One of Star Wars’ most iconic scenes initially starred Mark Hamill with Luke’s original last name, according to the actor.
A piece of fun movie trivia that many fans will be aware of is that Luke Skywalker’s original surname was Starkiller – a name that would later be used in a video game for another Star Wars protagonist.
The change to Skywalker didn’t happen until after filming started so Hamill actually shot scenes with the other name. One of those scenes, it turns out, was the famous moment where Luke first liberates Leia from the Empire and says, “I’m Luke Skywalker, I’m here to rescue.”
Hamill explained via twitter: “FUN FACT- The name change to Skywalker came late enough in production that we had to re-shoot the scene where I liberated the Princess from her cell. We had already shot it using the original line: ‘I’m Luke Starkiller, I’m here to rescue you!”
Hamill was also originally opposed to the change of name: “It was George’s idea. I was so used to Starkiller, I didn’t like the new name & complained: ‘Skywalker?! It’s awful. Sounds like Luke Flyswatter!'”
FUN FACT- The name change to Skywalker came late enough in production that we had to re-shoot the scene where I liberated the Princess from her cell. We had already shot it using the original line: "I'm Luke Starkiller, I'm here to rescue you!" pic.twitter.com/VRaoJhGt2n
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) March 24, 2018
As mentioned, many avid Star Wars fans will be aware of Luke’s name change but it’s certainly interesting to know that such a memorable moment in the Star Wars franchise had to be reshot because of the naming switch up.
