Think again if you were hoping to see Mark Hamill return as Luke Skywalker's Force ghost. The legendary actor has definitively ruled out rejoining the iconic sci-fi franchise, emphasizing that it's time for Star Wars to move beyond legacy characters and embrace new stories.

During an interview with ComicBook.com promoting his latest film, The Life of Chuck, Hamill was questioned about potentially appearing as Luke's Force ghost in the upcoming Rey-centered Star Wars film, New Jedi Order. His response was unequivocal: absolutely not. After all, Luke’s robes were left behind in 2017's The Last Jedi.

“I feel incredibly thankful to George [Lucas] for giving me the opportunity to be part of Star Wars back then, during those unassuming early days when George referred to it as ‘the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,’” Hamill responded.

“None of us anticipated it evolving into a lasting franchise and a pillar of pop culture. But for me, I’ve had my moment. I’m grateful for that, yet I genuinely believe the focus should shift toward the future and all the new characters.

“Besides, when my character vanished in [The Last Jedi], I left my robes behind. There’s simply no way I would reappear as a Force ghost without them.”

However, Rey is confirmed to return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's sequel to the widely criticized Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker. The film will follow Rey as she endeavors to restore the Jedi Order approximately 15 years after the events of the previous installment.

Details about New Jedi Order remain scarce. In January 2024, Ridley hinted at more about the project during a conversation with AlloCiné: "Once I understood the storyline and everything involved, I knew it was something I truly wanted to pursue," she shared. “I believe it offers a fascinating exploration of the Star Wars universe. It’s an innovative approach that takes the narrative in a refreshing direction."

In the nearer future, The Mandalorian and Grogu is scheduled for release in 2026. Star Wars: Starfighter, Shawn Levy's Star Wars film featuring Ryan Gosling, is expected in 2027.

All Upcoming Star Wars Films and Series

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At the 2023 Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm unveiled three new Star Wars movies: a New Republic film directed by Dave Filoni set in his Mando-verse, James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi, and the previously mentioned New Jedi Order.

Numerous changes are likely as upcoming Star Wars movies and series develop. But one thing is certain: Mark Hamill will not be involved as Force ghost Luke.