The Force may have been strong with Luke Skywalker, but Mark Hamill is certain that he will be hanging up his lightsaber once and for all. Not only that, but he’s confident that the Star Wars saga will be just fine without the beloved Jedi.
Mark Hamill has been chatting about Luke Skywalker a lot lately, with one notable take saying he’s open to being replaced by a younger actor. But now he has doubled down, saying maybe the character doesn’t need to be in the series anymore at all. “You never say never. I just don’t see any reason to [play him again]. Let me put it that way: I mean, they have so many stories to tell, they don’t need Luke anymore.” Hamill’s wording certainly catches attention, as he’s not saying “they don’t need me anymore” but specifically Luke, who served as the face of the saga through the original trilogy.
While Star Wars needed Luke Skywalker early on, some have criticized the apparently incessant need from those in charge to keep including the character, be it with Mark Hamill in the role, using digital manipulation as was the case in The Mandalorian or incorporating a child version (played by Grant Feely on Obi-Wan Kenobi).
Of course, Mark Hamill is glad that Luke Skywalker has had such a lasting impact on the series and fans, in addition to making him a household name nearly 50 years going. “I mean, the truth of the matter is, I never really expected to be remembered for anything. I just wanted to make a living doing what I liked. And I thought, ‘Well, it could be worse. I could be, like, known as being the best actor who ever played Adolf Hitler, you know?’ At least Luke is an admirable fellow!” (As far as who played Hitler the best, it’s definitely a toss-up between Bruno Ganz in Downfall and Moe Howard in You Nazty Spy!)
Mark Hamill’s comments about Luke Skywalker conjure up one of the more touching moments in the franchise, when Luke told Leia in The Last Jedi, “No one’s ever really gone.” And so, even if Hamill does retire, we’ll look fondly on his endeavors in a galaxy far, far away — well, mostly.
Do you agree with Mark Hamill that Star Wars doesn’t need Luke Skywalker at all? If Luke does continue to be portrayed, do you think it will be done so creatively or will it come off as uninspired? Give us your take in the comments section below!