It’s no exaggeration to say that Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon. Given its impact, adult fans who watched the original as kids were understandably thrilled when Disney+ announced The Mandalorian, a series that has followed the titular character’s journey to protect the Force-sensitive Grogu, a.k.a Baby Yoda. However, viewers were in for an even bigger treat when Mark Hamill (with the help of some de-aging technology) appeared in the Season 2 finale as Luke Skywalker, after claiming that he was done playing the Jedi. The moment brought some older fans to tears, and the response was so overwhelming that it shocked even the son of Darth Vader.
On an episode of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, a Disney+ documentary series that follows the production of the Star Wars spin-off, Mark Hamill spoke on the incredible fan response to his cameo. The actor and social media wizard, who’s known for his commitment to upholding the legacy of the franchise, was incredibly touched by viewers’ reactions. He said:
Jon [Favreau] sent me links to reaction videos, which were just, you know — ‘cause I don’t get to see these things in the audience. To see grown men cry, and just those people screaming their heads off. It was really, really thrilling for me to see them enjoying it so much.
Mark Hamill has always been gracious to his fans, but it’s wonderful to know just how much he cares about the audience. While some actors attempt to distance themselves from the projects that made them famous, Mark Hamill clearly loves Star Wars. From a yearly social media celebration of May the Fourth to constant online interactions with fans, the former Jedi has nothing but appreciation for George Lucas' cosmic world and its dedicated fanbase. He said as much on Disney Gallery:
We love the fans. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you. They are the most loyal, passionate group of people that I’ve ever encountered. I just have a deep gratitude for their enthusiasm over the years.
One thing you really can't help but appreciate is how Mark Hamill shouts out his adult fans as well as the younger ones. The movies people love as kids can influence them well into adulthood, and there are Star Wars fans who have spent their entire lives dreaming of a galaxy far, far away. They’re the same fans who watched a younger Mark Hamill in the original Star Wars movies, so to see their childhood idol resurrect a beloved character decades later - and as a surprise, no less - was surely the kind of moment they’ll remember forever.
The Mandalorian Season 2 (starring Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ming-Na Wen) is available to stream now on Disney+. A third season has been confirmed but does not currently have a premiere date.
