Mark Hamill: A Legacy Beyond the Force
As Yoda wisely stated, “We are what they grow beyond.” Mark Hamill, the iconic Luke Skywalker, recently shared touching anecdotes about introducing the world of Star Wars to his children, revealing vastly different reactions. This conversation unfolded during an interview with USA TODAY, coinciding with his exciting new partnership with The Lego Group.
Sharing the Galaxy with Family
Hamill, 74, fondly remembers bringing his eldest son, Nathan, born during the production of The Empire Strikes Back, onto the set of 1983’s Return of the Jedi. “He was totally into it,” Hamill recalls. “He could sit in Yoda’s house because he was little. He was perfectly proportioned. He sat on the Emperor’s throne. He was in the creature shop, and they were letting him play with things.” He likened the experience to his own time on The Muppet Show, expressing a joyful envy for his son’s immersive experience.
However, his younger son, Griffin, born in 1983, held a different perspective. “My second son, Griffin, is more analytical and serious, and he says: ‘You know, Star Wars movies just aren’t for me. They’re too commercial for my liking,’” Hamill shared with a chuckle. “My daughter likes them. Kids are all different!”
A New Role: J.E.D.I. with LEGO
Hamill’s latest venture sees him collaborating with LEGO to promote their innovative “Star Wars” sets featuring SMART Play technology. Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, SMART Play utilizes a custom-made chip to enhance interactivity, with bricks that light up, make sounds, and respond to play.
In a playful nod to the franchise, LEGO has appointed Hamill as their Junior Executive Director of Information – or J.E.D.I. “Do you get the acronym there?” he quipped during a Zoom interview, proudly displaying his official nameplate.
Fans can connect with Hamill directly on April 8th, from noon to 8 p.m. ET, by calling 1-877-80-ASK-MARK to hear fascinating facts about the LEGO sets. Select callers will even have the opportunity to join a live video chat with the star.
A Lifelong Love of Toys
Hamill’s enthusiasm for toys isn’t new. He describes them as “therapeutic” and admits he’s never truly outgrown his passion for them. He fondly remembers using his early earnings to repurchase toys he couldn’t afford as a child, citing the game Lie Detector as a prime example. He was particularly captivated by the Star Wars merchandising, recalling his delight at discovering the first Star Wars comic book at a newsstand. “I bought every comic, maybe 16 copies, (and) gave them out to friends,” he says. “I was thrilled about that. I loved the toy aspect of it.”
He contrasts his own excitement with the reactions of his co-stars: Harrison Ford was indifferent, while Carrie Fisher found it amusing. He even reminisces about the peak achievement of seeing Star Wars characters on the back of Kellogg’s Corn Pops boxes: “Forget about the Oscars. I’m on a box of Kellogg’s Corn Pops!”
The Future of the Galaxy
Hamill’s partnership with LEGO coincides with a new chapter for Star Wars. The franchise is preparing for the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 22nd, and Lucasfilm has a new leader in Dave Filoni, succeeding Kathleen Kennedy.
Hamill expresses unwavering confidence in Filoni’s leadership, noting his deep understanding of the franchise and his mentorship under George Lucas. “George was a mentor to Dave, so he knows George’s sensibility,” Hamill explains, praising Filoni’s work on “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” Hamill himself contributed to both shows, reprising his role as Luke Skywalker.
Star Wars recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the beginning of filming on the original movie. Disney plans to re-release the first film in theaters in February 2027. “It doesn’t feel like 50 years, and it makes you feel old,” Hamill admits, recalling fond memories unearthed from a 1976 date book. “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
Source: USA Today
