Mark Hamill suggests his role in Star Wars: Episode IX is just a cameo. The veteran actor is returning to the galaxy far, far away for one final time in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming film, which recently wrapped production. Hamill’s part was confirmed by Lucasfilm prior to filming last summer, an appreciated bit of transparency from the typically tight-lipped studio. Though Hamill’s Luke Skywalker died at the end of The Last Jedi, many fans assumed he’d come back for the closing chapter - especially given the franchise’s famous trope of Force ghosts.

What remains a secret for the time being is how sizable Hamill’s role will be. While the new films have prominently featured the original trilogy’s big three (Luke, Han Solo, and Princess Leia), they’re very much supporting players in the younger generation’s story. These movies are more about Rey and Kylo Ren than they are the older faces, so it isn’t surprising that Hamill may not have that much screen time when Episode IX opens in December.

In an interview with Den of Geek, Hamill discussed some of the sequel trilogy creative choices that still don’t entirely sit right with him. As the actor’s previously stated, he wanted Luke’s death to be saved for the last movie, hoping that he’d be a principal character in the three films. Of course, it didn’t turn out that way:

This is not full-blown confirmation about Luke in Episode IX, but Hamill’s “I got one movie!” comment heavily implies his role is minimal. Admittedly, that was to be expected considering Luke is no longer alive in the physical sense. In previous Star Wars movies, Force ghosts like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda showed up for a scene or two to share wisdom with their prized pupil (Luke) in key moments. In all likelihood, the older Luke will come to Rey during her time of need and help her overcome any obstacles. That would be a great opportunity to finally showcase the third lesson Rey never received during her time on Ahch-To. There’s also a possibility Luke’s ghost haunts Kylo Ren, fulfilling his “See you around, kid” threat from Last Jedi.

“I thought: oh, okay, you should push my death off to the last one. That’s what I was hoping when I came back: no cameos and a run-of-the-trilogy contract. Did I get any of those things? Because as far as I’m concerned, the end of VII is really the beginning of VIII. I got one movie! They totally hornswoggled (tricked) me.’”

Whatever Abrams has in store for Luke, it’s nice to see he found a place - however small - for the character in Episode IX. Obviously, Luke’s been an integral part of the Star Wars franchise from the very beginning, and it would be a bit odd if he had no role at all in what’s positioned as the Skywalker saga’s closing chapter. Hopefully, Luke’s cameo is a memorable one that serves a vital purpose in the story and sends the character off on a high note.

More: How Star Wars 9 Can Make Rey A Skywalker (Without Retconning Last Jedi)

Source: Den of Geek

  • Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20