Carrie Fisher’s tragic death this week is expected to result in one of the biggest personal accident payouts in history.
Disney – which owns the Star Wars franchise – and Lucasfilm took out a £41 million ($50m) contract protection policy on the actress, according to Insurance Insider, and it’s thought they will now receive that amount following her passing.
The policy, held with Lloyds of London, was created to protect Disney if Carrie was unable to complete her filming for the franchise.
The actress reprised her role as Princess Leia (now General Organa) in Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens – and we were recently treated to a deleted scene from the film showing her at her most brilliant and sassy best.
But while it’s been confirmed that she had completed all filming for Star Wars: Episode VIII, she was also expected to star in Episode IX, which has not yet begun shooting.
Fisher’s death on December 27 was announced in a family statement, and was followed less than 48 hours later by the death of her mother, Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds.
Carrie’s brother and Debbie’s son Todd Fisher has since spoken about the sad events, saying in an interview with ABC’s 20/20: “I think [Debbie] wanted to be with her. I’m not joking when I say she left to be with her, and I’m happy about that. That’s the only thing I’m happy about.”
Carrie Fisher’s final film, Star Wars: Episode VIII, will be released on December 15, 2017.