Matthew Rhys, a 51-year-old Welsh actor based in New York, has taken on the role of voicing Han Solo in a Welsh-language adaptation of Star Wars. The dubbing project marks the first time the sci-fi classic will be rendered in Welsh and is timed to coincide with the franchise’s 50th anniversary. In an interview with The New York Times podcast, Rhys discussed the experience of lending his voice to the iconic character made famous by Harrison Ford, describing the overall undertaking as “weird” and “surreal.”
Rhys explained that the primary challenge involved navigating Welsh translations of familiar sci-fi terminology and dialogue he had grown up with in English. He noted encountering words and phrases he had never previously used in Welsh and found himself struggling with the unfamiliar pronunciation of terms like “pelydr cyrchu,” the Welsh equivalent of “tractor beam.” When asked whether he had discussed the role with Ford before accepting it, Rhys indicated he had not, citing apprehension about approaching the Hollywood veteran.
The Welsh government allocated £100,000 toward the dubbing initiative, framing it as an investment in cultural promotion and economic development. Officials stated the project would “create jobs and grow our economy” while supporting Welsh talent and promoting the language globally. However, Janet Finch-Saunders, a Welsh Conservative politician, criticized the expenditure, arguing that government resources should prioritize the struggling National Health Service instead of cultural projects while patients face extended treatment wait times. The Welsh government responded by emphasizing its commitment to both supporting creative industries and improving healthcare services.
The cast of the Welsh adaptation includes several established Welsh actors in major roles. Rhys Ifans portrays Obi-Wan Kenobi, Aimee-Ffion Edwards takes on Princess Leia, and Osian Morgan voices Luke Skywalker. Mark Lewis Jones, a veteran of the Star Wars franchise who previously appeared in Episode VIII, will voice Darth Vader in the Welsh version.
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