Mark Hamill, widely recognized for his role as Luke Skywalker and his iconic voice work as the Joker, has declared his character in the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Long Walk as the worst villain he has ever portrayed. The dystopian horror film, set in a totalitarian United States, features Hamill as the Major, a sadistic overseer of an annual deadly walking contest. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Hamill explained why this role stands apart from his previous villainous performances.
Hamill is known for bringing life to some of the most memorable villains, especially his Joker in the Batman: The Animated Series. Yet, in a striking admission, he called the Major the most despicable character he has played so far. Hamill emphasized the disturbing nature of the Major’s cruelty as something unfamiliar and challenging in his career.
He’s sadistic and all those terrible things. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before and that’s what I like.
—Mark Hamill, Actor
The Major’s character, true to King’s original depiction, is ruthlessly inhumane. Entrusted with managing the brutal walking contest, he subjects participants to extreme suffering and cold authority, making the role particularly dark and morally repugnant. This contrasts sharply with Hamill’s previous roles that lean toward heroic or complex anti-heroes.
Because Hamill is best known for his heroic portrayal of Luke Skywalker, and even his Joker voice work adds an adventurous flair, the Major’s dark sadism marks a significant departure. This depth of villainy makes the character stand out in Hamill’s wide-ranging career, reinforcing the actor’s description of this as his “worst” role in terms of villainous nature.
Mark Hamill Embraces a Renewed Focus on Dark Villain Roles
While Mark Hamill initially rose to international fame as the heroic Luke Skywalker, his career has evolved to include several villainous roles, showcasing his versatility. His Joker, a defining antagonist in the DCAU, proved Hamill’s skill at portraying complex villains; however, he recently announced his departure from the Star Wars saga, signaling a creative shift.
Recent projects hint at Hamill embracing darker characters more fully. Notably, his portrayal of Arthur Pym in the 2023 series The Fall of the House of Usher was another step into sinister territory. This progression indicates that Hamill is deliberately returning to a phase in his career focused on complex villain roles, with the Major in The Long Walk marking the beginning of this renewed path.
The actor expressed enthusiasm about taking on antagonistic roles, highlighting the unique satisfaction that comes from playing a character audiences love to hate. His comments reveal a fondness for exploring the chaos and disruption that villains bring to storytelling.
Anytime you can come in and just create chaos, it’s almost as satisfying to be hated by the audience as it is to be loved.
—Mark Hamill, Actor
Hamill’s reflection on embracing villainous parts suggests a fresh era for his career, where he can explore darker and more morally complex characters. After the mixed reception of a more somber Luke Skywalker in recent Star Wars installments, this pivot seems fitting both for Hamill and for fans eager to see the actor challenge himself in new ways.
The Long Walk is scheduled for theatrical release on September 12, 2025, and will give audiences the opportunity to see Hamill fully inhabiting this harsh and chilling villain opposite a dystopian backdrop.
The Significance of Hamill’s Shift to Villainy
Mark Hamill’s transition from iconic hero to embracing some of his darkest roles represents a significant evolution in his acting career. By accepting the role of the Major in Stephen King’s The Long Walk, Hamill is not only revisiting his successful history of villain portrayals but pushing the boundaries of his own range. His willingness to take on such a disturbing and malevolent character underscores his commitment to exploring complex narratives beyond his earlier heroic image.
This shift will likely attract audiences who have admired Hamill’s versatility, adding a new dimension to his legacy. His return to villainous roles also reflects broader trends in storytelling where antagonists are given rich, multifaceted development, making them fascinating and sometimes sympathetic figures.
As Hamill moves away from familiar roles like Luke Skywalker and steps into darker territory, his work in The Long Walk may set the stage for further appearances as compelling villains in film and television. This development offers both the actor and his audience fresh storytelling experiences shaped by moral ambiguity and psychological depth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How high is Stephen King’s IQ?
A. Stephen King is a well-known American writer famous for scary and suspenseful stories. His IQ is said to be about 130. His talent for creating gripping tales has gained him many fans and praise from critics.
Q. Was Stephen King religious?
A. Stephen grew up in the Methodist church and was a regular attendee during his younger years. Although he has stopped going to church, he still believes in God and reads the Bible. His wife, Tabitha, was brought up in the Catholic faith.
Q. What did Stephen King suffer from?
A. The famous writer struggled with a severe drug addiction that almost took over his life completely. His addiction stemmed from different sources like the stresses of being famous, personal issues, and a desire to avoid life’s pressures.
