Full Breakdown
Welsh-Language Dub of *Star Wars: A New Hope* Set for Christmas 2026
8/6/2026, 8:45:59 PM
Core Announcement
Lucasfilm, Disney, and Welsh public broadcaster S4C have confirmed that the original 1977 film *Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope* will be released in a full Welsh-language version titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd. The dub is scheduled to air on S4C and its digital platforms on December 25, 2026. The project is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Lucasfilm Director of Distribution Operations Michael Kohn.
Background & Context
The initiative follows Lucasfilm’s ongoing effort to create native-language dubs of its flagship saga. Earlier efforts include a Navajo dub released in 2013 and an Ojibwe dub in 2023, both aimed at preserving and revitalising Indigenous languages through popular culture. The Welsh version marks the first official translation of *Star Wars* into a Celtic language.
Key Figures & Cast
- Michael Kohn – Director of Distribution Operations, Lucasfilm (producer)
- Ellyn Stern – Director of the Welsh dub
- Lynwen Brennan – Lucasfilm Co-President, born in Wales, expressed enthusiasm for the project
- Geraint Evans – Chief Executive, S4C
- First Minister of Wales – Attended the announcement at the National Eisteddfod and highlighted the cultural significance
Voice cast includes:
- Matthew Rhys as Han Solo
- Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia
- Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader
- Llyr Ifans as C-3PO, among others.
Data & Statistics
- The Welsh Government contributed £100,000 toward production costs.
- The dub features a cast of ten principal Welsh actors, many of whom are noted for roles in series such as *The Americans*, *House of the Dragon*, and *The Ring of Power*.
Official Statements & Responses
S4C chief executive Geraint Evans reported that Lucasfilm approached the broadcaster to partner on the translation, emphasizing the iconic status of the film across generations.
Why It Matters
The dub serves multiple cultural objectives: it provides Welsh-speaking audiences access to a globally recognized film in their native tongue, reinforces the visibility of the Welsh language on a major entertainment platform, and continues Lucasfilm’s strategy of using popular media to support language preservation. By aligning the release with the franchise’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2027, the project also positions Welsh culture within a worldwide fan community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the status of the December 25 release date. No additional clarification has been provided regarding whether the latter reference pertains to a past preview or the same scheduled launch.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're really excited about this project for many reasons,” — Distribution Operations Michael Kohn
The quote captures Michael Kohn’s enthusiasm for the Welsh dub and situates it within Lucasfilm’s broader language-preservation initiatives.
