Latest news with #MarkHamill
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What Rogue One director Gareth Edwards really thinks about his hit film
Gareth Edwards, director of ' Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', has downplayed claims that his 2016 film is the best Star Wars movie made by Disney since its acquisition of Lucasfilm. Despite earning over $1 billion globally and receiving widespread praise from fans and Star Wars alumni like Mark Hamill, Edwards expressed gratitude but disagreed with the assessment. Edwards explained his deep, lifelong connection to Star Wars, stating it was part of his life before he knew what a film was, and he never stops loving the original trilogy. Tony Gilroy, showrunner for the Disney+ prequel series ' Andor ', was heavily involved in extensive reshoots for 'Rogue One', describing the initial state as a 'mess' that he simplified by focusing on the theme of sacrifice. The 'Andor' series, which serves as a prequel to 'Rogue One', has been widely lauded by critics and fans, with some hailing it as among the greatest television storytelling in the franchise's history.
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mark Hamill Has The Most Bizarre ‘The Last Jedi' Story Ever
The Last Jedi There's a lot of documentation about how dismissive Harrison Ford is of his time working on Star Wars (often in very funny ways), but have you ever heard Mark Hamill talk about it? It can go some…very weird places. Recently, Hamill talked a lot about his experience on The Last Jedi, specifically, on Bullseye on YouTube. He cleared the air about some issues, saying the rumor that he had some sort of problem with Rian Johnson and his vision for Luke was false. 'Nothing could be further from the truth,' and thatJohnson is 'one of the most gifted directors' he's ever worked with. Good to hear! But things get weird when Mark Hamill describes a story he invented in his own mind about why he thought Luke was so bitter about the Force and being a Jedi, hence the lightsaber toss at the start, his general demeanor toward training Rey and getting involved again in another galactic conflict. Here's the 'head cannon' he made for Luke's motivation: Uhh, what? Okayyy. I mean, not sure what to make of that. Not even sure it really makes sense. You hate the Jedi and the Force because…you stored your lightsaber improperly, and your kid got to it? Also, this happens after he gives up being a Jedi because of love? I mean, it's your headcanon man, but that's pretty weird! The Last Jedi I've seen this story passed around, and some are saying that it's still better than the canon reveal that Luke almost killed his own nephew because he saw him as a powerful force-user turning to the dark side. That plot point may have its issues, but no, I'm not going to say it's worse than the idea of Luke's toddler accidentally being skewered with his lightsaber. Put it in a lockbox, Luke! Safety first! The Last Jedi remains the most controversial piece of Star Wars media ever. I'd argue the recent series The Acolyte got close, but that's a low-profile offering than the new trilogy movie. Sentiment has really turned against that whole trilogy altogether at this point. Well, circling back, you can come up with all the motivations you want as an actor, but this one is a real headscratcher, I gotta say. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mark Hamill Shares the ‘Much, Much Darker' Luke Skywalker Backstory He Created for ‘The Last Jedi'
Did you know that Luke Skywalker had a wife and child? According to Mark Hamill, the Jedi has a tragic backstory that never made it to screen. The 'Star Wars' actor went on NPR's 'Bullseye With Jesse Thorn' as part of a press tour for Mike Flanagan's latest Stephen King adaptation, 'The Life of Chuck.' On the podcast, the pair discussed Luke Skywalker's role in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' — a version of the character Hamill famously struggled to get behind. The original trilogy actor told Thorn that he created a backstory for Luke that would help him understand the character's actions in the eighth film of the Skywalker Saga. Let's just hope it isn't canon. 'I said, 'Can I make up my own backstory of why he is the way he is? I don't want to just say, you know, that I have bumped and I have brain damage,'' Hamill said of a conversation with 'The Last Jedi' director Rian Johnson. 'He said, 'Yeah, do whatever you want.' So I made up a much, much darker backstory that I thought could justify him being that way.' Darker is one word for it. You can watch the interview below: The backstory goes like this: Before cutting himself off from the Force, Luke Skywalker gets married. He and his wife then have a child. When the child is still a toddler, it 'picks up an unattended lightsaber, pushes the button and is killed instantly.' Luke's wife, overcome by grief, kills herself in turn. It's not quite the family-friendly tone George Lucas built the franchise on. Hamill said he drew inspiration for the origin from stories of families who leave guns unattended around children in the United States. It's a tragically common occurrence — in 2025 alone, reports 87 unintentional shootings by children. In 2023, this number surpassed 400. 'That resonated with me so deeply,' Hamill said. 'But he [Johnson] didn't have the time to tell a backstory like that, I'm guessing.' Despite receiving broad critical acclaim, 'The Last Jedi' remains the most divisive 'Star Wars' movie. To this day, the 2017 film often finds itself at the center of renewed discourse on social media. The film can be viewed as a flashpoint moment for culture war debates over franchise entertainment. When he first received Johnson's script, Hamill struggled with his role in the film. 'The Last Jedi' sees Luke abandon the Force after Kylo Ren razes his temple of students for his New Jedi Order. At one point, Luke considers killing a young Ben Solo in his sleep after seeing a vision of Kylo Ren's campaign of terror across the galaxy. Hamill praised Johnson as a director, saying he should have kept a tighter lid on his concerns with the project. 'I've heard comments from fans who think that I somehow dislike Rian Johnson,' Hamill said. 'Nothing could be further from the truth.' The post Mark Hamill Shares the 'Much, Much Darker' Luke Skywalker Backstory He Created for 'The Last Jedi' | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Mark Hamill Once Again Shared His Dark Motivations for Luke in ‘The Last Jedi'
Luke Skywalker had a wife and a kid who both killed themselves. Well, not really, but that's what Mark Hamill internalized in order to get into the headspace of the character for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. The actor has shared this information before, but it's been a while, so we figured it was worth discussing again with a little distance. Speaking on Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Hamill explained the headcanon he created to try and understand why Luke Skywalker would have left the Jedi in the sequel trilogy. You can watch the clip here and we'll quote it below. Mark Hamill's MUCH darker backstory idea for Luke in the sequel trilogy 😳 Check out Saturday's episode of Last Week in Star Wars for our thoughts… — Star Wars Explained (@StarWarsExplain) June 26, 2025'I thought, what could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi. Well, the love of a woman,' Hamill said. 'So he falls in love with a woman. He gives up being a Jedi. They have a child together. At some point the child, as a toddler, picks up an unattended lightsaber, pushes the button and is killed instantly. The wife is so full of grief, she kills herself.' He goes on to explain how that sad story resonated with him because of its parallels to modern society and unattended guns and that he didn't really buy the explanation that writer-director Rian Johnson gave in the movie. Over the years, Hamill has been pretty vocal that he didn't agree with Johnson's plans for Luke, which he reiterates here. But that always bothered us a bit. That's because, if you remember back, it was J.J. Abrams, not Rian Johnson, who put Luke on that island. Abrams made a whole movie about Luke on the island, explained nothing, and then just left it to the next guy. That next guy, Johnson, then created a pretty freaking dark and interesting way to explain it all: Luke almost killed his own nephew, who then betrayed him and murdered many, many children as a result. Why his own version worked better for the actor over the one in the movie is unclear. Maybe it's just that Hamill needed a more direct, emotional connection. Whatever the case though, all that matters is he found something to get him to the place where an audience believed. Which he did. Hamill is fantastic in the movie, which we feel is an unexpected but fitting send-off for Luke Skywalker. We're sure every single other person on the internet agrees. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
How to Spot Fake Star Wars Autographs: Tips for New Collectors
Collecting Star Wars memorabilia has become a beloved hobby for fans worldwide. From vintage action figures to exclusive limited-edition posters, every piece holds sentimental and financial value. Among the most sought-after collectibles are Star Wars autographs, especially those signed by iconic cast members like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. However, as interest and prices soar, so does the risk of encountering fake autographs that deceive new and seasoned collectors alike. Understanding how to distinguish genuine Star Wars autographs from counterfeits is essential for protecting your collection and investment. While some fakes are easy to spot, others are impressively deceptive. The good news is that with the right knowledge and a little research, you can build a trustworthy collection of Star Wars memorabilia without falling for scams. This guide offers insight into identifying fake autographs and ensuring authenticity in every purchase. One of the most reliable ways to guarantee authenticity is knowing where and how the autograph was signed. Genuine Star Wars autographs are typically obtained through in-person private signings or at conventions, where the signer is present. Many reputable sellers document these signings with photos or certificates of authenticity to verify the source. If a seller cannot provide background details about how the signature was obtained, it should immediately raise a red flag. New collectors should familiarize themselves with the practices of trusted organizations that conduct private signings. These events are carefully organized and often announced in advance. By following official Star Wars memorabilia networks or visiting known collector pages, you can find announcements for upcoming signings and even attend them yourself. These experiences not only offer authenticity but also create unforgettable moments for fans. Every actor has a unique way of signing their name, and these styles can change slightly over the years. Studying examples of authentic autographs will help you notice inconsistencies in fakes. For instance, a real Mark Hamill signature often includes a distinct swoop and flow, which counterfeiters might fail to replicate accurately. Subtle differences in pressure, angle, or flourish can indicate a fake, especially when the signature seems too 'perfect' or identical across different items. Websites and collector forums dedicated to Star Wars autographs often provide comparison charts and image galleries of verified signatures. Spend time reviewing these before making any purchase. When possible, cross-check with previously sold items from recognized autograph dealers. Developing this visual familiarity is one of the most powerful tools in your collector's toolkit. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can offer peace of mind, but not all COAs are created equal. Some fraudulent sellers create fake certificates to convince buyers that their Star Wars memorabilia is real. The value of a COA depends entirely on the reputation of the issuing company. Well-known companies like Beckett, PSA/DNA, and JSA are considered industry leaders and their authentication processes are trusted by professionals and collectors alike. Before trusting a COA, research the issuing company. Reputable authenticators have secure websites where you can look up the certificate number to verify the match with the described item. If a seller provides a COA from an unknown or questionable source, it's better to be cautious. A genuine autograph should be able to stand up to third-party verification from industry experts. Another aspect that helps in spotting fake Star Wars autographs is the medium on which the autograph is placed. Authentic signatures are typically found on high-quality prints, posters, or photos—often with sharp resolution and official branding. Poorly printed or pixelated images with signatures can indicate forgeries, especially if the ink appears printed rather than applied by hand. Genuine Star Wars memorabilia items often bear specific visual characteristics, such as logos, watermarks, or official event stamps. If you're uncertain about a piece, compare it with similar signed items from reputable auction houses or collector events. You can even use magnification tools to examine the ink and detect signs of pre-printing or auto-pen usage, which are common in fake signatures. When buying Star Wars autographs, the credibility of the seller is just as important as the item itself. Reputable dealers maintain a strong presence in the collector community and are transparent about the history of their items. These sellers usually offer return policies and openly provide provenance details. In contrast, unverified online sellers, especially on auction sites, often deal in mass-produced fakes without accountability. Look for reviews, customer feedback, and community recommendations before making a purchase. Many trusted sellers are active participants in forums or attend major fan conventions. Additionally, websites specializing in Star Wars memorabilia will often have a dedicated section showcasing past and upcoming signings, ensuring that their stock is always authenticated and traceable. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Star Wars autographs come at a price, reflecting the value of the actor's signature and the rarity of the piece. Sellers offering rare signatures for significantly discounted rates may be trying to lure inexperienced buyers into purchasing fakes. Price should always be evaluated in the context of the autograph's authenticity, origin, and condition. Educating yourself about current market trends and pricing is essential. Browse reliable sources and marketplaces to understand the typical value range for specific signatures. If a seller is offering a full cast-signed poster at half the normal price, consider it a red flag unless supported by rock-solid authentication. Patience and caution are key traits in successful collecting. The world of Star Wars memorabilia has evolved over the decades, and so has autograph collecting. Initially, signatures were handed out casually at events or through fan mail. Today, they are often organized via professional signings, with documented attendance and photos. Learning about the historical shifts in autograph collecting can help you identify whether an item fits within the right timeline or not. Collectors often share stories and experiences in online communities, highlighting how certain signatures were acquired and what red flags they've encountered. By joining these forums and participating in discussions, you'll gain firsthand knowledge and valuable tips that will strengthen your confidence as a buyer. Experience is a powerful teacher in the collector's journey. Ink type can offer a strong clue to the authenticity of Star Wars autographs. Genuine autographs are signed with Sharpie pens or other archival-grade markers that leave unique stroke patterns. Printed or replicated signatures often lack depth and variation in ink distribution. If the ink appears too flat or uniform, it might be a reproduction rather than an original hand-signed piece. Hold the item at an angle under a light source and observe how the ink reflects. Real ink should exhibit slight texture, smudges, or pressure points—natural signs of human handwriting. In contrast, printed signatures have a mechanically perfect look, often devoid of real-life imperfections. These subtle details can reveal whether you're holding true Star Wars memorabilia or an imitation. For any collector, especially beginners, rushing into purchases can lead to regrets. Take your time to learn, observe, and consult experts before spending significant money on Star Wars autographs. The excitement of owning a piece of your favorite franchise should be balanced with due diligence and research. Trustworthy collecting takes time, and every mistake avoided is a win. Attend conventions, sign up for newsletters from established memorabilia sites, and explore private signing announcements. Being actively involved in the collector community not only enhances your knowledge but also opens opportunities to purchase authenticated items directly. When you invest effort into the process, you build a collection that holds long-term value and authenticity. Every collector starts somewhere, and the journey is filled with learning opportunities. The more you engage with other fans, educate yourself about autograph styles, and understand the origins of your items, the more confident you'll become in identifying genuine Star Wars memorabilia. Fake autographs might exist, but armed with the right tools and insights, you can avoid them and enjoy building a collection that is both meaningful and legitimate. Whether you're purchasing from private signings, conventions, or online shops, the key is to always seek transparency and authenticity. Let your passion guide your collecting habits, but never ignore the importance of verification. With the right mindset and careful attention, you'll soon become a savvy collector of authentic Star Wars autographs—one signature at a time. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
