S4C And Creative Wales Announces A Welsh Language Version Of Star Wars: A New Hope In Partnership With Lucasfilm And Disney
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Carl Roberts 
” A boed i’r Grym fod gyda chi. ” (“May the Force be with you”). A Welsh language version of Star Wars: A New Hope has been produced by Lucasfilm and Disney.
” A boed i’r Grym fod gyda chi. ” (“May the Force be with you”). At the National Eisteddfod, Lucasfilm and Disney unveiled a Welsh language dub of the iconic 1977 space fantasy blockbuster, Star Wars: A New Hope. This exciting project resulted from a collaboration with S4C and the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
The film, Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will broadcast on S4C and across its platforms from Christmas Day onwards. This news comes ahead of the film’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
THE CAST
Some of Wales’ most internationally recognized actors lead the cast in the new Welsh-language version, including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones takes on the role of Darth Vader, while rising talent Osian Morgan voices Luke Skywalker. The wider Welsh cast includes Llyr Ifans (C-3PO), Nia Roberts (Aunt Beru), and Richard Harrington (Grand Moff Tarkin). Owain Arthur (Red Leader) and Rhodri Meilir (Gold Leader).
Ellyn Stern directed the Welsh language dub, while Michael Kohn, the Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm, produced it.
MICHAEL KOHN AND LYNWEN BRENNAN
“We’re really excited about this project for many reasons,” Kohn explains. “I’ve been involved in a few Indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language. They have been tremendously successful not only in their communities but internationally as well. The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn’t pass up.”
Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, is thrilled that the year-long celebration of A New Hope’s 50th anniversary will include this unique dub of the film. “Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language. We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh, and I am so thankful that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality. 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.”
Wales has long played a role in Star Wars projects as well as other Lucasfilm productions in the past, with a full-size Millennium Falcon built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from Lucasfilm’s Willow (both the movie and series) and Star Wars: The Acolyte shot there.
GERAINT EVANS AND RHUN AP IORWERTH
S4C’s Chief Executive, Geraint Evans, added:
“The stars certainly aligned with this project. We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we’re delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language and our talented actors on an international stage. It also complements our strategy to expand our viewing through remarkable content and our desire to help produce cinematic films in Welsh.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth, First Minister of Wales, said:
“Star Wars was one of the most influential films of my childhood and its appeal shows no sign of waning, captivating audiences to this day.
“To see a Welsh language version of this iconic film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic. We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I’m really looking forward to seeing Star Wars in Welsh later this year.”
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd (Star Wars: A New Hope) will begin broadcasting on S4C from Christmas Day.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
