S4C has announced a Welsh language dub of the iconic 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, featuring Matthew Rhys as Han Solo and Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi. The film, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will air on S4C and its platforms from Christmas Day onwards.
Cast and Announcement
The announcement was made today, Tuesday, August 4, at the National Eisteddfod. The Welsh-language version has been created by Lucasfilm and Disney in partnership with S4C and the Welsh Government through Creative Wales. It arrives ahead of the film's 50th anniversary in 2027.
Leading the cast are Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Star Wars stalwart Mark Lewis Jones voices Darth Vader, while emerging talent Osian Morgan provides the voice for Luke Skywalker. The wider Welsh cast includes Llyr Ifans (C-3PO), Nia Roberts (Aunt Beru), Richard Harrington (Grand Moff Tarkin), Owain Arthur (Red Leader), and Rhodri Meilir (Gold Leader).
Production and Reactions
The adaptation was directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm. Kohn expressed excitement about the project, noting the success of similar indigenous dubs in preserving and revitalising interest in learning languages. Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, said the dub is a first for the franchise and hopes it will have the same emotional impact as watching the film for the first time.
S4C's Chief Executive, Geraint Evans, described the project as a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language and showcase Welsh talent internationally. First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, called the film one of the most influential of his childhood and expressed anticipation for the Welsh version.
Wales' Star Wars Legacy
Wales has a long history with Star Wars productions, including the construction of a full-size Millennium Falcon at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back. Scenes from Lucasfilm's Willow and Star Wars: The Acolyte were also filmed in Wales.
