Star Wars: Episode IV to Receive First Welsh Dub
Iconic film, retitled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, features Matthew Rhys and Rhys Ifans among Welsh voice cast for S4C Christmas Day broadcast.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope will be dubbed into Welsh for the first time.
Matthew Rhys voices Han Solo, with Rhys Ifans taking on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Aimee-Ffion Edwards is confirmed as Princess Leia; Mark Lewis Jones portrays Darth Vader, and Osian Morgan voices Luke Skywalker.
Rhun ap Iorwerth stated Star Wars was one of the most influential films of his childhood, noting its enduring appeal. He added that seeing a Welsh language version, utilising the talents of some of Wales's best actors, is fantastic, expressing anticipation for the film's release later this year.
Seeing a Welsh language version, utilising the talents of some of Wales's best actors, is fantastic.
The film originally premiered in 1977. Wales maintains a long-standing connection to the Star Wars universe; a full-size Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back.
More recently, scenes from the TV series The Acolyte were shot across Bannau Brycheiniog. Lynwen Brennan highlighted Wales's rich history of storytelling and lyrical language.
We could work with incredible Welsh talent to make a Welsh translation of Star Wars a reality. I hope Welsh speakers will finally enjoy the film in their native language, and that it will have the same emotional impact as watching it for the first time.
Brennan expressed gratitude that, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, they could work with incredible Welsh talent to make a Welsh translation of Star Wars a reality. She hopes Welsh speakers will finally enjoy the film in their native language, anticipating it will have the same emotional impact as watching it for the first time.