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“I Had My Time”: Mark Hamill Confirms He Won’t Return as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: New Jedi Order
Don’t expect to see Luke Skywalker donning the Jedi robes (or ditching them, for that matter) in Star Wars: New Jedi Order. In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Star Wars legend Mark Hamill made it clear: his journey with the Force has come to an end — robes, ghostly glow, and all.
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During a press stop for his upcoming film The Life of Chuck (in select theaters June 6, nationwide June 13), Hamill was asked about returning as Luke’s Force ghost in the upcoming Star Wars sequel starring Daisy Ridley’s Rey. His reaction? Priceless — and telling.
“In what?” he responded, visibly surprised to learn that New Jedi Order is even happening.
Once he caught up, Hamill elaborated on why he’s stepping away from the galaxy far, far away:
“I am so grateful to George [Lucas] for letting me be a part of that back in the humble days, when George called it Star Wars, the most expensive low-budget movie ever made… I never expected it to become a permanent franchise or a part of pop culture like it has. But my view is: I had my time. I’m appreciative of that. But I really think they should focus on the future and the new characters.”
And in true Hamill fashion, he capped it off with a bit of Force-fueled humor:
“By the way, when I disappeared, I left my robes behind. There’s no way I’m going to appear as a naked ghost — I’m just letting you know that right now.”
Whether that’s tongue-in-cheek or Jedi gospel remains to be seen.
Jedi Secrets or Misdirection?
With New Jedi Order set to release on December 17, 2027, fan speculation is already swirling like a Naboo storm. Could Hamill be playing coy to preserve the impact of a surprise cameo? Maybe. But the fact that he didn’t even know the movie was in development suggests otherwise. If Lucasfilm had any serious plans for Luke’s return, Hamill would likely have at least been briefed by now.
Of course, stranger things have happened in the Star Wars universe. We’ve seen Force ghosts drop pearls of wisdom from beyond, so it’s not entirely out of the question that Luke could still “appear” in some form — even if it’s just a voice or vision.
Rey’s Turn to Lead
With Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey and the franchise moving into a new era of storytelling, New Jedi Order appears to be all about looking forward — not back. Ridley has spoken about taking on a mentor role in the film, guiding a new generation of Jedi. That arc mirrors Luke’s own journey in the original trilogy, and passing the lightsaber (figuratively and literally) seems like a fitting evolution for Rey’s character.
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Final Thoughts
Whether or not Hamill is truly done with the role of Luke Skywalker remains to be seen — and in the Star Wars universe, never say never. But for now, it looks like the Jedi Master is officially retiring his ghost duties. One thing’s for sure: even if Luke doesn’t show up in New Jedi Order, his legacy will loom large over the next chapter in the Force.
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