Luke Skywalker may be Mark Hamill’s most famous role, but it looks like he may be ready to let it go after decades at the wheel in theStar Warsuniverse. However, that doesn’t mean he’s retiring. The man who introduced generations of fans to a galaxy far, far away still has plenty left in the tank. He’s just being a little more selective.
AfterHamill expressed doubt that he’ll return to play Jokerin anyBatmanprojects after the tragic passing of iconic Batman/Bruce Wayne voice actor Kevin Conroy, that won’t be the only role he’s ready to put in the rearview. Despite returning to theStar Warscharacter in various capacities several times over recent years, he’s finally reached his limit. But why now?
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In a recent interview onCBS Sunday Morning, Hamill had a pretty straightforward answer about his future as Luke Skywalker. Granted, he’s still himself, so he was also pretty cool about it. “I just don’t see any reason to,” he said when asked if he will return. “Let me put it that way: I mean, they have so many stories to tell, they don’t need Luke anymore. I had my time, and that’s good. But that’s enough.” Sounds pretty cut and dry. But it also leaves the door open for more Luke stories, assuming someone else takes up the mantle.
That isn’t to say he’s got any ill will towardsStar Wars. Hamill still loves to talk about it, from his time in his roles to fun facts like howThe Empire Strikes Backending was changed. The whole experience was more than he bargained for at first. “I mean, the truth of the matter is, I never really expected to be remembered for anything,” Hamill explained. “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!”
It’s not like Hamill doesn’t have much else going on. He’s always been up for more strange and surreal projects, like theobscure ’90s live-action adaptation of the animeGuyver. But he’s seemingly finally ready to move on from his more famous roles. It’s not hard to understand where he’s coming from. At 71, he’s had a storied career most actors would be envious of. So if nothing else, he leaves behind one heck of a legacy.
The idea of Luke Skywalker effectively leaving theStar Warsfranchise might seem like a huge deal, but several other stories are begging to be told. This series needs new ideas, after all. They can still take inspiration from Hamill’s past forays, like how the excellentAndoris basically about a new Luke Skywalkerfor a modern age. However things go in the future, Hamill deserves only the highest respect from fans everywhere for everything he’s contributed to the belovedStar Warsfranchise.
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