Industry

S4C and Creative Wales have partnered with Lucasfilm and Disney to produce the first-ever Welsh-language version of the iconic 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope. The dubbed version, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will premiere across S4C's platforms from Christmas Day, ahead of the film's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027. The project features an all-star Welsh cast led by Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia, Mark Lewis Jones as Darth Vader and Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker. The wider voice cast also includes Llyr Ifans, Nia Roberts, Richard Harrington, Owain Arthur and Rhodri Meilir.

The Welsh-language dub was directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm. Kohn said the initiative follows the success of previous Indigenous-language versions of Star Wars. “We're really excited about this project for many reasons. I've been involved in a few Indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language. They have been tremendously successful not only in their communities but internationally as well. The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn’t pass up.”
Lynwen Brennan, Co-President of Lucasfilm and a native of Wales, said the Welsh version would become part of the year-long celebrations marking the film's 50th anniversary. “Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language. We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh and I am so thankful, that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality. Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time.”

S4C’s Chief Executive, Geraint Evans, added: “The stars certainly aligned with this project. We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we’re delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language and our talented actors on an international stage. It also compliments our strategy to expand our viewing through remarkable content and our desire to help produce cinematic films in Welsh.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth, First Minister of Wales, said: “Star Wars was one of the most influential films of my childhood and its appeal shows no sign of waning, captivating audiences to this day. To see a Welsh language version of this iconic film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic. We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I’m really looking forward to seeing Star Wars in Welsh later this year.”