'Star Wars: Episode 9' Update: Mark Hamill Appearance As Luke Skywalker Depends On JJ Abrams

by Jonnalyn Cortez / Mar 20, 2018 05:32 AM EDT

It will be up to the decision of the movie's director, J.J. Abrams if Luke Skywalker will have an appearance in the Star Wars saga's next installment. Photo by Mr. Spoiler/YouTube Screenshot

Mark Hamill is showing his interest to return to Star Wars: Episode 9. However, it will be up to the movie director's, J.J. Abrams, decision if Luke Skywalker will have an appearance in the Star Wars saga's next installment.

At the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, the 66-year-old star talked about his possible return to Star Wars: Episode 9 to ABC's Clayton Sandell, via Screen Rant. The voice actor told the reporter to negotiate with J.J. Abrams for his possible appearance. He is open to returning to the film if he would be asked.

When asked if Luke really died in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Hamill teased that "only J.J. knows" what would happen in Star Wars: Episode 9. "If you can't have fun making a 'Star Wars' movie, you have serious problems," he continued to say.

To recall, Luke died in Star Wars: The Last Jedi by helping the Resistance escape the Battle of Crait. The Master Jedi fought Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) as a projection through the Force. When the apparition was gone and so his life followed.

Evidently, Luke's physical body is gone in the movie. But, he could still make a return in Star Wars: Episode 9 as a Force ghost. It is a common sighting to see a Force ghost in the film series. In fact, Master Yoda made an appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi to talk to his former apprentice.

If J.J. Abrams decided to let Hamill return in Star Wars: Episode 9 to reprise his role as Luke, he should have an important role and a perfect storyline to officially put an end to the Skywalker saga. His Force ghost should be part of the narrative and not just a simple fan service.

This is not far from happening in Star Wars: Episode 9, though, as Luke has built a connection with Kylo and Rey (Daisy Ridley). As a matter of fact, he told his nephew in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, "See you around, kid." This might hint that he would still look after him in the upcoming movie.

On the other hand, Luke can make an appearance in Star Wars: Episode 9 to give Rey words of wisdom or to continue the third lesson that he promised her. The new Jedi still has a lot of learning to know and she definitely needs the Master Jedi by her side.

Star Wars: Episode 9 is set to be released in December 2019.