“Star Wars Episode IX” is still more than two years away, but after the sudden passing of Carrie Fisher last December, all eyes are on director Colin Trevorrow and how his film will complete General Leia’s story without the actress that made her a sci-fi icon 40 years ago.

In an interview with CinemaBlend, Trevorrow admitted that he never got the chance to meet Fisher before she died, and when asked how he plans to work around her absence, he promised it would be done in a respectful way.

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“She was a major character, that’s not a secret. She really was,” he said. “And it was extremely sad for all of us, mostly just because she was so loved by the ‘Star Wars’ family and everyone that worked with her.”

“I feel like our options are limited mostly by ourselves, in that there is only certain things that we are willing to do. But I can guarantee it will be handled with love and respect, and all of the soul that Carrie Fisher deserves.”

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Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has promised that “Episode IX” will not use a computer-generated Leia as “Rogue One” did last year. CGI will also not be necessary to complete Leia’s scenes in Rian Johnson’s upcoming installment, “The Last Jedi,” as Fisher had completed filming all her scenes.

“Star Wars: Episode IX” will be released May 24, 2019. Trevorrow’s latest film, “The Book of Henry,” premieres June 16.