Mark Hamill recently confirmed that he will return in “Star Wars: Episode 8.” The actor will also appear in “Episode 7,” although director J.J. Abrams revealed that it was not all by accident.
Screenrant reported that Hamill, who played the starring role of Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy, will remain an important part of the story and will continue to appear in the next two movies, at least. Abrams said that the focus in the new trilogy will be on the next generation of characters, but the series veterans will function to create the connection with the original saga.
“Episode VIII” is already filming. In summer 2015, Hamill already shot scenes on the isle of Skellig Michael in Ireland, a monastery that stood between the sixth and twelfth centuries, which makes an ideal hiding place or secret Jedi Academy for the aging Luke Skywalker. The same location was used for “The Force Awakens.”
The Irish Examiner revealed that cast and crew members gathered in County Kerry to film scenes on the rocky isle. There will be about 100 people on the set. Hamill’s son, Nathan, was also spotted in Ireland checking into his hotel.
Hamill posted on Twitter that he had to grow his beard back, which was the usual practice among old Jedi. Sporting a beard can indicate that Luke will have a huge role in “Episode 8,” which will be directed by Rian Johnson, Screenrant cited. Moviepilot also reported that Hamill and Daisy Ridley, who takes on the role of Rey, were doing re-shoots or early shoots for “Episode VIII.”
“Last shaved on 10/22 after final day of my 2nd #TheFlash just in time for the Ep VIII-whew!” The actor tweeted.
The role of Luke Skywalker has remained a mystery in the months leading up to the big launch of “The Force Awakens.” Moviepilot stated that some fans speculated that Luke may have turned to the dark side, which is a huge deviation from his role in the original saga. Some expected him to appear as a Force Ghost, having died before the events of the upcoming story. Either way, Luke will have a role on how the story arc develops in the next trilogy.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which will launch on Dec. 18, 2015. “Episode VIII” will release on May 26, 2017, after “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which is scheduled to show on Dec. 16, 2016.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
