'Star Wars: The Force Awakens': Leia Chose To Be A General Rather Than A Jedi

Leia is strong in the Force, but she chose to be a general in the Resistance forces in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” In a recent interview, J.J. Abrams revealed the kind of discussions he had with creator George Lucas and cast member Carrie Fisher about the character.

In an interview with IGN, Abrams said that he discussed with Lucas about the age at which a person should start training to learn the ways of The Force and become a Jedi. After his discussions, Abrams came to the conclusion that there isn’t a “ticking clock” and it’s “never too late” for a person to become a Jedi.

On the specific question about Leia, the director also held discussions with Fisher. One of the answers he received was that becoming a General was “simply a choice that she made.” Being a Force sensitive, however, remains an “intrinsic piece of her character,” Abrams revealed.

Leia will be joined by two new powerful female characters in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) are both major characters in the movie. In a recent press conference-cum-panel discussion, both Fisher and Ridley were asked about the “girl power” in the movie, Deadline reported.

Fisher said that the “girl power” in the movie for her character was Leia “bossing men around.” Ridley, too, felt that her character showed strength in the movie. “I hope Rey will be something of a girl power figure,” Ridley said. The actress also felt that her character will “transcend gender” and “speak to both men and women.”

Christie pointed out that her character appears different from the female characters in Hollywood movies. “I’m feeling very, very inspired by that. Inspired by a woman with such tenacity, and so strong minded,” she said. Captain Phasma has only appeared with her full armor and helmet in all the promo posters and trailers released so far.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is slated to be released on Dec. 18. Some of the other cast members in the movie are Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), John Boyega (Finn) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron).