Lucasfilm Officially Replaces “May the Force Be With You” in ‘Star Wars’
Nearly 50 years after Star Wars first introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away, Lucasfilm is celebrating the franchise’s history with a surprising new version of its original adventure.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, which began with George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977) and has since become one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world.
Over the decades, the series has expanded beyond movies into television, animation, comics, video games, merchandise, and theme parks.
As part of that celebration, Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales have announced a historic new project: the first-ever Welsh-language version of the original film.
Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977) is being redubbed entirely in Welsh and will be released as Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd.
The project gives fans a chance to experience some of Star Wars‘ most famous moments in a new way, including two of the franchise’s most recognizable phrases.
“May the Force be with you” has been translated as “Bydded y Grym Gyda Chi,” while “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” becomes “Amser maith yn ôl, mewn galaeth bell, bell i ffwrdd.” Watch the official teaser shared by S4C:
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Speaking about the project, Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan said: “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.”
She added: “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.”
The original movie follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a young farmhand who discovers his connection to the Jedi after meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). Together with Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), Luke becomes involved in the battle against the Galactic Empire and Darth Vader (James Earl Jones).
The Welsh version will feature a new cast of Welsh actors, including Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia, Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader, and Llŷr Ifans as C-3PO.
The Welsh dub represents a unique milestone for both Star Wars and the Welsh language, bringing one of cinema’s most famous stories to a new generation of fans.
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd premieres on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day.
What do you think of Lucasfilm’s latest Star Wars announcement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
