S4C to air Welsh language version of Star Wars: A New Hope
August 4, 2026

By Nik Roseveare



A Welsh language dub of the1977 space epic, Star Wars: A New Hope, has been produced by Lucasfilm and Disney in collaboration with S4C and the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The film, Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will broadcast on S4C and across its platforms from Christmas Day 2026. The news comes ahead of the iconic film’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

Some of Wales’ most recognised actors feature in the cast for the Welsh-language version, including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones takes on the role of Darth Vader, while rising talent Osian Morgan voices Luke Skywalker. The wider Welsh cast includes Llyr Ifans (C-3PO), Nia Roberts (Aunt Beru), Richard Harrington (Grand Moff Tarkin), Owain Arthur (Red Leader), and Rhodri Meilir (Gold Leader).


The Welsh language dub, which was announced at the National Eisteddfod, 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,” commented Kohn. “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. They have been tremendously successful not only in their communities but internationally as well. The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn’t pass up.”

Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, saidd: “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.”

Wales has long played a role in Star Wars projects as well as other Lucasfilm productions in the past, with a full-size Millennium Falcon built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from Lucasfilm’s Willow (both the movie and series) and Star Wars: The Acolyte shot there.

S4C’s Chief Executive, Geraint Evans, added: “The stars certainly aligned with this project. We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we’re delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language and our talented actors on an international stage. It also compliments our strategy to expand our viewing through remarkable content and our desire to help produce cinematic films in Welsh.”