It's a good time to be a Star Wars fan. With Disney now in charge of the property, there is plenty of great content being produced to expand the galaxy far, far away. From main installments to standalone films, it seems like the sky is the limit in the Star Wars universe. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story broke new ground by being the first spinoff film, while also digitally bringing back the late Peter Cushing and a younger Carrie Fisher through the use of cutting edge CGI technology. So could this be the new standard? Mark Hamill recently spoke about this new process, and revealed that he's actually already given his blessing to his family, in the event that he one day passes away.
Well already I told my family 'Absolutely -- thumbs up!' But it is a question of propriety really. I'm sure they had to go to the Cushing estate and get their permission.
Mark Hamill seems to understand how iconic his likeness is, and what it means for the generations of Star Wars fans out there. While Hamill has aged naturally, in many ways Luke is immortal. As such, he's doesn't mind if a future Star Wars film recreates his appearance through CGI.
The iconic actor's comments to Radio Times is sure to peak the interest of Star War fans, who are wondering what's next for Luke Skywalker in the wake of Rian Johnson's subversive sequel The Last Jedi. Luke seemingly perished during the film's third act, bring a close to the franchise's most beloved hero. But Mark Hamill recently voiced a young Luke in the animated series Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, leading many to wonder if a CGI younger Luke (voiced by Hamill) could pop up in a future live action blockbuster.
Funny enough, Mark Hamill's comments seem to be more focused on what would happen after he died, rather than any future projects he could work on within the Star Wars franchise. Since Peter Cushing was revived to once again play Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, it seems like anything is possible in future movies. While Mark Hamill may be happy to lend his likeness to future blockbusters after his death, it's unclear if the fandom would appreciate such a choice.
Following Carrie Fisher's untimely death two years ago, fans wondered if Disney was intending on using CGI in order for Leia to get a proper goodbye in Episode IX. Lucafilm's Kathleen Kennedy has shut down those rumors, and fans are still left to wonder how Leia's story will be concluded in the current trilogy. We'll just have to wait and see, as Episode IX isn't set to hit theaters for quite some time.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is currently available On Demand and for home purchase. Solo: A Star Wars Story will hit theaters May 25, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
