'The Last Jedi': Poe Dameron Is A "Surrogate Son" For Leia

Carrie Fisher may have left us, but Leia Organa will continue to resonate throughout the galaxy far, far away. The upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will mark the character’s final appearance in the saga (Lucasfilm is currently rewriting “Star Wars: Episode IX” to reflect her absence, so don’t worry about any dodgy CGI bringing her back to life), and there’s going to be one character in particular touched by her presence.

The latest pages of EW reveal that Oscar Isaac‘s Poe Dameron, in particular, will become close to Leia, presumably as the pair form a tight bond trying to keep the Resistance from crumbling.

“Poe is in some ways a surrogate son for Leia,” Isaac said. “But also I think she sees in him the potential for a truly great leader of the Resistance and beyond.”

“Poe’s arc is one of evolving from a heroic soldier to a seasoned leader, to see beyond the single-mindedness of winning the battle to the larger picture of the future of the galaxy,” he added. “I think Leia knows she won’t be around forever and she, with tough love, wants to push Poe to be more than the badass pilot, to temper his heroic impulses with wisdom and clarity.”

READ MORE: The ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Trailer Leads Fans To Unearth New Planets And Familiar Saga Faces

However, as much as Fisher’s character will be missed, her personality will remain etched in the memories of the cast members. Isaac in particular grew close to the actress during his time with her.

“One of my favorite things that would happen from time to time on set would be when Carrie would sing old songs,” he reflected. “Whenever that would happen I would offer her my hand and we would waltz around the set – on a starship, in a Rebel base, on an alien planet, and she would sing and we would dance. So surreal and beautiful to think about now. For all of her delicious, wicked humor and fiery energy she also had such sweet grace. I miss her dearly.”

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opens on December 15th.