When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in the fall, the new leadership, quarterbacked by Lucasilm's new President Kathleen Kennedy, made their intentions very clear. Star Wars is not only going to get new movies, but it's going to continue the story crafted by George Lucas, meaning familiar universe, familiar timeline and familiar characters.

Mark Hamill confirmed that he's in talks to reprise his role as Luke Skywalker and Harrison Ford has already reportedly signed to return as Han Solo. And if there's a Han Solo, there's a Princess Leia, and that holds true when the Star Wars saga returns in 2015 with Episode VII.

In a recent interview with Palm Beach Illustrated, Carrie Fisher straight-up confirmed a multitude of rumors and reports that she will be reprising her career-defining role as Leia Organa in first of many upcoming Star Wars movies. When asked if she could confirm her return, Fisher simply replied with "yes."

And to follow up, Fisher gave her thoughts jokingly on what Episode 7's Leia may be like:

"Elderly. She’s in an intergalactic old folks' home [laughs].

I just think she would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle."

An aged Leia and Solo would likely be embracing leadership positions in the New Republic, born of the ashes of the Empire after the Battle of Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. If the films follow the multitude of the Star Wars expanded universe stories, Leia may have several children who themselves could be main characters in the series going forward: The twins Jaina & Jacen, and their youngest, Anakin, named after [Vader voice] you know who.

Carrie Fisher Present Day

As for Leia specifically, she may play a similar supporting role to the Mon Mothma character of the original trilogy - with more screen time undoubtedly - but in either case, it's pleasing to see Lucasfilm and Disney honoring the franchise roots and maintaining the continuity in the most authentic way possible.

With the main three characters all but officially confirmed by the studio to return, what about other characters like Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and Wedge Antilles (Dennis Lawson)? And are Fisher and co. back for the entire trilogy (Episodes 7-9) or just Episode 7?

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Count on the Millenium Falcon and some X-Wings returning to the big screen as well. Let's just hope they don't get the "iBridge" Star Trek treatment. Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes and let me know what other character you want to see return!

[Update: Carrie Fisher's rep tells CNN that "she was joking" and that "nothing has been announced." Sounds like an announcement will come eventually though.]

Star Wars Episode 7 will hit theaters in 2015.

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Source: Palm Beach Illustrated