Nearly five decades after Star Wars first transported audiences to a galaxy far, far away, one of the franchise’s most iconic adventures is being experienced in a way fans have never seen before.
George Lucas’ original Star Wars film (1977) changed cinema forever, introducing audiences to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
Now, Disney and Lucasfilm are celebrating the film’s legacy with a historic new version.
Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977) is being redubbed entirely in Welsh, with the upcoming release officially titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd.
The project, announced by Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales, arrives ahead of the franchise’s 50th anniversary in 2027 and represents the first official Welsh-language version of Star Wars. Watch the official teaser shared by S4C:
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The upcoming release gives fans the opportunity to experience some of the movie’s most recognizable moments through a new linguistic lens, including the iconic opening crawl and famous phrases from the original film.
“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” has been translated as “Amser maith yn ôl, mewn galaeth bell, bell i ffwrdd,” while “May the Force be with you” becomes “Bydded y Grym Gyda Chi.”
The story itself remains unchanged. A New Hope follows Luke Skywalker as he discovers his destiny after meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), eventually joining Han Solo, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the droids C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) in the fight against Darth Vader (James Earl Jones).
The Welsh version also features a new voice cast, with 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.
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.”
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd premieres on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day.
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