'Star Wars Episode VIII' news: Billie Lourd returning with larger role

Star Wars Episode VIII - Billie Lourd as Lieutenant Connix Lucasfilm

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" had a lot of cameo appearances and one of the key inclusions was that of Billie Lourd, daughter of Carrie Fisher. According to a report from /Film, Lourd will reprise her character in "Star Wars Episode VIII" but this time she will have a much more substantial role to play.

For those unaware, Carrie Fisher portrayed Princess Leia in the original trilogy and reprised her role in "The Force Awakens." Her daughter, Lourd, played the character Lieutenant Connix, who can be seen in the Resistance base utilizing the same hair style Princess Leia sported in "Star Wars: A New Hope."

"Yes, I can't say much about it but yes. I am working on 'Star Wars VIII' but that's all I can say," the actress stated in the report. When asked if she would have a bigger role compared to her previous cameo appearance, she answered, "Oh yeah, yeah. The last one was a little Where's Waldo-y."

Lourd also stated that she may have more scenes with her mother in the next movie. In "The Force Awakens," the two have a very short scene together where Lieutenant Connix brings new data to Leia. 

According to the report, now that Leia is considered a high-ranking general more than a princess, it is likely that she will keep her lieutenants close for planning out the war against the First Order. This is how Connix will be making a return, continuing her role as one of the military leaders.

Cinema Blend points out that Lourd's statements indicate she has not yet begun filming her scenes for the film, although production began last month with Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill filming what is expected to be the very first sequence in the movie.

"Star Wars Episode VIII" opens on Dec. 15, 2017.

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