Mark Hamill Reveals Dark ‘Last Jedi’ backstory For Luke Skywalker: Wife, Child Tragedy
The Legacy Of Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: the Last Jedi” continues to ignite passionate debates among fans, years after its release. While some laud its bold narrative choices, others criticize its deviation from established “Star Wars” lore. This division within the fandom arguably surpasses even the controversy surrounding “The Phantom Menace.”
Adding fuel to the fire were comments from cast members, including Mark Hamill, who voiced concerns over the direction of their characters. Hamill’s remarks, in particular, resonated widely, with many interpreting them as a critique of Luke Skywalker’s portrayal, deeming it “not true to that of the original character.”
Hamill’s Regret And Revelation
Mark Hamill has since expressed regret for publicly airing his grievances. In a recent appearance on NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, he disclosed the rationale behind his creative differences with Director Rian Johnson regarding his character. Hamill began by praising Johnson as “one of the most gifted directors” he has collaborated with, complimenting the staging of “The Last Jedi”. He then addressed his prior statements.
“The fact that I went public with my dissatisfaction with the motivation for Luke becoming a suicidal hermit might have colored things in a way that maybe I should have kept that to myself,” Hamill confessed.
He further elaborated on his discussions with Johnson: ” I kept saying to Rian this would just make Luke double down… he said ‘Well your whole class at the Jedi Academy were wiped out.’ I said ‘Rian, I saw entire planets wiped out. if anything Luke doubles down and it hardens his resolve in the face of adversity.’ So that’s all.”
Hamill then proposed an choice: “Can I make up my own backstory of why he is the way he is? I don’t want to just say that you know I have bumped my head and I have brain damage.” Johnson granted him creative freedom, leading Hamill to develop a “much, much darker backstory” to justify Luke’s state.
A Darker Backstory Unveiled
So, what exactly was this substantially darker backstory? It was far removed from what appeared on screen, a narrative definitely not suitable for younger audiences.
Hamill explained his thought process: “I thought, what could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi.Well,the love of a woman. So he falls in love with a woman.”
The story takes a tragic turn: “He gives up being a Jedi.They have a child together. At some point the child, as a toddler, picks up an unattended lightsaber, pushes the button and is killed instantly. The wife is so full of grief, she kills herself.”
Hamill felt this resonated deeply, providing a profound reason for Luke’s disillusionment. However, the film lacked the time to explore such a backstory, opting for a briefer clarification that, in Hamill’s view, fell short.
Despite his disagreements, Hamill emphasized his commitment to Johnson’s vision: “That said and, I told him this, despite the fact that I disagree with your choices for Luke I’m going to do everything within my power to make your screenplay work as best that I can. The only thing unfortunate about that is I’ve heard comments from fans who think that I somehow dislike Rian Johnson and nothing could be further from the truth.”
Pro Tip: Jump to the 32-minute mark of the NPR Bullseye YouTube Channel to hear Hamill’s complete comments in his own words.
Hamill Done With Skywalker?
These remarks follow previous statements where Hamill suggested he is officially finished portraying Luke skywalker in the “Star wars” franchise – ruling out any future cameos.
The Enduring Impact of “The Last Jedi”
“The Last Jedi” continues to be a touchstone in “Star Wars” discussions,highlighting the challenges of balancing fan expectations with creative innovation. Weather praised or criticized, its impact on the franchise remains undeniable.
Did you Know? “the Last Jedi” grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films in the “Star Wars” saga.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke Skywalker’s Role
- What was Mark Hamill’s issue with Luke Skywalker’s portrayal in ‘The Last Jedi’?
- Mark Hamill felt Luke Skywalker’s actions and motivations in ‘The Last Jedi’ were not consistent with the character he had developed in the original Star wars trilogy.
- What dark backstory did Mark Hamill create for Luke Skywalker to justify his behavior?
- mark Hamill imagined a backstory where Luke Skywalker fell in love, had a child who died in a lightsaber accident, leading his wife to commit suicide, causing Luke to abandon his Jedi path.
- Did Mark Hamill dislike Rian Johnson for his creative choices in ‘The Last Jedi’?
- No, Mark Hamill clarified that despite disagreeing with some of rian Johnson’s choices for Luke Skywalker, he respected Johnson and did his best to bring Johnson’s vision to life.
- Why was ‘The Last Jedi’ so divisive among Star wars fans?
- ‘The Last Jedi’ sparked debate due to its handling of established characters like Luke Skywalker and its unconventional storytelling choices, leading to polarized opinions within the star Wars fan base.
- Has Mark Hamill officially retired from playing Luke Skywalker?
- According to recent statements, Mark Hamill has indicated he is finished portraying Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, including cameos.
What are your thoughts on Mark Hamill’s dark backstory for Luke Skywalker? Do you think it would have improved “The Last Jedi”? Share your opinions in the comments below!
