Mark Hamill rules out Luke Skywalker return

If you're hoping to see Mark Hamill reprise his role as Luke Skywalker's Force ghost, the actor has made his position clear – that chapter is closed. The Star Wars legend has stated definitively that he won't return to the iconic franchise, believing it's time for new characters to take center stage.

During an interview with ComicBook.com while promoting his new film The Life of Chuck, Hamill was asked about potentially appearing as a Force ghost in the upcoming Rey-centered Star Wars installment, New Jedi Order. His response was unequivocal: "It's time to move on." The actor referenced Luke's symbolic departure – leaving his Jedi robes behind – in 2017's The Last Jedi as his definitive exit.

"I'm incredibly grateful to George [Lucas] for bringing me into this universe back when Star Wars was just 'the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,'" Hamill reflected. "None of us anticipated it becoming this cultural phenomenon. But I've had my time in that galaxy. It's important for the franchise to focus on new stories and fresh characters."

With characteristic humor, he added: "When my character vanished in The Last Jedi, he left his robes behind. You won't catch me making an appearance as some sort of naked Force ghost."

While Hamill has closed the door on returning, Daisy Ridley will reprise her role as Rey in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's New Jedi Order. This sequel to The Rise of Skywalker will follow Rey's efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order approximately 15 years after the events of the divisive Episode IX.

Details about New Jedi Order remain scarce. Ridley hinted at the project's direction in January 2024 during an AlloCiné interview: "When I understood the vision for this story, I knew I had to be part of it," she shared. "It offers a fascinating new perspective on the Star Wars universe while taking the narrative in unexpected directions."

The Star Wars release calendar includes The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) and Shawn Levy's untitled Star Wars film starring Ryan Gosling (2027).

Upcoming Star Wars Projects Timeline

Lucasfilm announced three major theatrical releases at 2023's Star Wars Celebration: a New Republic film set in the Mandalorian era (directed by Dave Filoni), James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi origins story, and New Jedi Order.

While the Star Wars slate remains fluid and subject to changes, one thing is certain: Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker won't be making any spectral appearances. The franchise is now charting its course toward new horizons with fresh faces steering the Millennium Falcon into uncharted territory.