Mark Hamill Reflects On Lucasfilm Leadership Change

Actor Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” franchise, has never been shy about voicing his opinion. Recently, both Lucasfilm and Disney experienced a leadership shakeup. In January 2026, Kathleen Kennedy stepped down as President of Lucasfilm and was replaced by both Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan. In March, Josh D’Amaro officially succeeded Bob Iger as Disney CEO. Many fans have been wondering how these changes might affect the franchise going forward, but Hamill doesn’t seem too concerned about its future.

Mark Hamill Shares His Thoughts On Dave Filoni

While promoting his new role with The Lego Group, the 74-year-old actor praised Dave Filoni, who worked directly with George Lucas on the animated series “The Clone Wars,” while speaking to USA Today.

Hamill said that Filoni understands the franchise “so well” and “can’t think of better hands” to take over the galaxy far, far away. He also praised the “great stuff” Filoni has worked on, including “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” both of which featured a young Luke Skywalker.

“George was a mentor to Dave, so he knows George’s sensibility,” Hamill added.

Mark Hamill Celebrates 50 Years Of ‘Star Wars’

March 22, 2026, marked the 50^th anniversary of the day that filming on the first movie began. Disney will be celebrating the milestone by putting “A New Hope” back in theaters in February 2027.  

“It doesn’t feel like 50 years, and it makes you feel old,” Hamill said, revealing that he had recently been reminiscing about the path with a 1976 date book filled with notes about the film’s production.

He recalled how it was “bringing back such memories,” adding, “time flies when you’re having fun!”

Mark Hamill Reveals Which Of His Children Are Interested In ‘Star Wars’

Hamill revealed that each of his children has a different reaction to the franchise. He revealed that his oldest son, Nathan, who was born during the production of “The Empire Strikes Back,” visited him on the set of “Return of the Jedi,” which marked the final installment in the original trilogy.

“He was totally into it,” Hamill recalled. “He could sit in Yoda’s house because he was little. He was perfectly proportioned. He sat on the Emperor’s throne. He was in the creature shop, and they were letting him play with things.”

“When I did ‘The Muppet Show,’ same thing,” he continued. “I thought, ‘What a wonderful experience for him.’ … I was almost envious of him being able to have all these experiences.”

Not All Of His Children Are Interested In ‘Star Wars’

1983 was the year “Return of the Jedi” was released in theaters. It was also the year his son Griffin was born. However, he was less interested in the franchise than his older brother was.

“My second son, Griffin, is more analytical and serious, and he says: ‘You know, Star Wars movies just aren’t for me. They’re too commercial for my liking,’” Hamill said.

However, he went on to say, “My daughter likes them. Kids are all different!”

Mark Hamill Was Fascinated By Tie-In Merchandising

While working with LEGO to promote an upcoming line of SMART Play LEGO sets, Hamill revealed that he’s always loved toys, calling them “therapeutic.” One of the first things he bought with his “Star Wars” paycheck was all the toys he wanted as a kid that he couldn’t afford, like the game Lie Detector.

He also revealed that, out of the whole cast, he was the “most enamored” by all the “Star Wars” action figures and tie-in merchandise that the franchise has since become known for, such as games and comic books.

“I bought every comic, maybe 16 copies, (and) gave them out to friends,” he recalled. “I was thrilled about that. I loved the toy aspect of it. Harrison was sort of, ‘Eh, whatever.’ He didn’t really care. Carrie thought it was kind of fun. But I was the real enthusiast.”

He also loved running across boxes of cereal with “Star Wars” characters’ faces on them when he went grocery shopping. “To me, this was a peak achievement,” he said, adding, “Forget about the Oscars. I’m on a box of Kellogg’s Corn Pops!”