One of the world's most iconic films is to be heard in Welsh for the very first time, after a landmark new version of Star Wars: A New Hope was unveiled at the National Eisteddfod.

The announcement revealed that Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, a fully dubbed Welsh-language version of the 1977 science fiction classic, has been produced by Lucasfilm and Disney in partnership with S4C and the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.

The film will premiere on S4C and its digital platforms from Christmas Day, giving Welsh-speaking audiences the chance to experience the blockbuster in their native language ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

An all-star Welsh cast has been assembled for the project, led by Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Veteran actor Mark Lewis Jones voices Darth Vader, while rising star Osian Morgan takes on the role of Luke Skywalker.

The cast also features Llyr Ifans as C-3PO, Nia Roberts as Aunt Beru, Richard Harrington as Grand Moff Tarkin, Owain Arthur as Red Leader and Rhodri Meilir as Gold Leader.

The Welsh-language version was directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, Director of Distribution Operations at Lucasfilm.

Kohn said the project builds on the success of other Indigenous-language versions of Star Wars produced around the world.

"We're really excited about this project for many reasons," he said.

"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, said it was fitting that the film's 50th anniversary celebrations would include its first-ever Welsh-language adaptation.

"Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language," she said.

"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 already has a strong connection with the Star Wars universe. A full-size Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for The Empire Strikes Back, while Pembrokeshire has also provided filming locations for Lucasfilm productions including Willow and Star Wars: The Acolyte.

S4C Chief Executive Geraint Evans described the collaboration as a unique opportunity to celebrate the Welsh language on a global stage.

"The stars certainly aligned with this project," he said.

"We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to promote the Welsh language and our talented actors on an international stage. It also complements our strategy to expand our viewing through remarkable content and our desire to help produce cinematic films in Welsh."

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the announcement would delight generations of Star Wars fans.

"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," he said.

"To see a Welsh-language version of this iconic film, using the talents of some of our best actors, is fantastic. We already produce world-class TV and film here in Wales and I'm really looking forward to seeing Star Wars in Welsh later this year."

The Welsh-language version of Star Wars: A New Hope will be available on S4C and its streaming platforms from Christmas Day.

As Star Wars fans might say in Welsh: "A boed i'r Grym fod gyda chi" – May the Force be with you.

Photo courtesy of Disney. Copyright 2026.