Sobbing into our cereal, we are.

It was announced last week that the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX — due to hit theaters in December 2019 — would repurpose unseen footage of Carrie Fisher to include her in the film as the iconic Leia. Fisher died in December 2016, nearly a full year before The Last Jedi (also known as Episode VIII) was released.

View photos Mark Hamill starred opposite Carrie Fisher in four Star Wars films. (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) More

“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” director and co-writer J.J. Abrams said in a statement. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie [Lourd], we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII [The Force Awakens].”

Fans have been hailing the decision, as have Fisher’s co-stars. On Sunday, actor Mark Hamill — who played Leia’s twin, Luke Skywalker, in four of the Star Wars films — shared his “bittersweet” reaction to hearing that his “irreplaceable” longtime friend would once again grace the big screen.

It's bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable. I'm finding solace in the fact that she won't BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.#CarrieOnForever pic.twitter.com/7ueMqBxQwa — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 29, 2018





Hamill’s tribute — which included photos from the various Star Wars sets — got fans feeling emotional; his tweet has more than 252,000 likes.

View photos John Boyega also cheered the move to keep Fisher in the next Star Wars film. (Photo: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios) More

It seems Fisher’s legacy is just as important to the newer generation of Star Wars heroes. John Boyega, who plays former stormtrooper Finn in the latest trilogy and often refers to Hamill as “Dad,” responded to Hamill’s tweet with this heartwarming show of support.

We will get through it dad 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 #CarrieOnForever https://t.co/KzN1cAjKNY — John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) July 29, 2018





In the words of one follower: “I am full-on sobbing, thanks.”



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