Mark Hamill, who plays luke Skywalker in the latest Star Wars talks of working with director JJ Abrams and how the film has relatable characters
Tell us about table read and what the new generation bringsIJ
I couldn’t really absorb it the way I wanted to and yet I could envision all these characters. I met them at dinner a couple nights before and they all seemed very nice. Andy Serkis was the only one I really knew of the new cast. But to see them bring these characters to life at table read was a revelation.
Did JJ Abrams talk to you about his visionIJ
We talked about our view of what we liked about the films because I always thought the original trilogy clearly reflects a love for movies. We talked about the snappy repartee and great humour. So, rather than sitting down and laying out his vision for the film, we started talking about not just the Star Wars film, but movies in general. I just hit it off with JJ instantly. He’s easy to talk to and fun to be around.
Is JJ Abrams the perfect choice to reignite this franchiseIJ
like any good Disney animated film, these films appeal to the child in anyone. And, JJ understands that and knows how to reinterpret it as he wants to. We’re lucky they picked him. He’s a kid at heart. He’s a brilliant filmmaker and writer but someone who can instantly relate to the material at hand.
Have they’ve made the world modern in a relatable senseIJ
It’s such a recognizable world. Many young people know so much more about these pictures than I do, because I have not seen them recently. I wasn’t one of those people who wanted to sit down and watch. They’re honouring what has existed before, but coming up with new characters and new obstacles.
Many have never seen the original film. What do you want them to take awayIJ
There was a great undercurrent of optimism in these films. They reinforce what all great fables and fairytales tell you — perseverance and purity of heart will help you succeed. I hope it gives them a sense of adventure and the feeling that if they work really hard, they can succeed as well. That’s what it’s all about.