While it was released 3 months ago, cinephiles and fans alike are still reeling from the events of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Rian Johnson provided a purposefully subversive sequel, which challenged everything we thought we knew about the galaxy far, far away. In particular, he took creative liberties with Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, who is largely known as the hero of the entire franchise. The new Luke was isolated and disillusioned, and wanted nothing to do with The Resistance and battle against the First Order. While Hamill has been vocal about some of his trepidations surrounding Luke's changes in The Last Jedi, he recently revealed why he appreciated returning to the property that made him a star. He said,
It's so much more enjoyable now because you have a little perspective. When you're in your twenties, it was my first film, I was like 'they're all going to be like this!'
It looks like Mark Hamill has had plenty of time to reflect on his tenure as Luke Skywalker in George Lucas' original Star Wars trilogy. While filming and releasing those set of films was no doubt a blur for the young star, Hamill was able to take his second trip around the galaxy with a bit more excitement and appreciation. After all, who would have thought that he'd wield a lightsaber again on the big screen?
Mark Hamill's comments from his recent appearance on The Late Late Show will no doubt shock some movie fans, who didn't realize that his starring role in A New Hope was his first big gig. That is some crazy type of acting break, and there was no way that Hamill could have predicted the success and iconography the property ultimately accrued. Luckily J.J. Abrams helped to bring the new trilogy of films to theaters, and therefore gave Hamill and his fellow actors Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford a chance to live a new Star Wars experience.
It should be interesting to see how J.J. Abrams' untitled Episode IX uses Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker. The next sequel was supposed to be very focused on Carrie Fisher's General Leia, as the previous two gave large roles to Ford and Hamill respectively. But now that she's passed away, Episode IX has the potential to be the first main Star Wars movie without any of the original trio. But The Last Jedi also helped to expand the abilities related to Force Ghosts, so smart money says Luke pops back up to finish Rey's training and provide a connection with the original trilogy.
Alas, Mark Hamill revealed he hasn't received any type of script for Episode IX, so it's unclear exactly how the story will end. We'll just have to endure the long wait until the next sequel arrives in theaters.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is available on demand now, and for physical release on March 27. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
