Mark Hamill Clears Up Star Wars Rumors
May the power be with you.
Mark Hamill has addressed recent rumors suggesting he has stepped away from the Star Wars franchise.
The 73-year-old actor, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in six Star Wars films, shared his thoughts about the future of the franchise during an appearance on NBC News’ “Sunday Today with Willie Geist,” which is set to air on June 15.
Hamill clarified that he hasn’t quit the iconic series, stating, “Well, let me say: they’re not asking me. It wasn’t like they said, ‘Please come back.’”
He further mentioned, “I don’t want to make a big declaration like, ‘This is my decision.’ I’m just saying that it really felt like a conclusion. My character was given a complete closure. Ironically, I died from an overdose of the Force.”
Luke Skywalker meets his end in the 2017 film “The Last Jedi.” However, Hamill reprised his role as a spirit in 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.”
This film essentially wrapped up the character’s arc that started back in 1977 when Hamill first took on the role. He explained, “Once the Skywalker trilogy was over, it was a whole new era for them. George gave them this amazing canvas—they can do anything within the realm of Westerns, mystery, comedy, whodunits, and Star Wars.”
“And they’re doing really well,” he continued. “I think it was just the time. I had the time. I’m really grateful, but I’m really looking to the future for all these new projects.”
Rumors about Hamill potentially stepping back from Star Wars circulated after he mentioned he had spent ample time in the franchise and that the focus should shift to future stories.
Hamill expressed his gratitude to George Lucas for including him during a transformative time in film history, referring to the original Star Wars as “the most expensive, low-budget film ever.” He noted on May 31, “I think it was right then. I had time. I’m really grateful, but I’m really looking for the future for all these new projects.”
Whether or not Hamill will return, Disney has plans for several Star Wars projects, including a standalone film featuring Ryan Gosling, titled “Star Wars: Star Fighter.”
Hamill mentioned, “This is a great place to start this journey for us, because it is an incredible reminder of why we are making this film and who we are making this film for. This is standalone. It’s not a prequel, not a sequel. It’s a new adventure, set for a period that has not been explored yet.”
