The short version
- The 1977 film will air in Welsh on S4C starting Christmas Day, marking the first time the classic has been dubbed into Cymraeg.
- A cast including Matthew Rhys, Rhys Ifans, and Mark Lewis Jones voices key characters in a project backed by Lucasfilm and the Welsh government.
- The initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase Welsh speakers to one million by 2050 and coincides with the franchise's upcoming 50th anniversary.
A landmark cultural collaboration has brought the original Star Wars film to Welsh audiences in their native language for the first time. The 1977 blockbuster, widely known as Episode IV: A New Hope, will be broadcast on the Welsh-language channel S4C and its digital platforms beginning on Christmas Day. This release marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s history, arriving just ahead of the movie’s 50th anniversary in 2027. The project represents a convergence of global entertainment power and local linguistic preservation efforts.
The production was announced at the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire, a major annual festival celebrating Welsh music, poetry, and culture. It is a joint effort involving Lucasfilm, Disney, S4C, and Creative Wales, an agency within the Welsh government. Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm, noted that the studio has previously supported indigenous dubbing projects aimed at revitalizing languages. He described the opportunity to celebrate Welsh through this iconic property as one the company could not pass up, citing past successes in similar community-focused initiatives.
The voice cast features several high-profile actors from Wales. Matthew Rhys, an Emmy-winning performer known for his work in television dramas, provides the voice for Han Solo. Rhys Ifans, recognized for roles in major Hollywood franchises and British cinema, voices Obi-Wan Kenobi. Aimee-Ffion Edwards, who has gained prominence in recent popular series, takes on the role of Princess Leia. Mark Lewis Jones, who previously appeared as Captain Moden Canady in The Last Jedi, returns to the franchise universe to voice Darth Vader.
Rising talent Osian Morgan voices the protagonist Luke Skywalker, while Llŷr Ifans, brother of Rhys Ifans, lends his voice to C-3PO. The siblings have previously collaborated on independent film projects that garnered critical attention. Ellyn Stern directed the dubbing project, ensuring that the performances align with the tone and pacing of the original 1977 release. The Welsh title for the film is Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, which translates to New Hope.
Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan, who was born in Pembrokeshire, emphasized the cultural significance of the project. She highlighted Wales’ rich storytelling heritage and lyrical language as key factors in the decision to produce a Welsh version. Brennan expressed hope that the dubbing would allow Welsh speakers to experience the emotional impact of the film anew, effectively hearing it for the first time in their own tongue. This personal connection underscores the broader institutional support for the initiative.
The timing of the release is strategic, aligning with the franchise’s golden anniversary. Geraint Evans, chief executive of S4C, described the film as an iconic work that has captivated generations globally. He viewed the partnership as a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language to a wide audience. The project also resonates with political leaders in Wales; First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth cited Star Wars as one of the most influential films of his childhood and praised the use of top-tier local talent.
This dubbing effort supports a larger governmental objective: increasing the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050. While a single film broadcast is unlikely to achieve this target alone, it serves as a high-profile endorsement of Cymraeg in contemporary media. The Welsh government’s involvement through Creative Wales signals a commitment to integrating language preservation into modern entertainment formats.
Wales has maintained a tangible connection to the Star Wars franchise for decades. A full-size replica of the Millennium Falcon was constructed at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for use in The Empire Strikes Back, built under a code name that did little to hide its purpose from locals. More recently, scenes for the television series The Acolyte were filmed in Bannau Brycheiniog. These physical ties complement the new auditory link, reinforcing Wales’ role in the franchise’s production history.
The translation process involved careful attention to iconic phrases. The famous opening crawl and the closing blessing have been adapted into Welsh, with “May the Force be with you” rendered as “A boed i’r Grym fod gyda chi.” As the Christmas broadcast approaches, the project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the original film and the ongoing efforts to sustain minority languages through popular culture. The success of this dubbing may set a precedent for future linguistic adaptations within major media franchises.
Industry observers will watch to see how audiences respond to the Welsh version. Previous indigenous dubs have reportedly succeeded both within their communities and internationally, suggesting potential broader appeal. For now, the focus remains on delivering a high-quality audio experience that honors the original film while making it accessible to Welsh speakers. The collaboration between Hollywood studios and Welsh cultural institutions offers a model for how global media can support local linguistic diversity.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Star Wars dubbed into Welsh for first time for S4C broadcast
- BBC News↗Star Wars dubbed in Welsh for the first time to celebrate landmark anniversary
