Welsh-speaking fans of the galaxy far, far away will soon hear a familiar opening line in their own language: “Amser maith yn ôl, mewn galaeth bell bell i ffwrdd…” — the Welsh translation of “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”
To mark the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), Lucasfilm has produced the first-ever Welsh-language dub of the film. Titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the project is a collaboration with Welsh broadcaster S4C and the Welsh Government, and is set to air later this year.
A homecoming for the Force
Wales has a deep connection to the Star Wars saga. In 1979, a full-size Millennium Falcon was constructed at Pembroke Dock for The Empire Strikes Back. More recently, scenes for the Disney+ series The Acolyte and Lucasfilm's Willow were shot on location in Wales. Now, the franchise is giving back to the Welsh language.
Lynwen Brennan, co-president of Lucasfilm and a Welsh native, 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.”
She added: “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, who grew up with the film, said: “Star Wars was one of the most influential films 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 film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic.”
He also noted that Wales already produces world-class TV and film, and expressed excitement about seeing the Welsh dub later this year.
A stellar Welsh cast
The voice cast brings together some of Wales's most celebrated actors. Matthew Rhys, known for The Americans, voices Han Solo; Osian Morgan (Waterloo Road) takes on Luke Skywalker; Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, Enduring Love) lends his voice to Obi-Wan Kenobi; Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Peaky Blinders, Slow Horses) voices Princess Leia; and Mark Lewis Jones, who appeared in The Last Jedi as Captain Canady, steps into the role of Darth Vader.
The project is part of a broader effort by the Welsh Government to boost the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050. Recent census data showed a decline in Welsh speakers between 2011 and 2021, making initiatives like this all the more significant.
For fans of the franchise, the Welsh dub offers a fresh way to experience a classic. As the film's iconic line goes, “Boed i'r Grym fod gyda chi” — may the Force be with you.
