first time. The version, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will be broadcast on the Welsh-language channel S4C and its digital platforms beginning during the Christmas holiday period. Production is a partnership among Lucasfilm, Disney, S4C, and the Welsh Government’s Creative Wales agency.
The Welsh cast includes:
- Matthew Rhys as Han Solo
- Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia
- Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader
- Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker
- Llyr Ifans as C-3PO, with additional voices for Aunt Beru, Grand Moff Tarkin, Red Leader and Gold Leader.
The dub is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, Lucasfilm’s director of distribution operations.
Background & Context
The project coincides with the film’s 50th anniversary in 2027, a milestone that has prompted a series of commemorative activities worldwide. Wales has a longstanding relationship with Lucasfilm productions: a full-size Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for *The Empire Strikes Back*, and later series such as *Willow* and *The Acolyte* were filmed in the region.
The Welsh Government has set a language-revitalisation target of one million speakers of Cymraeg by 2050, and officials see the dub as a high-profile vehicle to promote the language among younger audiences.
Key Figures & Groups
- Michael Kohn – Producer, Lucasfilm (director of distribution operations)
- Lynwen Brennan – Co-president, Lucasfilm, born in Pembrokeshire
- Geraint Evans – Chief executive, S4C
- Rhun ap Iorwerth – First Minister of Wales, fluent Welsh speaker
- Creative Wales – Welsh Government agency supporting the project
Official Statements & Responses
The Welsh Government reiterated its language target, noting that the dub aligns with broader cultural-policy goals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're really excited about this project for many reasons,” — Michael Kohn, the producer
- “Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time.” — Lynwen Brennan
- “Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language,” — Lynwen Brennan
- “It’s such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language.” — Geraint Evans, s4c’s chief executive
What’s Next
The Welsh-language version will launch on S4C during the upcoming Christmas holiday period and will run on the channel’s on-demand service thereafter. The dub forms part of the broader 2027 celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of *A New Hope*, and Welsh officials anticipate it will contribute to ongoing efforts to increase daily use of Cymraeg across Wales.
