The world came to a screeching halt on Dec. 27 when news of Carrie Fisher's death broke. Fisher, most popularly known for her role as Princess Leia Organa in the "Star Wars" franchise, passed away at the age of 60 after she suffered a heart attack while on a plane from London. But how does her death affect the future "Star Wars" films?

According to Variety, Fisher already finished work on "Star Wars: Episode 8," which concluded filming in July earlier this year. The film is currently in the post-production process. However, "Star Wars: Episode 9" is not set to commence filming until 2018, which means Lucasfilm and Disney will have to change a few things, script-wise. It is unknown how they intend to deal with her passing, especially when it comes to her character — now General Leia Organa — since she was supposed to appear in the final film of the new trilogy.

A number of celebrities and notable names took to social media to voice out their condolences and pay tribute to the legendary icon. Mark Hamill, who has worked with Fisher since the first "Star Wars" film, remembers her as a "fiercely independent and ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away."

J.J. Abrams, who worked with the actress on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," also posted a tweet, saying: "What an unfair thing to lose her. How lucky to have been blessed with her at all."

Harrison Ford also broke his silence on her death, describing Fisher to E! News as "one-of-a-kind...brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely."

It is also unknown how Fisher's death will affect the timeline of things, but neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has announced any changes. The first trailer is still scheduled to arrive "pretty soon" in the spring.

"Star Wars: Episode 8" is slated to hit theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.