Carrie Fisher’s tragic and unexpected death last December struck a heavy blow to the Star Wars community. Not only did the franchise lose a legend, it also lost the star who was supposed to take centerstage in Star Wars: Episode IX.

Speaking in an interview with Vanity Fair for its Star Wars 40th Anniversary cover story, Lucasfilm President and producer Kathleen Kennedy talked about a conversation she had with Fisher after the production had finished filming the actress’ scenes for The Last Jedi.

“She was having a blast. The minute she finished, she grabbed me and said, ‘I’d better be at the forefront of IX!’ Because Harrison was front and center on VII, and Mark is front and center on VIII. She thought IX would be her movie. And it would have been.”

Fisher’s passing caused quite a stir, with many wondering what Lucasfilm would do without the actress to play the part of General Organa. The studio had intended for the Rebel leader to take a much larger role in Episode IX, however the franchise had lost Fisher just before they could shoot the film.

Deciding against using Fisher’s likeness to make a CGI version of Leia, Lucasfilm opted to keep the General out of the third installment in the sequel trilogy instead – a move which fans find better than having Fisher digitally recreated.

Now, with Kennedy’s revelation, it’s tragic knowing how Fisher never got to appear front and center in the Star Wars film she thought would be hers. Hearts will probably break all over again seeing her on the big screen for the last time in The Last Jedi.

Also featuring Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Peter Mayhew, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Lupita Nyong'o, Benicio Del Toro, Kelly Marie Tran, and Laura Dern, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set to premiere on December 15, 2017.

Read: Mark Hamill Remembers Rekindling His Connection With Carrie Fisher In The Last Jedi