- Many "Star Wars" fans are clamoring for Meryl Streep to take over the role of Princess Leia, who was portrayed by Carrie Fisher until her passing in December 2016.
- A petition for the movement already has over 9,000 signatures but not everyone is in favor of it.
- Some "Star Wars" fans expressed their frustration on Twitter, stating that they would not see another "Star Wars" film if Princess Leia was recast with Streep.
When Carrie Fisher passed in late 2016, "Star Wars" fans assumed they'd seen the last of Princess Leia. But if a new movement sticks, Meryl Streep will take her place in the legendary franchise.
As of Sunday, April 1, a petition entitled "Cast Meryl Streep as Princess Leia in Star Wars Episode IX!" had nearly 9,000 signatures.
"To Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Studios, Ms. Kathleen Kennedy and Mr. J.J.Abrams," the petition reads, "We, the undersigned, petition to have Meryl Streep as Princess Leia in STAR WARS Episode IX.
"Carrie Fisher, who is well known as Princess Leia in STAR WARS, passed away on 27th December 2016," it continues. "Her performance in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, which is going to be released by Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios this week, became her last performance as this iconic and inspiring character."
It then suggests Streep is a natural replacement for Fisher.
"As the fans of STAR WARS and Carrie Fisher, we really want Leia to shine in Episode IX and we certainly do not want her to be written out of the film abruptly without a reasonable plot," it explains. "Therefore, recasting Leia is a more ideal option for us and we believe that Meryl Streep is an ideal candidate to play Leia."
As previously reported, Disney has promised not to recreate Fisher's likeness with CGI or a similar technology. Therefore, moving on without recasting Fisher would mean the end of Princess Leia. Unsurprisingly, however, not all fans are in support of recasting the role.
The Star Wars "fans" that started the petition to have Meryl Streep play Princess Leia in the next SW movie deserve to be executed by a firing squad dressed as Stormteoopers.
— Kenny (@Vengenz421) April 1, 2018
If Meryl Streep plays Princess Leia in episode 9 I’m not watching another Star Wars movie again
— Brayan (@whosbrayan) March 30, 2018
meryl streep as princess leia? i know yall love to pretend she can play any role but... pic.twitter.com/4i2RyOl9ZF
— danica (@faultsbylies) April 1, 2018
Sorry Meryl, you do not fit Princess Leia role. I will be done with Star Wars.
— charles (@charcc63) April 1, 2018
Meryl Streep is NO Princess Leia. I will not go see any more SW movies if she is! #boycottstreep
— TigerGirl#1 (@1970tigergirl) April 1, 2018
As a Star Wars fan I would say it is absolutely a horrible idea to have Meryl Streep play Princess Leia . Next thing Star Wars fan will here is Mark Hamill (Luke) will play Princess Leia .Ha!Ha!#WhatStarWarsFansReallyWantIsTheReturnOfLukeSkywalker
— scorpiofred747 (@scorpiofred747) April 1, 2018
I don't agree with people wanting to recast Princess Leia with Meryl Streep. Carrie Fisher was Princess Leia. I don't think she should be replaced
— Harry (@ItsHarryB_) April 1, 2018
Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Facebook can still track you even if you delete your account — here's how to stop it