It has been confirmed that Carrie Fisher will return as Princess Leia in Star Wars: Episode IX.
There has been a great deal of speculation about this since she passed away, with various rumors and fan discussions circulating about what the studio might do. Fisher's brother Toddy Fisher recently revealed what will happen with her appearances going forward. He conducted an interview with New York Daily News and spoke about Episode IX, saying that:
“Both of us were like, ‘Yes, how do you take her out of it?’ And the answer is you don't. She’s as much a part of it as anything and I think her presence now is even more powerful than it was, like Obi-Wan — when the saber cuts him down he becomes more powerful. I feel like that's what's happened with Carrie. I think the legacy should continue.”
Todd and Carrie's daughter Billy Lourd gave their consent to the studio too use recent footage, with CGI also playing some part. He said that:
“I’m not the only part in that equation, but I think the people deserve to have her. She's owned by them. You don't mess with this legacy. It would be like rewriting the Bible. To me, Star Wars is the holy grail of storytelling and lore and you can't mess with it.”