‘Star Wars Episode IX’ Luke Skywalker Hints Dropped By Mark Hamill In Bye-Bye Beard Post
It seems that Luke Skywalker is getting a makeover for his appearance in the next installment of the "Star Wars" film series' prequel trilogy, as his actor Mark Hamill recent shared a video of his beard being shaved off, with the description for the video heavily implying that the reason may be for his role in the films.
The Luke Skywalker actor and Joker voice actor shared the video on his official "HamillHimself" Twitter account. The footage ran for a short 36 minutes, showing Hamill getting his facial hair mowed off in time with some comedic music.
What made the post interesting is the caption added to it, where Hamill wrote that he has not "seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX) @popculturequest"
That little "til 'Episode IX'" bit is what gave the post its gravitas, since it implies that something will change with Hamill's role as Luke Skywalker come "Star Wars Episode IX" releases on 2019. The actor previously reprised his role in the main series with a very short appearance at the end of the last installment, "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens." For the next film, "Star Wars Episode VIII," the actor is expected to have a far larger role as the legendary Jedi Master and destroyer of the Dark Side of the Force.
It was previously heavily rumored that Luke Skywalker will actually die in the next film, based on Hamill's statements to fans at an appearance at a charity event in London back in June. Hamill reportedly said "I finish 'Episode VIII," and then I'm out of work." That offhand remark then sent the "Star Wars" fanbase into a crazed frenzy, with many taking it to mean that Luke will die and so Hamill will be out of another job.
The actor then took to Twitter to clarify the issue, posting that he "meant 'out of work' because e #Ep8 is wrapping soon, OK? #DontOverThinkEVERYTHING #ParsingHamill #WaitForVIII." Meaning that his "out of work" remark simply meant that he would just not be doing anything.
This recent post by the actor suggests that his role as Luke Skywalker in "Episode VIII" outright calls for his beard to be shaved. This suggests that Luke's role in the story might feature a "getting back into the fight," complete with a makeover to remove the old hermit look. That is until "Episode IX" where he would be allowed to grow out his beard again.
Whatever the case may be, fans will still have to wait a long time before even "Episode VIII" arrives, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be the franchise' next installment this December before "Star Wars: Episode VIII" hits next year.