What Carrie Fisher Thinks of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

— -- “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will introduce viewers to many new faces but some beloved characters from the initial films in the blockbuster franchise will return for the latest installment.

Among them is Carrie Fisher. The actress was 20 years old when she played Princess Leia in the first “Star Wars” film in 1977.

Leia’s strength made her an enduring feminist icon, which Fisher, now 59, appreciates.

She returns to the franchise now with a new title: General. In an interview with ABC News’ Amy Robach, Fisher addressed her character’s evolution.

"It's ridiculous. Ridiculous in a really good way," Fisher said.

George Lucas – the franchise’s creator – personally asked Fisher to return for the new film. He did not direct “The Force Awakens.”

Fisher told Robach that it didn’t take much convincing for her to return.

“I am a female in Hollywood over the age of let’s say 40. We could also say 50 - so we could say it, but not with real conviction or excitement,” she said. “You don’t have to ask if you want to work at that age.”

Fisher lost 35 pounds for the role. She has said she was pressured into losing the weight.

“They don’t want to hire all of me – only about three-quarters!" she said in an interview last week with Good Housekeeping UK magazine. "I’m in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance."

Asked whether she had a message for die-hard “Star Wars” fans, she replied: “Please go to this film ... you'll really like it. I liked it and I’m strict.”