Stories

Mark Hamill Talks Retiring From ‘Star Wars’, Says Luke Is ‘Not Needed’

The first installment of Star Wars in 1977 shot Mark Hamill to fame alongside co-stars Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. After playing Luke Skywalker in several movies of the franchise, Mark is now mulling over putting down his lightsaber for good.

In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning, the 71-year-old movie star confirmed that he was over playing Luke. “You know, I had my time, and that’s good. But that’s enough,” he said.

Mark thinks ‘Star Wars’ should wrap up as well

STAR WARS, (aka STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE), Mark Hamill, 1977

Mark played young Luke in Disney+’s The Mandalorian and his old self in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker since starting the role in Star Wars: A New Hope. As Mark would not be reprising the character anymore, he also added that the Star Wars franchise can move on, too.

RELATED: Mark Hamill Gets Real About Working With Harrison Ford On ‘Star Wars’ Films

“Well, you never say never. 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,” he said. Mark also explained that he did not expect to get famous playing Luke, as he was just doing what he loved.

“The truth of the matter is, I never really expected to be remembered for anything. I just wanted to make a living doing what I liked. And I thought, it could be worse. I could be known as being the best actor who ever played Adolph Hitler. At least Luke is an admirable fellow!” Mark said.

Mark downplayed his role as Luke in his biography in Playbill but was told to “get over yourself” and “accept it” by his co-star Carrie Fisher.

Everett

Mark’s career outside of ‘Star Wars’

Mark recalled wanting to switch up his career in the ‘80s after the first Star Wars success. He went to Broadway and played Mozart in Amadeus and wanted to reprise the role in the play’s film adaptation directed by Milos Foreman.

“I went in, and I met with Milos Foreman, and in between, I said I’d really love a chance at playing Mozart, and he says, ‘Oh no, no, the Luke Skywalker is not to be being the Mozart.’” Mark said. “I at least admired the fact he said it right to my face. But you know, it’s a crazy business.”

STAR WARS: EPISODE IV-A NEW HOPE, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, 1977. TM and Copyright © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved./courtesy Everett Collection

Mark also admitted to being displeased that Tom Hulce ended up playing Mozart. “I was disappointed, but I thought, all you can do is you gotta go forward,” he revealed.

Show comments
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Gen Z Has Canceled Ankle Socks As “A Millennial Giveaway”

There are some topics that can get very binary answers: pineapple on pizza, summer or…

5 mins ago

Toby Keith Taught His Daughter To “Never Apologize For Being Patriotic”

Following the passing of country music legend Toby Keith, fans around the country raised their…

12 hours ago

91-Year-Old Graduates From College 70 Years After Becoming Student

If there are two lessons to living a full and happy life, it's age is…

1 day ago

The Beach Boys Credit John Lennon And Paul McCartney For The Success Of Their 1966 Album

After making waves with up to ten studio albums in 1966, the Beach Boys got…

2 days ago

Jason Aldean Pays Tribute To Toby Keith At 2024 ACM Awards

The 2024 ACM Awards were a particularly bittersweet affair this year. While the event celebrates…

2 days ago

83-Year-Old Faye Dunaway Makes Rare Appearance On Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet

Mommie Dearest star Faye Dunaway graced the 77th Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of…

2 days ago