Mark Hamill Reveals Two Star Wars Scenes He Misses Most

For anyone who grew up with Star Wars or just loves classic sci-fi, the saga’s most memorable moments are probably etched in your mind. From the opening attack on Princess Leia’s ship to the final celebration with the rebels, every scene feels iconic. Mark Hamill, who brought Luke Skywalker to life, was at the heart of it all. Yet, even he has a few regrets about what didn’t make it to the big screen.

Looking back, it’s easy to see why the original trilogy is still celebrated. George Lucas crafted a universe with groundbreaking effects that still hold up decades later. Every character, from Han Solo to Chewbacca and R2-D2, became instantly recognizable. The influences behind the films are clear—World War II dogfights, sweeping landscapes inspired by Kurosawa, and the epic feel of The Lord of the Rings mixed with the adventure of Flash Gordon. And, of course, John Williams’ unforgettable score set the tone for generations.

Hamill’s Reflections on Lost Moments

Hamill’s portrayal of the young hero was his breakout role, one that defined his career and left a lasting mark on pop culture. He returned as Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and even now, well into his seventies, he’s still asked about the character. On a recent episode of the Russo brothers ’ film podcast, Hamill shared his thoughts on two scenes he wishes had stayed in the films.

One of those moments was originally set for Return of the Jedi. In the cut scene, Luke is seen building a new green lightsaber in a cave before heading out to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt. The sequence was ultimately removed, but Hamill still thinks it would have added something special to the story.

What Could Have Been for Luke Skywalker

Another scene Hamill misses comes from the very first film. In this deleted moment, Luke looks up from the desert and witnesses a space battle between Vader’s forces and the rebels. He then rushes off to tell his friends about what he’s seen. Hamill believes this would have shown a different side of Luke, one that’s not always confident or popular among his peers.

He explained,

“There are a couple of things that are good for the character. Number one, he is ridiculed roundly by his peers. So he’s not particularly cool or popular. In the final assault on the Death Star, we’re getting picked off left and right… But the thing that motivates me to turn off the targeting device and rely completely on the Force is the death of fellow rebel pilot Biggs Darklighter. It was later that they decided to dub in Obi-Wan’s voice saying, ‘Luke, use the Force’, and that’s when he decides.”

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Decades after the original trilogy, Hamill returned to the galaxy far, far away in The Last Jedi, released in 2017. The film was praised by critics but divided longtime fans. Still, Hamill’s connection to the character and his thoughts on what could have been continue to fascinate audiences, offering a glimpse into the creative choices that shaped one of cinema ’s most beloved heroes.