Welsh dub of Star Wars announced for 2026 release

In a landmark move for Welsh-language media, the original "Star Wars" film is being dubbed into Welsh for the first time. Titled "Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd," this new version of the 1977 classic "Episode IV: A New Hope" will premiere on the Welsh broadcaster S4C and its streaming platforms starting on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026. The project, announced on Tuesday, August 4, at the National Eisteddfod in Llantwd, Pembrokeshire, is a collaboration between Lucasfilm, Disney, S4C, and the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.

The film features an entirely new Welsh voice cast stepping into the iconic roles. Matthew Rhys will voice the smuggler Han Solo, Osian Morgan takes on the part of farmboy-turned-hero Luke Skywalker, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards provides the voice for Princess Leia. The supporting cast includes Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader, and Llŷr Ifans as C-3PO. Other roles are filled by Nia Roberts as Aunt Beru, Richard Harrington as Grand Moff Tarkin, Owain Arthur as Red Leader, and Rhodri Meilir as Gold Leader.

Officials framed the initiative as both a celebration of the Star Wars franchise's upcoming 50th anniversary in 2027 and a...