Movie News: Carrie Fisher 'Star Wars' Rumors Answered; Academy Award Nominations Show…

Star Wars: Episode IX: After the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher, we heard that she had completed her role as Leia Organa in Star Wars: Episode VIII, but many wondered how her reported role in Star Wars: Episode IX would be handled. Now Lucasfilm has clarified their intentions in view of recent rumors: “We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.” [StarWars.com]

Academy Awards: This year, the Academy Award nominations will be announced a little bit differently. Rather than a brief presentation of selected categories in front of invited media members, the nominations will be announced via a global live stream on January 24 on the official awards site, various digital platforms, a satellite feed and local broadcasters. Past nominees, including Jennifer Hudson, Brie Larson (above), Emmanuel Lubezki, Jason Reitman and Ken Watanabe, will make the announcements. [Oscars.org]

Widows: Andre Holland (Moonlight, above) is in negotiations to join the cast of Widows. Viola Davis is set to star in the heist thriller. Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) will write the screenplay with Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), who will also direct. It’s an adaptation of a miniseries about a failed heist that leaves the widows of four armed robbers to finish the job. [Variety]

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter Clip: A new clip from Resident Evil: The Final Chapter shows what happens after Alice (Milla Jovovich) is captured by a hostile group of armed soldiers. Ruby Rose, Ali Larter and William Levy also star; the movie will open in theaters on January 27. [Movieclips]

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