‘Star Wars: Episode VII’: Witness Mark Hamill’s ‘Contractually-Obligated’ Jedi Beard
Does Luke Skywalker go the way of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode VII? Actor Mark Hamill was interviewed at the U.K. Guardians of the Galaxy premiere where he was sporting a very Jedi master-like bit of facial hair. Does it lend credence to recent rumors around the hotly anticipated revival of the Star Wars films?
Hamill was asked by the BBC if it was “great being reunited with Han and Leia” for Episode VII.
“Fantastic,” he replied. “Again, I thought even if they did a third trilogy, we wouldn’t be involved. Because it’s really about the new generation of characters. We’re just there to lend our support, and grow contractually-obligated beards.”
As you can see in the image from the interview above, the beard is real and quite bushy, too. It doesn’t quite reach Duck Dynasty levels, but it’s definitely on the level of Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first Star Wars film.
Obi-Wan was a hermit living on Tatooine in that film. Does Hamill’s Luke Skywalker look for the filming of Episode VII indicate he will enjoy a similar state of being? The most recent rumors indicate that the new Star Wars characters meet up with Han Solo and Chewbacca following the discovery of a lightsaber. Luke’s lightsaber and his old friends haven’t seen him in more than 30 years.
Hamill was also asked about how which or the original trilogy of Star Wars films that Episode VII most resembled in turns of tone. The actor demurred making a direct comparison, but did make a statement that should give Star Wars fans who were disappointed with the prequels some hope.
“It really has the spirit of that whole universe,” Hamill said when asked if Episode VII was more like A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, or Return of the Jedi. “In other words, the characters are so relatable. I think that’s the most important thing. Because no matter what kind of special effects you have the audience has to identify with each of the characters. They’ve done a great job – JJ [Abrams] and Lawrence Kasdan – in writing a script where you immediately understand who these people are and relate to them.”
Star Wars: Episode VII is currently scheduled to be released on December 18, 2015. The film is being directed and produced by J.J. Abrams with Kathleen Kennedy and Bryan Burk also in producer roles. The film stars returning Star Wars actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker plus brand new cast members John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Christina Chong, Crystal Clarke, and Pip Anderson.
[Images via BBC, Disney]
