Mark Hamill Names the Classic Film That Shaped His Dreams
Mark Hamill opens up about the black-and-white masterpiece that sparked his passion for movies and set him on the path to Hollywood stardom. Discover the film that left a lasting mark on the legendary actor’s life and career.
For decades, Mark Hamill has been inseparable from the role that made him a household name. No matter how many years pass, he remains forever linked to Luke Skywalker, the farm boy from Tatooine who became a galactic hero. When Star Wars burst onto the scene, it didn’t just change Hamill’s life—it transformed the entire movie industry, bringing a wave of hope and adventure to audiences everywhere. At just 24, Hamill was still finding his footing in television, but he saw something special in George Lucas’ script. The story’s humor, universal characters, and wild imagination drew him in, and he managed to break free from his TV commitments to join the space saga. That leap of faith paid off, launching him into stardom and making his face a fixture on action figures and movie posters around the world.
Living in the Shadow of a Legend
With fame came a unique challenge. Hamill found himself forever associated with his iconic role, much like his co-star Carrie Fisher. While he later carved out a successful second act as the voice of The Joker in animated Batman series and video games, his legacy would always be tied to lightsabers and intergalactic battles. The script he first read in 1975 set him on a path that would define his career, fueled by a lifelong love of fantasy and adventure.
The Movie That Sparked His Imagination
When asked about his all-time favorite film during a red carpet interview at the 2025 Academy Governors Awards, Hamill didn’t hesitate to share the movies that shaped his childhood. He mentioned the slapstick antics of Laurel and Hardy, the classic Our Gang shorts, and the suspenseful drama of The Manchurian Candidate. But one film stood above the rest.
“Well, right up at the top would be the black-and-white King Kong from 1933, because that captured me as a little kid and said, ‘I want to be in a business where they make dinosaurs come to life.’”
A Lasting Legacy in Hollywood
The original King Kong, with its groundbreaking special effects and unforgettable story of a giant ape rampaging through New York City, has inspired generations of filmmakers, actors, and special effects artists. The film’s impact on Hamill was profound, planting the seed for his future in Hollywood. While countless remakes and monster movies have followed, none have matched the magic and wonder of that first encounter with Kong nearly ninety years ago.