Mark Hamill is known for his iconic portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, starting with the 1977 original directed by George Lucas. Hamill starred in the original trilogy before returning for the sequels. As a result, Hamill has become synonymous with the role of Luke Skywalker across different generations of moviegoers.
Given Hamill’s popularity as the main character in Star Wars, it is difficult for fans to imagine someone else in the role. Despite this, Hamill himself felt that he wasn’t going to be playing Luke Skywalker in the original movie. Hamill attributed his confusion to the casting of another actor who attained an iconic status for his Star Wars role and here is what Hamill had to say.
Mark Hamill Was Confused by Harrison Ford’s Casting in Star Wars
Actor Mark Hamill played the role of Luke Skywalker in 1977’s Star Wars, written and directed by George Lucas. Over the years, Hamill has become synonymous with the role but admitted that he was skeptical about his casting in the first installment of the space opera saga.
During a conversation with co-star Frank Oz, Hamill revealed he felt that he was cast to play a sidekick in the movie, behind actor Harrison Ford, who he expected to be playing the lead role of Luke Skywalker following his screentest.
I’m thinking because from the screen test, Harrison was the leading man you know he was cool he was like you know he was to me just the perfect leading man and I was sort of the annoying sidekick you know.
Hamill made the above statement, explaining that he had forgotten the role he was set to play after his initial screen test. As a result, when he received the full script and read the working title, which featured the name Luke Skywalker, he thought it was Ford’s character.
Furthermore, when Hamill read Luke’s description in the script, he felt that Ford was too old to play a teenager at the time, adding to his confusion. Therefore, the veteran actor called his agent and asked about his role, learning that he was actually cast as Luke Skywalker.
Mark Hamill Praised George Lucas’ Original Star Wars Script
During the same interview, Hamill shared his reaction to reading George Lucas‘ script for the now iconic movie for the first time. The actor admitted that even without the amazing VFX and brilliant background score from John Williams, the screenplay stood out to him as a visceral experience.
I couldn’t believe my eyes and I just… I got goosebumps.
Hamill made the above statement, expressing how he was completely blown away after reading the script for the first time. Despite enjoying the script, Hamill admitted in the interview that his screen test for the movie was a rather odd experience.
The actor revealed that he was given a modified version of the scene where the heroes approach the Death Star, albeit without Obi-Wan and Chewbacca. As a result, Hamill was unsure about how to approach the part since he was in the dark about the film’s overall tone, wondering if it was supposed to be a parody.
The Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+.
