After seven months of painful speculation, Mark Hamill has been confirmed by Lucasfilm to return in Episode IX.
The actor who plays Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, has enjoyed the speculation on his social media accounts over the past few months as fans agonised over Luke’s apparent demise in The Last Jedi. There has always been the option of a return using the same Force Ghost method that say Alec Guinness reprise his role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back and it remains to be seen whether the same method (or some other plot device) will see the return of one of the most loved Star Wars actors, and characters.
Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams returns to direct the final installment of the Skywalker saga. Abrams co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio.
Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.
