Mark Hamill Prepares to Hand Over ‘Star Wars’ Franchise to Ryan Gosling
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Mark Hamill reveals his willingness to pass on the lightsaber of ‘Star Wars’ to Ryan Gosling. The iconic actor expressed his belief that Gosling and the team working on the latest ‘Star Wars’ installment, titled ‘Starfighter,’ do not require any guidance from him. Hamill, well-known for his role as Luke Skywalker, humbly stated, “They’re doing so well. I had my time. I’m going to ask for advice from them.”
The conversation took place during the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, where Hamill received the festival’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on October 29, 2025. Notably, Ryan Gosling, who is set to lead the upcoming ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ film, has been making waves in the Star Wars universe. Director Shawn Levy made the exciting announcement during a Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo on April 17, captivating fans with the promise of a fresh adventure.
Reflecting on Gosling’s involvement in the franchise, Hamill shared his admiration for the talented actor’s performances, particularly referencing a comedic sketch Gosling did on Saturday Night Live in April 2024. In the sketch, Gosling portrayed Beavis from the popular ’90s animated series, ‘Beavis and Butt-Head.’ Hamill commended Gosling’s portrayal as the “best live Beavis” he had ever seen, showcasing his respect for Gosling’s versatility and talent.
Hamill’s journey with the ‘Star Wars’ franchise has been nothing short of legendary, with his reprisal of the character Luke Skywalker in sequels like ‘The Force Awakens,’ ‘The Last Jedi,’ and ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Despite his iconic status within the ‘Star Wars’ universe, Hamill expressed contentment in passing the torch to the next generation of actors and filmmakers, acknowledging that it was time for new voices to shape the future of the beloved franchise.
On October 29, amidst accolades for his recent work including ‘The Life of Chuck,’ Hamill’s humility and genuine appreciation for the evolution of ‘Star Wars’ were palpable. His willingness to step back and let Gosling and the new wave of creatives take the reins demonstrates a deep respect for the legacy of the franchise while embracing the inevitability of change and growth.
Ryan Gosling’s involvement in ‘Starfighter’ signifies a new chapter in the ‘Star Wars’ saga, with Levy hinting at a narrative untethered by prequels or sequels, promising a fresh interpretation of the beloved universe. The highly-anticipated film is scheduled to hit theatres on May 28, 2027, promising audiences an exciting and innovative take on the iconic franchise.
As fans eagerly await the next installment in the ‘Star Wars’ universe, the passing of the lightsaber from Hamill to Gosling symbolises a seamless transition between generations of talent. The legacy of ‘Star Wars’ continues to evolve, guided by the dedication and passion of individuals like Mark Hamill and the promising new talents like Ryan Gosling, ensuring that the Force will always be with us in galaxies far, far away.