Star Wars dubbed in Welsh for the first time to celebrate landmark anniversary

Star Wars is to be dubbed into Welsh for the first time as the classic film prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

S4C and Creative Wales announced the project, in partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney, at the National Eisteddfod on Tuesday.

The Welsh language version of Episode IV - A New Hope will broadcast on S4C and across its platforms from Christmas Day onwards.

Actor Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo, alongside Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia.

Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who portrayed Captain Moden Canady in Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, will take on the role of Darth Vader and Osian Morgan will voice Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm.

"We're really excited about this project for many reasons," Kohn said.

"I've been involved in a few indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language.

"The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn't pass up."

Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, said: "Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.

"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.

"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 is one of the most successful movie and media franchises of all-time, spanning hit films, spin-off TV series, books, attractions and merchandise.

The original 1977 film was directed by George Lucas and starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Sir Alec Guinness.

Wales has long played a role in Star Wars projects, with a full-size Millennium Falcon built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from TV series The Acolyte which were shot across Bannau Brycheiniog.

S4C's chief executive Geraint Evans said: "We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

"It's such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we're delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality."

First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "Star Wars was one of the most influential films of my childhood and its appeal shows no sign of waning, captivating audiences to this day.

"To see a Welsh language version of this iconic film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic. We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I'm really looking forward to seeing Star Wars in Welsh later this year."