After nearly five decades, Mark Hamill is officially saying goodbye to the character that defined his career and shaped a generation of moviegoers. The man behind Luke Skywalker, the Jedi who once brought balance to the Force, has shared that his time in the Star Wars galaxy has come to an end.”
In a recent interview, the 73-year-old actor reflected on his time in the galaxy far, far away. With grace and clarity, Hamill shared that he feels his role has come to an end, and he’s at peace stepping away. The story of Luke Skywalker, in his words, has been given “complete closure.”
Mark Hamill says he’s grateful, but he’s moving on from ‘Star Wars’
@todayshow Mark Hamill opens up to Willie Geist about recent speculation that he is done with “Star Wars,” and says he feels his character Luke Skywalker was given “complete closure” when he died in the “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” #TODAYShow ♬ original sound – TODAY Show
In an appearance on Sunday Today with Willie Geist, Hamill made it clear that Luke Skywalker is gone, and so is any real expectation of his return. “I don’t want to make a big PR pronouncement,” he said. “But it really felt like a conclusion.” With a dry chuckle, he added, “I died, ironically, by overdosing on the Force.”
Despite how connected he was to the character, Hamill isn’t looking back. “I’ve had my moment, and I’m thankful,” he said, adding that his focus is now on what’s ahead. With no invitation to return, it’s clear he’s closing this chapter on his own terms. His words carried honesty and were fitting for someone whose role helped shape the history of the movie industry.
The journey that made Mark Hamill who he is
Mark Hamill first played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) as a young man from a desert world who wanted more out of life. What started as a search for meaning turned into something much bigger than he imagined. However, there were times when he made difficult decisions and moments when he questioned everything. But he didn’t give up until he became the Jedi who helped shift the course of everything.
Decades later, Mark Hamill stepped back into the role. This time, Luke had changed, shaped by the battles he fought, the mistakes he made, and the years that passed in between. From his cameo in The Force Awakens to his self-sacrificial stand in The Last Jedi, with his last scene in The Rise of Skywalker, where he reappeared in spirit to guide the next generation, Hamill showed the world what it meant to carry impact with vulnerability and strength.