Mark Hamill says the sexual orientation of Luke Skywalker is entirely dependent on the personal interpretation of the audience.
Speaking in a recent interview, the 74-year-old actor addressed the recurring fan question regarding whether the Jedi Knight is gay. Hamill noted that because the original films by George Lucas never addressed the character's romantic life, the identity remains open-ended.
"So if you want him to be gay, he is. If you don't want him to be, he's not. It's whatever you want," Hamill said.
The struggle for canon
While Hamill maintains an open stance, Lucasfilm has historically leaned toward a heterosexual narrative. In the 1990s, the 'Expanded Universe' introduced Mara Jade, a character who eventually became Luke's wife.
However, the recent Disney-era reset of the Star Wars canon has removed Jade from the official timeline. Authors Timothy Zahn and Claudia Gray confirmed at MegaCon 2026 that Lucasfilm has rejected attempts to reinsert the character into the current canon.
This omission has caused friction among long-time fans who view Jade as a vital part of Skywalker's history. Hamill, however, focuses more on the emotional connection viewers have with the saga than on specific plot points.
He noted that fans often use the films to process personal life events, such as family divorces or loss. "They personalize it, in a way," Hamill said. "You realize, it's wonderful to be part of something that's important to their childhood."
Despite the heavy themes of the franchise, Hamill also shared lighter memories from the set of 'Return of the Jedi.' He recalled joking with the late Carrie Fisher about whether his character's connection to Princess Leia made him royalty.
"I'd say, weeks later, 'I don't know, Lord Vader... Queen Amidala... Princess Leia. I mean, even with the identity, you'd think that it would make me some sort of royalty,'" Hamill said.
Fisher's response was always blunt. "She'd say, 'Get over it! You're not royalty!'"
