I loved Rogue One: A Star Wars Story from my first viewing and it gave me the urge to revisit the original Star Wars movie straight away. I did; and I was amazed by how the new movie fits effortlessly into this universe, working perfectly alongside this film. Both films beautifully compliment each other and that amplifies the story, suspense and enjoyment of each film. I cannot think of watching Rogue One without immediately following it up with Star Wars, they work together so well as one long 254 minute movie. Somehow, Rogue One makes what was already a perfect movie even better!

Upon rewatching Rogue One earlier today, I got that very same urge to revisit this film straight away. It was an urge I was initially trying to resist but, after receiving today’s tragic news, I needed to watch this movie more than ever.

When news initially broke of Carrie Fisher’s cardiac arrest on a flight home from London, I spent the entire night glued to Twitter constantly refreshing and hoping for good news. It was an enormous relief when news came that she was in a stable condition. Carrie Fisher is a strong person, someone who wouldn’t give in without a fight, and, as each day ed, I honestly believed she was going to pull through. It was an enormous shock when news came this evening that Carrie had lost her battle and had ed away.

From the moment Princess Leia marches on screen, she stands up to an imposing Darth Vader and refuses to reveal the location of the Death Star plans; you instantly see what a strong leader she is. For the time, it was unusual for a female character, particularly a Princess, to be portrayed as anything other than a damsel in distress. But Princess Leia is no damsel in distress: she throws shade at Grand Moff Tarkin, displays lots of wit and courage, and refuses to reveal the location of the hidden rebel base even when tortured. Even when Han and Luke attempt to rescue her, the Princess has to take charge of the situation and save them all. When Star Wars came out, Princess Leia was an instant positive role model to many people. But a lot of what made the character who she is came directly from Carrie Fisher.

Carrie Fisher was perfectly cast to portray Princess Leia. Carrie, like her character, was smart, funny, strong and independent. She wasn’t afraid to say what was on her mind and stand up for what she believed. She was also a huge advocate for mental health awareness and did so much to others. She loved life and made every interview or TV appearance full of fun and humour. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, it’s hard to not find Carrie Fisher a truly inspiring human with such an infectious outlook on life.

I’m truly devastated to lose Carrie Fisher today. Out of all the celebrity deaths this year, or of any year, it’s Carrie Fisher’s ing that has hit me the most. I’m in complete shock and am truly upset that such a wonderful person, and a true inspiration to millions, has ed. It’s not just the Star Wars universe that’s lost their Princess today, Carrie Fisher was a Princess to all.

RIP Carrie Fisher, you will be forever missed but never forgotten.