Welsh Star Wars Dub Marks 50th Anniversary
Poinews.com – Welsh fans of the galactic saga will soon hear a familiar phrase in their native tongue. Rather than the traditional “May the Force be with you,” audiences will encounter the sentiment expressed in Cymraeg when the beloved film arrives later this year. The milestone celebration honors the golden anniversary of the original movie, released in 1977 as Star Wars: A New Hope.
This remarkable linguistic achievement represents a joint effort between S4C, Wales’s premier Welsh-language broadcaster, and the Welsh Government. The project brings together creative talent from across the nation to deliver an authentic Welsh interpretation of the science fiction masterpiece.
Leadership Voices on the Historic Translation
Lynwen Brennan, co-president of Lucasfilm and a Welsh native, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. Her perspective highlights both the cultural significance and personal connection to the endeavor.
Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language. We have never before had a translation into Welsh and I am so thankful that in celebration of our 50th anniversary we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality.
Brennan continued by sharing her hopes for Welsh-speaking audiences:
Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time.
Welsh First Minister Rhun Ap Iorwerth also praised the initiative, noting the enduring appeal of the franchise.
The film was one of the most influential of my childhood and its appeal shows no sign of waning, captivating audiences to this day. To see a Welsh language version of this iconic movie, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic.
The First Minister emphasized Wales’s growing reputation in the entertainment industry:
We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie in Welsh later this year.
Notable Welsh Voices Bring Characters to Life
The voice cast for the Welsh adaptation features several distinguished Welsh performers. Matthew Rhys, known for his work in The Americans and Widow’s Bay, provides the voice of Han Solo. Osian Morgan, who appeared in Waterloo Road, takes on the role of Luke Skywalker. Rhys Ifans, celebrated for his performances in Notting Hill and Enduring Love, voices Obi-Wan Kenobi. Aimee-Ffion Edwards, recognized for Peaky Blinders and Slow Horses, portrays Princess Leia. Mark Lewis Jones, who previously appeared in the 2019 sequel as Captain Canady, assumes the iconic role of Darth Vader.
Wales’s Deep Connection to the Galaxy Far, Far Away
The relationship between Wales and the space saga extends well beyond this latest translation. Historical ties date back to 1979, when craftsmen at Pembroke Dock constructed a full-size Millennium Falcon for the 1980 sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.
More recent productions have also utilized Welsh locations. Scenes from the Disney+ series The Acolyte were filmed in Wales, alongside sequences from Lucasfilm’s 1988 film Willow and its 2022 television sequel of the same name.
Looking toward the future, the Welsh government has established an ambitious target. Officials aim to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050. This goal follows data from the 2021 census, which revealed a decline in the number of people capable of speaking the language compared to ten years prior.
The Welsh adaptation will premiere on S4C and its digital platforms beginning Christmas Day, offering Welsh audiences a unique opportunity to experience the classic in their mother tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Welsh-dubbed version premiere? The Welsh-language version will be available on S4C and digital platforms starting Christmas Day.
Who voices Darth Vader in the Welsh version? Mark Lewis Jones, who previously appeared in the 2019 sequel as Captain Canady, provides the voice for Darth Vader.
How many Welsh speakers does Wales aim to reach by 2050? The Welsh government has set a target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050, following a decline noted in the 2021 census.
What is the Welsh title of the film? The Welsh title is “Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd,” which translates to “Star Wars: A New Hope.”
