UPDATE, Jan. 13:

Lucasfilm (via StarWars.com ) has released the following statement quashing the rumor that they were negotiating with Carrie Fisher's estate to continue using the character of Princess Leia (likely via CGI recreation) in light of the actress' death last month:

"We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.



Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars."

The original report follows.

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Disney is reportedly negotiating with Carrie Fisher's estate over the possibility of Princess Leia appearing in future Star Wars films.The news comes from a recent BBC Newsnight broadcast — only available to watch for those living in the UK — which reports that Disney and Lucasfilm might be interested in digitally recreating the late actress, who passed late last year at the age of 60.Newsnight reporter Kirsty Wark said during the broadcast ( courtesy of io9 ) that with "what might be regarded as unseemly haste, Disney is negotiating with the actor’s estate over her continued appearance in the franchise.""If Disney gets the go-ahead, Carrie Fisher will join Peter Cushing, who, last month, fifteen years after his death, played a key role in Rogue One as Grand Moff Tarkin," Wark said.These negotiations could be about Princess Leia possibly appearing in Star Wars: Episode IX , or Disney might just be making sure it has permission from Fisher's estate to continue using her likeness in merchandising.Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow was reportedly supposed to meet with Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy in L.A. the week of Jan. 10 "to discuss options." Princess Leia was to play a vital role in Episode IX, much bigger than her upcoming appearance in Episode VIII, for which she filmed all of his scenes before her passing.

Alex Gilyadov is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.