Star Wars dubbed in Welsh for the first time to celebrate landmark anniversary

Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who portrayed Captain Moden Canady in The Last Jedi, will take on the role of Darth Vader

Star Wars is to be dubbed into Welsh for the first time as the classic film prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

Welsh language broadcaster S4C and Creative Wales announced the project, in partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney, at the National Eisteddfod on Tuesday.

The Welsh language version of Episode IV - A New Hope will broadcast on S4C and its platforms from Christmas Day.

Actor Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo, with Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia.

Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who portrayed Captain Moden Canady in Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, will take on the role of Darth Vader and Osian Morgan will voice Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm.

"We're really excited about this project for many reasons," Kohn said.

"I've been involved in a few indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language.

"The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn't pass up."

Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo in the Welsh language version

Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, said: "Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.

"We have never before had a translation of Star Wars 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.

"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."

Star Wars is one of the most successful movie and media franchises of all-time, spanning hit films, spin-off TV series, books, attractions and merchandise.

The original 1977 film was directed by George Lucas and starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Sir Alec Guinness.

Wales has long played a role in Star Wars projects, with a full-size Millennium Falcon built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from TV series The Acolyte that were shot across Bannau Brycheiniog.

Welsh language broadcaster S4C, along with Creative Wales, announced the project at the National Eisteddfod on Tuesday, which is in partnership with Lucasfilm and Di