Mark Hamill’s name is forever tied to the Star Wars universe. For over 40 years, he has embodied Luke Skywalker, from the original trilogy to his digital appearances in The Mandalorian. Yet in recent years, Hamill has openly expressed dissatisfaction with how Disney’s sequels unfolded. In fact, he revealed that projects like The Mandalorian made him question whether those films truly lived up to the legacy of the saga.
Why Hamill Prefers The Mandalorian
In interviews, including one with The Hollywood Reporter, Hamill admitted that returning as Luke in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker was a difficult experience. He contrasted this with the storytelling of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni in The Mandalorian, which he said captured George Lucas’s original spirit:
“I think Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni understand Star Wars. They speak the same language George [Lucas] did, in a way that made me doubt the sequels,” Hamill explained (IGN).
Though grateful for the chance to reprise his role, Hamill was never fully convinced by the creative direction of the sequel trilogy.
Luke Skywalker’s Return in The Mandalorian
Despite his doubts, Hamill agreed to appear in The Mandalorian Season 2, where digital de-aging technology allowed him to portray Luke at his peak as a Jedi. For Hamill, this was a chance to show fans a side of Luke missing from the sequels:
“You never got to see Luke as a Jedi Master at the height of his powers. He was the most idealistic character—someone who faced adversity, doubled down, came back, and overcame failures. We didn’t get any of that. So when I had the opportunity, I thought, ‘Wow, this is wonderful.’”
This performance wasn’t just a cameo; it gave audiences a glimpse of the Luke Skywalker that might have been, restoring Hamill’s faith in the saga’s storytelling when guided by passionate creators like Favreau and Filoni.
Will Mark Hamill Return as Luke Skywalker?
Fans still hope to see him again, but Hamill has made it clear that his journey as Luke is over. In June 2025, he stated that his cycle as Skywalker had ended and urged the franchise to focus on new characters:
“I had my time. I’m grateful for it, but I really think they should focus on the future and all the new characters.”
He even joked about refusing to return as a Force ghost, saying he didn’t want to do it “naked.”
Though he may never return to the Jedi role, Hamill’s legacy remains secure. Luke Skywalker continues to be one of pop culture’s greatest heroes, while Hamill himself has built a versatile career in voice acting, indie films, and television. His chapter as Luke may be closed, but his impact on Star Wars and generations of fans is everlasting.
