Star Wars Is “More Enjoyable” Now Than It’s Ever Been, Says Mark Hamill

Even after 40 years of Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill’s special affinity with Star Wars has withstood the test of time.

As a matter of fact, the screen legend, who recently became the latest addition to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, believes playing the role of Luke Skywalker is “much more enjoyable” now than the Original Trilogy in the sense that he’s gained a “little perspective” over his younger self.

Mark Hamill was only 25 years old at the time of A New Hope, and during a candid interview with RTE’s The Late Late Show (h/t ComicBook.com), the Star Wars mainstay touched base on his long and decorated career within Lucasfilm’s space opera, and what it’s like to be a part of the world’s biggest franchise for more than 40 years.

I had a beginning, a middle and an end with this thing, I didn’t think that even if they went on and did new films that they’d ask us to come back. It’s so much more enjoyable now because you have a little perspective. When you’re in your twenties, it was my first film, I was like ‘they’re all going to be like this!’

I think the most gratifying thing it the generational aspect. The original fans have grown up, they’re sharing them with their children and they’re timeless in a way.

Elsewhere, the fan-favorite addressed the loss of the late, great Carrie Fisher, whose final performance was immortalized by the release of The Last Jedi. Hamill also echoed Rian Johnson’s previous comments by lamenting the fact that Fisher would have enjoyed a more prominent role in Star Wars: Episode IX.

She’s so vibrant, it’s hard to think of her in the past tense. And it’s really a shame because in this next episode she was meant to be more prominent. J.J. [Abrams] wouldn’t tell me! I’d go on Ryan’s show and blab it to everyone. I haven’t received a script, but listen, I had a spectacular entrance in seven, a spectacular exit in eight, and I’m just as happy to be in the audience as I am up on the screen.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is currently available across Digital HD and will make its way onto Blu-ray and DVD before the month is out. Looking further afield, J.J. Abrams will get the ball rolling on Episode IX this summer ahead of its own launch in December of 2019.