[tanknetter]

Given the ages of the original actors, continuing the saga from how it ended in Episode 6 might work to use them to introduce the new characters. Lots of possibilities.

The thing about the post-Ep6 universe is that Lucas has controlled the overall plots and direction of the novels. They're considered canon.

In the novels Leia goes on to become a great Jedi warrior. So the question on using any of the original actors is, how much money has to be dangled in front of Carrie Fisher to get her to lose about 150lbs?

[GeronL]

Star Wars: The Next Generation

Queen Leia teaches her progeny about how the empire is split between her benevolent kingdom and her Jedi enforcers, the dark side and the evil conservative federation where humans are left to fend for themselves in free market capitalism.

“We will bury them” the Queen says as she justifies her decision to team up with the Dark Side against the conservatives!!