One Luke Skywalker Moment Is Based On Mark Hamill’s Real-Life Kindness
Warning: contains spoilers to Star Wars #28!As the greatest hero of the Star Wars galaxy, Luke Skywalker is both noble and kind, but it turns out one particularly heartwarming moment is based on the actor who played him for over forty years, Mark Hamill. The ongoing Star Wars series from Marvel Comics takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and has been presenting fans with both big and small moments exploring the true character of Luke.
In this new series, readers get to see new dimensions to Luke as he navigates his responsibilities to the Rebellion and his desire to finish his training as a Jedi. Armed with a new yellow lightsaber and a dual mission to rescue Han Solo and serve the Rebel Alliance, the farm boy from Tatoonie is showing that he is a more mature hero than the kid who blew up the Death Star. Most importantly, he is firmly committed to protecting those in need no matter who they are. Luke proves this when he volunteers to go undercover on Coruscant disguised as an Imperial officer in order to save a desperate family in need. This leads to a scene inspired by none other than Mark Hamill himself.
In Star Wars #28 – from Charles Soule and Andrés Genolet – Luke rescues a family who recently fled the second Death Star. After dodging blaster fire, Luke immediately engages with the children present, making sure they aren’t afraid before getting down to business. Charles Soule confirmed on Twitter that the moment is based on his own interactions with Hamill.
Luke’s Kindness Is True to Life
Hamill was in his twenties when he first portrayed Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope, and since then he has had a prolific career. Beside the character of Luke, Mark Hamill has also found acclaim as a voice actor, and is particularly celebrated as the voice of the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series and other subsequent DC projects. But even though he is an icon of pop culture, Hamill is also known for being a grounded and down-to-earth individual. His compassion for social issues and his sharp wit have earned him a huge following on social media.
It is extremely satisfying that Charles Soule based this one small interaction in Star Wars’ #28 on his own personal experience with Mark Hamill. As a champion of humanity and empathy in Star Wars, it’s incredibly fitting that Luke Skywalker’s actor Mark Hamill apparently embraces those same concepts in real life.
Star Wars #28 is available from Marvel Comics now.
Source: Charles Soule
This bit from STAR WARS #28 was inspired by the time I met @MarkHamill. NY Comicon, backstage. Me, a few pals, their kids.When we met him, Mark *immediately* bent down and greeted the kids first. Chatted, gave them all the time in the world.Their faces looked just like this. pic.twitter.com/nTaT4QmxV0— Charles Soule (@CharlesSoule) October 15, 2022
