August 6, 2017

Princess Leia Had a PhD, and ‘Star Wars’ Fans Are Wondering Why She Didn’t Get More Respect

Princess Leia was a pretty impressive person, not that she always got credit for it. Her credentials became even more imposing to a lot of people this weekend when it became more widely known that, among her other accomplishments, Leia completed a PhD by the time she was 19. The revelation came courtesy of Becca Harrison, who shared George Lucas’ 2004 commentary from “A New Hope.”

Here’s the passage in question:

“Young, nineteen, the same age as what Luke was supposed to be, but instead of being kind of an idealistic naive farm boy from the far reaches of the netherlands, she’s like a very sophisticated, urbanized rule, a Senator, so she’s a politician, she’s accomplished, she’s graduated, got her PhD at nineteen and she rules people and is in charge. [I needed an actress] who could be younger and play with a lot of authority…and push these guys around.”

Every gif of Leia rolling her eyes takes on new meaning now I know SHE HAD A SODDING PHD. pic.twitter.com/fxmC4RfICo

— Dr Fern Riddell (@FernRiddell) August 5, 2017

Dr. Princess General Leia Organa, PhD https://t.co/JOoZQYBb2b

— terfle (@terfle) August 5, 2017

George Lucas: These guys are space monk wizards with magic laser swords
Me: Okay, cool.
George Lucas: Leia has a PhD at age 19
Me: pic.twitter.com/ZFbRGW6atZ

— Spigon Ruxide (@ruxide) August 5, 2017

…became generals before her. Lando had been in the resistance for five fecking minutes. That is some bullshit.

— Little She-Bear (@Morcelle) August 5, 2017

Source: IndieWire film