Mark Hamill has declared that his time portraying Luke Skywalker within the Star Wars universe has concluded, expressing full support for the upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter, which stars Ryan Gosling. At the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Hamill emphasized that Gosling’s entry into the franchise does not require guidance from him, signaling a passing of the torch to a new generation.
Hamill’s Perspective on Ryan Gosling’s Role in Star Wars
When asked about offering advice to Gosling, Hamill shared his admiration for the actor, noting,
“I’ve been a fan of his and I became a super fan when he played Beavis on Saturday Night Live.”
He further stated,
“No, none of those people need advice from me. They’re doing so well. I had my time. I’m going to ask for advice from them.”
These comments reflect Hamill’s confidence in the fresh talent leading the next chapter of the saga, while acknowledging his own journey has reached a natural conclusion.
Hamill Rejects Returns as Luke Skywalker
In a CBS Sunday Morning interview, Hamill addressed the possibility of reprising Luke Skywalker, conveying a clear sense of closure. He explained,
“I just don’t see any reason to. 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.”
This highlights his belief that the Star Wars franchise will continue to flourish without revisiting his iconic role.
Luke Skywalker’s Legacy and Star Wars: Starfighter’s Place in the Saga
Over more than four decades, Mark Hamill has embodied the character of Luke Skywalker, appearing most recently in The Book of Boba Fett (2022), as well as The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. As Star Wars: Starfighter prepares to expand the universe, director Shawn Levy has disclosed that the film, starring Ryan Gosling, is set in a new era following the Battle of Exegoll after Episode IX, purposely positioned neither as a prequel nor sequel. Levy remarked,
“It takes place in a new period of time after the Battle of Exegoll, after Episode 9.”
The film is slated for release on May 28, 2027.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Star Wars with a New Lead
As Mark Hamill steps back from his longstanding role, Ryan Gosling’s portrayal in Star Wars: Starfighter marks an ambitious new direction for the saga, focusing on untold stories in the aftermath of the existing films. Hamill’s endorsement and clear boundary affirm the franchise’s evolution while honoring its rich past, signaling a fresh chapter that fans will soon experience on the big screen.
