Welsh “Star Wars: A New Hope” Confirmed — First Ever Dub by Disney & Lucasfilm
Star Wars Gets a Welsh Makeover: "Gobaith Newydd" Arrives This Christmas!
ELI5 Alert: Imagine your favorite space movie, but everyone speaks Welsh! That’s exactly what’s happening with the original Star Wars film.
What’s the Big News?
At the National Eisteddfod (Wales’ biggest cultural festival), Lucasfilm and Disney announced something super exciting: the very first Star Wars movie is getting a Welsh language dub!
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Movie | Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) |
| Welsh Title | Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd |
| Release Date | Christmas Day onwards |
| Where to Watch | S4C (Welsh TV channel) and its online platforms |
| Special Occasion | Part of the 50th anniversary celebrations (2027) |
Meet the All-Star Welsh Cast
Some of Wales’ most famous actors are lending their voices to these iconic characters:
Main Heroes & Villains
- Matthew Rhys → Han Solo (the charming space smuggler)
- Rhys Ifans → Obi-Wan Kenobi (the wise old Jedi master)
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards → Princess Leia (the brave rebel leader)
- Mark Lewis Jones → Darth Vader (the scary villain in black armor)
- Osian Morgan → Luke Skywalker (the farm boy turned hero)
Supporting Cast
- Llyr Ifans → C-3PO (the golden robot who worries a lot)
- Nia Roberts → Aunt Beru (Luke’s caring aunt)
- Richard Harrington → Grand Moff Tarkin (the Imperial commander)
- Owain Arthur → Red Leader (rebel pilot)
- Rhodri Meilir → Gold Leader (another rebel pilot)
Behind the Scenes: The dub was directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn (Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm).
Why This Matters: Voices from the Team
Michael Kohn (Lucasfilm Producer)
"We’ve done Indigenous language dubs of Star Wars before to help preserve languages. They’ve been hugely successful worldwide. Celebrating Welsh through Star Wars was an opportunity we couldn’t miss!"
Lynwen Brennan (Lucasfilm Co-President, born and raised in Wales)
"Wales has amazing storytelling history and a beautiful language. We’ve NEVER had Star Wars in Welsh before. For our 50th anniversary, working with Welsh talent to make this happen is a dream come true. I hope Welsh speakers feel like they’re watching it for the first time all over again!"
Geraint Evans (S4C Chief Executive)
"The stars aligned! Lucasfilm approached us, and we’re thrilled. This promotes Welsh language and actors globally. It fits our goal to create remarkable Welsh-language content."
Rhun ap Iorwerth (First Minister of Wales)
"Star Wars shaped my childhood. Seeing it in Welsh with our best actors is fantastic. Wales makes world-class TV and film—I can’t wait to watch it in Welsh this Christmas!"
Wales & Star Wars: A Long History
Did you know Wales has been part of Star Wars for decades?
- 1979 — A full-size Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock for The Empire Strikes Back
- Willow (movie & series) — Filmed in Wales
- The Acolyte (Disney+ series) — Scenes shot in Wales
Fun Fact: That giant spaceship built in 1979? It was constructed in an old Sunderland flying boat hangar at Pembroke Dock!
About the Partners
Lucasfilm Ltd.
- Owned by The Walt Disney Company
- Global leader in film, TV, and digital entertainment
- Creates Star Wars and Indiana Jones
- Based in northern California
S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru)
- Only Welsh-language TV channel in the world
- Public service broadcaster
- Shows: drama, documentaries, news, sports, kids’ shows, music
- Online: S4C Clic (on-demand), BBC iPlayer, HANSH (for 16-34 year olds)
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- First ever Welsh dub of Star Wars: A New Hope
- Title: Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd ("New Hope" in Welsh)
- Premieres Christmas Day on S4C
- Features top Welsh actors (Matthew Rhys, Rhys Ifans, etc.)
- Part of 50th anniversary celebrations (2027)
- Language preservation through pop culture
- Wales has deep ties to Star Wars production history
Summary
Star Wars is speaking Welsh! This Christmas, Star Wars: A New Hope becomes Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd—the first-ever Welsh language version of the classic 1977 film. Produced by Lucasfilm/Disney with S4C and the Welsh Government, it stars Wales’ finest actors including Matthew Rhys (Han Solo), Rhys Ifans (Obi-Wan), and Mark Lewis Jones (Darth Vader). It airs on S4C from Christmas Day as part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary lead-up. This project celebrates Welsh language, storytelling heritage, and Wales’ long connection to Star Wars (including building the Millennium Falcon at Pembroke Dock in 1979). As Lucasfilm’s Welsh-born president Lynwen Brennan says: it’s a dream come true for Welsh speakers to experience the galaxy far, far away in their native tongue.
"A boed i’r Grym fod gyda chi" — May the Force be with you (in Welsh!)
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. When can I watch Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd?
Starting Christmas Day on S4C (Welsh TV channel) and its streaming platforms (S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer).
2. Is this a new movie or the original 1977 film?
It’s the exact same 1977 movie (A New Hope), but completely re-dubbed with Welsh voices. Same story, same scenes—just in Welsh!
3. Who is voicing Darth Vader?
Mark Lewis Jones—a veteran Welsh actor who’s actually been in Star Wars before (he appeared in The Acolyte and Rogue One!).
4. Why make a Welsh version now?
It’s part of the 50th anniversary celebration (2027). Lucasfilm has done similar dubs for Indigenous languages to help preserve them. Plus, Lucasfilm’s president Lynwen Brennan is Welsh and wanted to share Star Wars in her native language.
5. Can I watch it outside Wales?
Yes! S4C content is available on BBC iPlayer (UK-wide) and S4C Clic (online). Check your local streaming availability for international access.
May the Force be with you — in any language!