Matthew Rhys to voice Han Solo in Welsh-language Star Wars dub backed by government funds
Matthew Rhys, the Welsh actor, is set to lend his voice to Han Solo in the inaugural Welsh-language version of Star Wars, backed by £100,000 from the Welsh government. This adaptation is scheduled for release in time for the film's 50th anniversary next year. While the First Minister has commended the funding, it has faced criticism from Welsh Conservatives, who deem it 'out of touch' given the current NHS treatment delays. Janet Finch-Saunders has urged for enhancements to the healthcare system. The Welsh government justified the expenditure as a means for job creation and cultural enrichment. Rhys, 51, remarked on the 'weird' and 'surreal' nature of translating phrases like 'tractor beam' into Welsh. The cast also features Rhys Ifans, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Osian Morgan, and Mark Lewis Jones.
Key facts
- Matthew Rhys will dub Han Solo's dialogue in a Welsh-language version of Star Wars.
- The project is backed by £100,000 from the Welsh government.
- The Welsh Conservatives criticized the spending as 'out of touch' during NHS waiting times.
- Rhys said he was 'too scared' to talk to Harrison Ford about the role.
- Rhys described translating Star Wars terms into Welsh as 'weird' and 'surreal'.
- Other Welsh actors involved include Rhys Ifans, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Osian Morgan, and Mark Lewis Jones.
- The dub precedes the original Star Wars film's 50th anniversary next year.
- Rhys cited David Niven and Richard Burton as Welsh acting inspirations.
Entities
Artists
- Matthew Rhys
- Harrison Ford
- Keri Russell
- Rhys Ifans
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards
- Osian Morgan
- Mark Lewis Jones
- David Niven
- Richard Burton
- Janet Finch-Saunders
Institutions
- New York Times
- Welsh Government
- Welsh Conservatives
- Senedd
Locations
- Wales
- Cardiff
- United States
- New York
- Hollywood
- Port Talbot
- Bangor Conwy Môn
- North Wales