Dubbed versions of TV shows and movies are nothing new. Whether it’s a foreign-language show dubbed into English or an English movie dubbed into other languages to create something accessible, fans are used to it. What nobody likely expected was for “Star Wars: A New Hope” to be dubbed into Welsh.
Yes, the native language of Wales is finally getting its due. There’s already a strong Welsh cast attached to the production, with Matthew Rhys and Mark Lewis Jones taking on some major roles.
‘Star Wars’ Dubbed in Welsh for the First Time
GettyIt’s the first time ever that any of the “Star Wars” franchise has been dubbed into the Welsh language. The first one to get the treatment is “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope,” which was the first movie released in the franchise.
“Star Wars” is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and there is no better way than to bring something unique and memorable. S4C, the Welsh language broadcaster in the UK, and Creative Wales are working with Disney and Lucasfilm on the project, according to the BBC. Lucasfilm was the one to approach S4C with the idea, and broadcaster chief executive Geraint Evans said, “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.”
S4C will broadcast the Welsh-dubbed version, which will also get a Welsh name, on Christmas Day 2026. Look out for “Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd.”
It’s not the first time that the Welsh-language broadcaster has added Welsh versions of popular TV shows. In fact, many shows have been filmed in both English and Welsh over the years, including “Keeping Faith,” “Hinterland,” and “Mudtown.” All of them have their titles in Welsh as well, and they have English subtitles for those who don’t understand. The benefit of having so many Welsh actors who speak the language means the ability to ensure the language doesn’t die.
Matthew Rhys Joins the Cast of “Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd”
GettyThe production has a strong Welsh cast to voice the various characters from the iconic original movie. Matthew Rhys, who is best known for “The Americans” and the “Perry Mason” reboot, will take on the role of Han Solo.
Darth Vader will also get an iconic Welsh actor commanding respect on the screen. Mark Lewis Jones, who was in “Keeping Faith” and took on the polarizing role of Tom Christie on “Outlander,” has landed the gig. “Star Wars” fans will also know him well, as he played Captain Moden Canady in “Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi.”
Rhys Ifans, who plays Lord Otto Hightower on “House of the Dragon” will voice Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards, who many know from “Slow Horses,” has joined the cast as Princess Leia. As for Luke Skywalker, that role is going to a somewhat of a newcomer in the business. Osian Morgan, who started out on TV in 2022, will take on that iconic character.
Ellyn Stern will direct, and Michael Kohn will produce “Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd.” So far, only this movie has been slated for a Welsh dub, but if all goes well, the other movies could follow. It turns out that translating the movie hasn’t been all that easy, as the Welsh language is more poetic. Llyr Ifans, Rhys Ifans’ brother and Welsh voice of C-3P0, shared that “it takes longer to say smaller things, so it was quite tricky.”
