Mark Hamill Supports Ryan Gosling as New Star Wars Lead in Upcoming Film

Mark Hamill, famed for his role as Luke Skywalker, has expressed admiration for Ryan Gosling, who will star in the upcoming Star Wars film Starfighter, set to release in 2027. Hamill praised Gosling's performance in a 2024 Saturday Night Live sketch and stated that the new generation of Star Wars actors and creators do not need advice from him, as they are doing very well. He acknowledged having had his time in the franchise and is instead open to learning from the new talent. Hamill’s character Luke Skywalker last appeared physically in The Rise of Skywalker and briefly in The Mandalorian through performance capture, but he has indicated he is stepping back from the role. Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy, is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker and aims to introduce fresh storylines and characters, moving beyond the Skywalker saga. Hamill’s comments reflect his support and confidence in the future direction of the Star Wars franchise under new leadership.