Full Breakdown
Matthew Rhys to Voice Han Solo in First Welsh-Language Star Wars Adaptation
8/20/2026, 11:11:01 AM
Core Announcement
A Welsh-language version of *Star Wars: A New Hope* is slated for announcement on Tuesday, August 4. Lucasfilm and Disney are partnering with S4C and the Welsh Government’s Creative Wales to produce the film, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, which will be broadcast on S4C and its platforms on Christmas Day.
Cast and Creative Team
- Matthew Rhys – Han Solo; the Cardiff-born actor noted the role felt “surreal” and “weird” because of the translation challenges.
- Rhys Ifans – Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards – Princess Leia.
- Mark Lewis Jones – Darth Vader.
- Osian Morgan – voice of Luke Skywalker.
Background and Significance
Rhys, who earned two Emmy nominations this year, described the project as both familiar and unfamiliar, highlighting the need to render iconic terms such as “tractor beam” into Welsh (“pelydr cyrchu”). The adaptation marks the first time a major Hollywood franchise will be produced in Welsh, underscoring efforts by S4C and Creative Wales to expand Welsh-language content.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said: "Because he was the first to be very, very un-Welsh, which was arresting and inspiring.” — The Welshman
What’s Next
Following the August 4 announcement, production will proceed under the joint oversight of Lucasfilm, Disney, S4C, and Creative Wales. The completed film is scheduled to reach Welsh audiences on Christmas Day, offering a unique cultural reinterpretation of a classic sci-fi saga.
