J.J. Abrams Says Leia Is Known as 'General' in The Force Awakens, Not 'Princess'

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away, a very powerful woman named Leia got a promotion. According to director/co-writer J.J. Abrams, the intergalactic badass and hair icon dropped the “Princess” from her name and is now referred to as “General.”

In an interview with EW, Abrams said:

“The stakes are pretty high in the story for her, so there’s not much goofing around where Leia’s concerned. But it felt historic to have her, especially with Harrison, back in scenes together.”

Though Carrie Fisher’s character is now known as “General Leia” (or perhaps just “General”) by everyone, Abrams said there’s “a moment in the movie” where someone accidentally calls her “Princess.”

He didn’t reveal what Leia does in response to such an unforgivable mixup, but I imagine she’ll say something like, “If you ever call me that again, I’ll do to you exactly what I did to that Ewok who put his hand where it didn’t belong.”