“I’ve hung up my robes for good”
If you’ve been curious about whether Mark Hamill might reprise his iconic role as Luke Skywalker in future Star Wars projects, especially as a Force ghost, it’s time to set those hopes aside. The legendary actor has firmly stated that he will not be returning to the franchise, emphasizing that the focus should now shift to new characters and stories that extend beyond the legacy of the original saga.
During a recent interview with ComicBook.com to promote his latest film, *The Life of Chuck*, Hamill, now 73, was asked about the possibility of returning as Luke Skywalker’s Force ghost in the upcoming Rey-centered Star Wars film, *The Acolyte of the Force*. His response was unequivocal: a definitive no. Hamill made it clear that his portrayal of Luke concluded with *The Last Jedi* in 2017, and he has no plans to revisit the role.
Hamill expressed his gratitude for being part of the franchise’s humble beginnings, recalling how George Lucas once referred to *Star Wars* as “the most expensive low-budget film ever made.” He reflected on how the saga unexpectedly grew into a cultural phenomenon, becoming a timeless franchise that has influenced generations. However, Hamill believes it’s time to pass the torch and let the new era of storytelling take center stage.
“I’ve had my moment in the spotlight,” Hamill stated. “I’m thankful for the journey, but I think the focus should now be on the new characters and the future of the saga.” He also emphasized that he has no intention of returning as a Force ghost, especially not in a stripped-down form, asserting, “When I left *The Last Jedi*, I left my robes behind. There’s no way I’d appear as a ghost without my costume.”
Meanwhile, the new *Star Wars* narrative is set to explore fresh stories, with Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order taking center stage approximately 15 years after the events of *The Rise of Skywalker*. This upcoming film, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, aims to delve into the evolving galaxy and introduce new characters that will shape the future of the franchise.
Details about *The Acolyte of the Force* remain scarce. In January 2024, Daisy Ridley, who reprises her role as Rey, shared some insights during an interview with AlloCiné. She described the project as an ambitious exploration of the *Star Wars* universe, promising a fresh and unconventional approach to the story. “Once I understood the direction, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Ridley said. “It’s a bold step into uncharted territory for the franchise, and I think fans will find it exciting.”
Looking ahead, *The Mandalorian* and *Grogu* are scheduled for release in 2026, while Shawn Levy’s *Star Wars* film starring Ryan Gosling, titled *Star Wars: Starfighter*, is slated for 2027. These projects highlight the franchise’s commitment to expanding its universe with diverse stories and characters.
Upcoming *Star Wars* Films and Series Overview
At the 2023 *Star Wars* Celebration, Lucasfilm announced three new feature films: a *Star Wars* film set in the New Republic era directed by Dave Filoni within his Mandalorian universe, a *Jedi* origin story directed by James Mangold, and the previously mentioned *Rey*-focused installment, *The Acolyte of the Force*. These announcements signal a vibrant future for the franchise, with a variety of stories set to unfold across different timelines and genres.
Despite the excitement surrounding these upcoming projects, one thing remains certain: Mark Hamill’s portrayal of Luke Skywalker as a Force ghost will not be part of this new chapter. His decision underscores a broader shift towards new narratives and characters that will define the next era of *Star Wars*.
Image credit: Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images.
Wesley is the Director of News at IGN. Follow him on Twitter at @wyp100 or contact him via email at [email protected] or privately at [email protected].
