Leia Organa Solo, how we’ll miss you.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi marks her last appearance in the Star Wars saga (actress Carrie Fisher finished shooting her scenes before her untimely death last December). She’s had an incredible run, cementing herself as one of the popular and powerful women in sci-fi, if not all of film (and an Icons spot on the FANDOM 100).
After her death, director George Lucas wrote, “In ‘Star Wars,’ she was our great and powerful princess — feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think.”
Fans were introduced to Leia in A New Hope as the young Princess of Alderaan. She was hardly a damsel in distress, taking a blaster and jumping into a garbage shoot during her own rescue mission.
The Empire Strikes Back showed Leia’s leadership skills, and also a growing relationship with the swarthy smuggler, Han Solo.
She would join the action again in Return of the Jedi, forging the alliance with the Ewoks during the Battle of Endor.
An older, wiser, and still feisty Leia became leader of the Resistance by the events of The Force Awakens, and continues to serve as General during The Last Jedi. But despite her outward strength, she was deeply hurt by Han leaving and her son Ben turning to the Dark Side.
Below are 20 quotes that made us fall in love with her:
From A New Hope
“Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” — a holographic Lei pleads.
“Governor Tarkin, I should have expected to find you holding Vader’s leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.” — Leia upon meeting the Imperial officer.
“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” — Leia to her would-be rescuer, Luke.
“Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?” — Leia as she pushes aside the hairy Wookiee, Chewbacca.
“Someone has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, fly boy.” — Leia to Han as she takes over the reins of her own rescue.
From The Empire Strikes Back
“Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, Nerf-herder!” — Leia to Han after he revealed to Luke and Chewbecca she had feelings for him.
“Would it help if I got out and pushed?” — Leia to Han after the Millennium Falcon stalls while trying to escape Hoth.
“Stop that. My hands are dirty.” — Leia to Han as he clasps her hands preparing to kiss her.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” — Leia to Han as he flies into a cave, which actually turns out to be a giant space worm.
“You have your moments. Not many of them, but you do have them.” — Leia to Han with a kiss, after he steers them out of the asteroid field.
From Return of the Jedi
“We have powerful friends. You’re going to regret this” — Leia to Jabba the Hut, after she is caught freeing Han from stasis.
“You’re a jittery little thing, aren’t you?” — Leia upon meeting Wicket the Ewok.
“I know. Somehow, I’ve always known.” — Leia after Luke reveals he is her brother.
“Oh, it’s not like that at all. He’s my brother.” — Leia to Han after he asks if she loves Luke.
From The Force Awakens
“Same jacket.” — Leia to Han after they are reunited.
“I just never should have sent him away. That’s when I lost him. That’s when I lost you both.” — Leia to Han about the loss of their son, Ben a.k.a. Kylo Ren.
“You know, no matter how much we fought, I’ve always hated watching you leave.” — Leia to Han as he departs for Starkiller Base.
“If you see our son, bring him home.” — Leia’s final words to Han.
“May the Force be with you.” — Leia’s farewell to Rey when she goes to find Luke.
From Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
“Hope…” — Leia’s reply when asked what’s on the contents of the data procured by the Rogue One squad.
The Last Jedi, opening today, will surely include more memorable Leia lines. Which is your favorite?
