Mark Hamill, the 73-year-old icon who has graced the silver screen in five live-action "Star Wars" epics and made youthful cameos in the "The Mandalorian" TV series, has categorically stated that his days as Luke Skywalker are over – even in the spectral realm of Force Ghosts. In an interview with ComicBook.com to promote his latest film, "The Life of Chuck," an adaptation of a Stephen King tale, Hamill revealed his thoughts on the legendary character's legacy.
"I am deeply thankful to the visionary George Lucas for affording me the privilege to be part of that groundbreaking era, the modest beginnings when George himself referred to 'Star Wars' as 'the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,'" Hamill reminisced. "Little did we foresee it would evolve into an enduring franchise, etched in the annals of pop culture. Nonetheless, my time has come and gone, and I cherish every moment. It's now imperative, in my view, to turn the spotlight on the future and an array of fresh characters."
He humorously added, "Incidentally, when I vanished in 'The Last Jedi,' I made sure to leave my Jedi robes behind. And let me assure you, the prospect of manifesting as a bare Force Ghost is utterly out of the question."
Despite Lucasfilm's ongoing development of a potential "Rise of Skywalker" sequel centered around Daisy Ridley's Rey, Skywalker's apprentice in the sequel trilogy, Hamill has made his stance clear. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this upcoming film is set approximately 15 years after the events of "Skywalker" and chronicles Rey's endeavors to establish a new Jedi order. Though in its nascent stages alongside numerous other projects, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has hinted at its direction, stating, "Fifteen years post-'Rise of Skywalker,' we find ourselves in a post-war, post-First Order era where the Jedi are in disarray. There's widespread contemplation about the Jedi's identity, their role, and the state of the galaxy. Rey is striving to rebuild the Jedi Order, drawing inspiration from ancient texts and her pledge to Luke, marking our narrative trajectory."
Upcoming in the "Star Wars" saga is "The Mandalorian & Grogu," slated for May 22, 2026, followed a year later by "Star Wars: Starfighter," directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling.
Addressing Hamill's jest about abandoning his robes, it's worth noting that both he and the late Carrie Fisher did indeed appear as Force ghosts, clad in robes, at the conclusion of "Rise of Skywalker." Dedicated fans might recall from "A New Hope" (1977) that when Darth Vader terminated Obi-Wan Kenobi, his robes were likewise left behind – yet Alec Guinness appeared as a Force Ghost, still robed, in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."
Hamill's career has flourished in recent years. "The Life of Chuck," directed by Mike Flanagan, who also helmed Hamill's "The Fall of the House of Usher," is a sci-fi adaptation of a Stephen King narrative premiering this month. He also stars in another long-anticipated King adaptation, "The Long Walk," a cult-favorite novel set for release in September.
