Mark Hamill Says He Is Done Playing Luke Skywalker
While Star Wars will continue to explore the era of the New Republic with next year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, Dave Filoni’s Heir to the Empire, and Ahsoka Season 2, the franchise will have to forge ahead without one of its biggest stars.
In a recent interview with ComicBook, Mark Hamill says his time in the galaxy far, far away has come to an end, and Star Wars should move forward focusing on new characters.
“I am so grateful to [creator George Lucas] for letting me be a part of that back in the day, the humble days when George called Star Wars ‘the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,’” he said.
Image: StarWars.com
“We never expected it to become a permanent franchise and a part of pop culture like that. But my deal is, I had my time. I’m appreciative of that. But I really think they should focus on the future and all the new characters.”
Luke Skywalker Has Played a Major Role in Star Wars’ Streaming Shows
While Luke Skywalker finally met his end during Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, his legacy has continued to loom large over the franchise.
Image: Lucasfilm
After making de-aged appearances in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, the prevailing notion was that Hamill could, and probably would, pop up again. After all, as the greatest hero of the New Republic, it would only make sense for Luke to appear when the galaxy was in danger.
What About ‘New Jedi Order’?
Additionally, with Daisy Ridley set to return as Rey Skywalker in New Jedi Order, there was a real chance that Luke would appear to her as a Force ghost.
Photo: Lucasfilm
Hamill, however, is ruling that out too.
“And by the way,” he added, “when I disappeared in [‘The Last Jedi’], I left my robes behind. And there’s no way I’m gonna appear as a naked Force ghost.”
(Photo by Terry O’Neill/Getty Images)
With Hamill adamant that he is done playing Luke Skywalker, Lucasfilm will have to forge ahead without him. However, how they manage to explain the Jedi’s absence in situations where the situation would call for him remains to be seen.
