Carrie Fisher, known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, left a lasting impact on popular culture. While her portrayal of Leia broke stereotypes and paved the way for strong female characters in sci-fi, there was one aspect of her journey that she always regretted.
In the third installment of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, Fisher’s character Leia is famously enslaved by Jabba the Hutt and forced to wear a gold bikini. Fisher publicly criticized this wardrobe choice, describing it as something out of the “seventh ring of hell.” She revealed that she initially thought it was a joke by director George Lucas to get her to lose weight, but when she realized it was serious, she found it uncomfortable to wear.
Despite her reservations about the outfit reinforcing female objectification, Fisher went through with the scene because it led to a powerful moment where Leia gets to defeat her oppressor. She expressed how satisfying it was to kill Jabba the Hutt in that scene, as it allowed her to move past the discomfort of wearing the revealing outfit.
Before her passing, Fisher shared her concerns with Daisy Ridley, her spiritual successor in the Star Wars saga, about the sexualization of female characters in sci-fi. Her warning serves as a reminder for actors taking on similar roles to be aware of the potential challenges they may face in the mainstream media.
Carrie Fisher’s legacy as Princess Leia continues to inspire fans and actors alike, showcasing the importance of strong, independent female characters in the world of science fiction. Her willingness to speak out about the challenges she faced on set and her dedication to portraying Leia as a multifaceted character have solidified her as a cultural icon for generations to come.