Mark Hamill Explains Why He’s Not Coming Back for Star Wars: New Jedi Order

Mark Hamill won’t be returning as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: New Jedi Order, even though the story will continue with Rey, played by Daisy Ridley. In a recent interview with ComicBook while promoting his new film The Life of Chuck, Hamill talked about why he feels his time in the Star Wars galaxy is over.

When asked if he would appear as a Force ghost in the new movie, Hamill said he’s thankful for everything Star Wars gave him, but he believes it’s time for the story to focus on the new generation.

“I am so grateful to George [Lucas] for letting me be a part of that back in the day, the humble days when George called Star Wars ‘the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,’” he said. “We never expected it to become a permanent franchise and a part of pop culture like that. But my deal is, I had my time. I’m appreciative of that, but I really think they should focus on the future and all the new characters.”

He also joked about one more reason he doesn’t want to return. “And by the way, when I disappeared in [The Last Jedi], I left my robes behind. And there’s no way I’m gonna appear as a naked Force ghost,” he said, laughing.

Hamill played Luke in the original trilogy and came back for all three of the sequel films. His most important role in the newer movies was in The Last Jedi, where he trained Rey and struggled with his own doubts about the Jedi. He later returned in The Rise of Skywalker as a Force ghost to guide Rey in one of her hardest moments.

The upcoming movie, New Jedi Order, will take place about 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker. Rey is now leading a new group of Jedi and trying to bring the Order back. The film is being directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and is still in development, even though it has faced some delays and changes. It was mentioned again during Star Wars Celebration Japan in April as one of the big projects Lucasfilm is still planning.

Rey will still carry Luke’s lessons with her, even if he doesn’t show up. His influence will still be felt in the story. But this new chapter is a chance to let other characters rise and tell new stories. Luke Skywalker will always be a big part of Star Wars, but his part of the story is finished. And that’s okay. It’s time to explore new corners of the galaxy.

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