MOVIE NEWS – Mark Hamill has shared mixed feelings about artificial intelligence and what it could mean for the future of Luke Skywalker. While fascinated by the technology, the actor admits he is uneasy about how AI might be used. Ultimately, he believes any decision about his digital legacy would involve his family.

Mark Hamill will always be synonymous with Luke Skywalker, but the question remains what becomes of the character decades from now. The The Long Walk actor has already stated that he has no intention of physically returning to Star Wars projects, yet the rise of AI has opened a new and complicated discussion.

Speaking to Variety ahead of voicing Davy Jones in The SpongeBob Movie, Hamill was asked about the growing number of AI-generated videos circulating online. One example mentioned involved Luke Skywalker conversing with the Force Ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Hamill explained that there is often a disconnect between fan expectations and how actors view their work. “I haven’t seen that. There’s a separation between the fan world and myself. Actors do the job and then move on. Star Wars is a unique, ongoing franchise, and Disney is doing incredibly well. They’ve created so much since I left. I had my time. Now I’m just a fan. I love Rogue One, The Mandalorian, and Andor. They’re doing great without me”, he said.

The discussion then shifted to Disney’s partnership with OpenAI, which allows fans to create short videos featuring Disney-owned characters without legal consequences. Given that Star Wars is included, Hamill was asked how he felt about the idea.

“It’s fascinating to watch it develop, but I’m also apprehensive about how it will be used. The story of an AI-generated actress signing with a major agency is mind-blowing. Will she stay the same age forever? It’s hard to predict the future, but I guess I’ll have to talk to my family about whether they want me to appear in a Star Wars movie 30 years from now after I’m gone”, Hamill admitted.

Mark Hamill Has Closed the Door on Star Wars – For Now

Although Hamill made a surprise appearance in The Mandalorian as a de-aged Luke Skywalker, followed by another appearance via deepfake technology in The Book of Boba Fett, he has indicated that his journey with the franchise is complete during his lifetime.

“I feel like I had my time, and I love what they’re doing with The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. They asked me to do brief cameos when Luke was at the height of his powers. I told George it’s like stopping James Bond’s story before it really begins. Luke has a beginning and an end, but no middle. That’s just how it played out”, Hamill explained.

The future of Luke Skywalker remains uncertain. With James Earl Jones having signed over the rights to his voice for continued use as Darth Vader, questions linger about whether Hamill might one day do the same. It is not impossible that Luke Skywalker could one day remain forever linked to his likeness.

Source: MovieWeb