'Star Wars: Episode VIII' release date, latest news: How will Carrie Fisher's death affect the new 'Star Wars' trilogy?

Even in times of loss and despair, the show must go on.

The unexpected death of actress and "Star Wars" legend Carrie Fisher has left her involvement in a number of projects hanging up in the air, including her ongoing role in the latest trilogy project of the "Star Wars" film franchise. But for now, it looks like the release of "Star Wars: Episode VIII" next year will still go on as planned.

According to TMZ, the upcoming "Star Wars" installment will not be compromised as a result of Fisher's sudden and unfortunate passing. An official from Lucasfilm allegedly informed the media outlet that Fisher has completely finished filming all of her scenes when the film wrapped its shooting back in July. "Episode 8" is now in post-production.

However, TMZ's source also added that it's too early to determine how the accomplished actress and writer will impact future installments in the film franchise such as "Star Wars: Episode IX."

As reported by Variety, Fisher's iconic character Leia (now known as General Organa) was originally slated to appear in the production of "Star Wars: Episode IX." This means Disney and LucasFilm will have to address the actress's death by the time the ninth film commences shooting sometime in 2018.

From a plot perspective, Leia's absence in the ninth "Star Wars" film installment will not be easily explained and incorporated into the story since she is the leader of the Resistance and since she will most likely be playing an integral role in the fight against the First Order. Moreover, she is the mother of Kylo Ren, the antagonist in "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens."

Outside of her acting work, Fisher was an accomplished script doctor, having polished scripts for movies like "Hook," "Sister Act," as well as the "Star Wars" prequels. She is also a published writer, having written four novels and three memoirs. She recently published a memoir titled "The Princess Diarist."

Fisher was previously hospitalized last Dec. 23 after suffering from a heart attack while on a transatlantic flight from England to Los Angeles. She passed away on Dec. 27.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will be released on Dec. 15, 2017. "Star Wars: Episode IX" is scheduled for release on May 23, 2019, unless Fisher's untimely death inadvertently delays its production.