Mark Hamill says that Star Wars has many more stories to tell and that the franchise doesn’t need Luke Skywalker anymore.
Star Wars started all those decades ago with Mark Hamill and Luke Skywalker. Since then a global franchise has emerged, spanning 11 films, books, comics, video games, and numerous TV shows – both in live action and animation.
But now that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out, Hamill says that the franchise doesn’t need Luke Skywalker anymore. Speaking with EW when asked if he could return once more to the iconic role, he said:
“Oh, I can’t imagine that, no. I had a beginning, middle, and end. Those films gave me far more than I ever expected when we started out so it’s never even occurred to me. My farewell was in Episode IX and it was bittersweet. I love all those people and I certainly have affection for George Lucas and the character he created. I’m full of gratitude for what it has given me and my career but I don’t want to be greedy. There are still so many more stories to tell and so many great actors to tell them, they don’t need me.”
There is certainly unlimited possibilities with Star Wars going forward with stories being set in the future and well into the past all an option. And with such a plethora of beloved characters at its disposal, perhaps Hamil is right that Luke doesn’t need to return again.
SEE ALSO: Dengar made a cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, albeit with a drastic new look
Of course, if the right story comes along that needs Hamill in the role, you never know. But we should probably assume that this is truly the end.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker sees J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) directing a cast that includes Star Wars veterans Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) and Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa) as well as new additions Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), and Keri Russell (The Americans).
Originally published May 13, 2020. Updated May 17, 2020.
