INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Star Wars fans have started a petition calling for Meryl Streep to play Princess Leia in the next film in the franchise.
The role was previously played by Carrie Fisher, who died in December 2016.
Fans are calling on Disney, LucasFilm and director JJ Abrams to replace Fisher with Meryl Streep in Episode IX.
The petition, which follows rumours of Meryl Streep taking on the role, describes her as "an ideal candidate".
It says: "With three Oscar wins and twenty nominations (probably twenty-one by next year), her achievement in acting has long been recognised.
"As a close friend of Carrie Fisher, Meryl Streep may have huge ton of pressure to played Leia.
"However, we strongly believe that she is the best hope for us to see the legacy of Carrie Fisher in Episode IX."
