The post-production phase is still ongoing for "Star Wars: Episode VIII." However, the filmmakers will have a sizeable role to fill now that Carrie Fisher is gone. Fisher played Leia in all "Star Wars" films, and she is simply irreplaceable.

TMZ previously reported that an unnamed Lucasfilm official confirmed that Fisher was "absolutely wrapped" for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" prior to her passing on Dec. 27. So, at least they won't have to address the issue until the next film. But what are they going to do with her character?

While the fate of Leia remains undisclosed for "Episode IX," the film's avid fans are wondering if Fisher's role as the Resistance's female general will continue in the next installment. Are they going to create a computer-generated imagery (CGI) Leia? Lucasfilm has already done this with Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Cushing died in 1994.

Contributing to the fuss is an episode of BBC's Newsnight (viewable only in the United Kingdom) wherein Kirsty Wark said that Disney was in negotiations with "Fisher's estate" over the actress' future in the upcoming "Star Wars" films. Games Radar quoted Wark's report.

To silence these allegations, Lucasfilm issued an official statement through the "Star Wars" official website on Jan. 13.

"We don't normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher's performance as Princess or General Leia Organa," according to the statement.

Furthermore, in the official statement, Lucasfilm expressed their grief and asserted that they "cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars."

As of this time, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" still doesn't have a final title. It doesn't have a trailer either. The film is set to hit theaters on Dec. 15.