Star Wars is one of the most enduring franchises in film history, captivating generations with its saga set in a galaxy far, far away. However, beyond the lightsabers and space battles lie stories that reflect the real-world pressures faced by its stars. Singer James Blunt
, a close friend of Carrie Fisher
, has recently shed light on the struggles she endured before her death.
Pressure to Conform
Speaking at the Hay Festival, Blunt shared details about the sacrosanct world of Star Wars and how it affected Fisher. He recounted how Fisher, known for her role as Princess Leia, faced immense pressure from studios to lose weight for her return in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Blunt remarked, So she was really on a high and a positive, but they had applied a lot of pressure on her to be thin
.
Fisher had publicly discussed how studios demanded she lose weight, stating that they only wanted 2/3 of her body weight in the film
. She complied by shedding significant weight but wasn’t able to complete the trilogy due to her untimely passing before filming The Rise of Skywalker.
The Dark Side of Stardom
The expectations placed upon Fisher were not merely professional; they bled into her personal life. Blunt disclosed that the immense burden led Fisher back to drug use. Recalling their last days spent together, he said, And she really put a lot of pressure on herself, started using drugs again and by the time she got on the plane, she had effectively killed herself
. The official cause of death was heart failure, but Blunt emphasizes that substance use played a crucial role.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite these struggles, Fisher’s legacy remains indomitable. Her daughter, Billie Lourd, has continued to commemorate her impact on film and beyond.
Carrie Fisher was more than an actress; she was an icon. Her portrayal of Leia captured hearts worldwide. Though fans still mourn her passing, Fisher’s work endures through previously unused footage in The Rise of Skywalker, allowing Leia to grace the screen one last time.
The Industry’s Challenge
The issues Fisher faced are symptomatic of broader challenges within Hollywood. Women in the industry often face pressures around appearance and longevity differently compared to their male counterparts. As James Blunt poignantly noted during his talk at Hay Festival, She spoke about the difficulties that women have in the industry, how men are allowed to grow old, and women are certainly not in film and TV.
Reflecting on Reality
The loss of Carrie Fisher highlights pressing issues within both the entertainment industry and society at large regarding women’s treatment. As audiences continue to honor her memory through streaming platforms like Disney+, it’s important to acknowledge the underlying problems that persist.
A Call for Change
The statistics involving gender disparity and body image pressures serve as a poignant reminder of the necessity for change within Hollywood. Official inquiries reveal troubling dynamics that need addressing if future stars are to thrive without succumbing to harmful societal pressures.
Ultimately, while Carrie Fisher’s tenure as Leia remains iconic, her story calls on us to critically engage with ongoing industry practices ensuring actors’ well-being is prioritized over superficial standards.
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