As Ryan Gosling steps into a galaxy far, far away for the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, franchise legend Mark Hamill says he’s more than ready to let the next generation lead the way.

Mark Hamill Proudly Passes the Torch

Mark Hamill, the man who brought Luke Skywalker to life and helped shape one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history, has officially given his blessing to Ryan Gosling, who’s set to star in the new Star Wars film, Starfighter.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on Oct. 29, 2025, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Hamill, 74, reflected on the next chapter of the Star Wars saga.

“I’ve been a fan of Ryan’s for years,” Hamill said. “He doesn’t need advice from me. They’re doing so well. I had my time — now I’m the one who should be asking for advice from them.”

Hamill also revealed his admiration for Gosling’s comedic side, referencing the actor’s Saturday Night Live appearance as Beavis in a 2024 sketch.

“That was the best live-action Beavis I’ve ever seen,” Hamill joked. “It made me a super fan.”

Ryan Gosling Leads Star Wars: Starfighter

Directed by Shawn Levy, known for Free Guy and Deadpool 3, Star Wars: Starfighter will introduce audiences to an entirely new story within the Star Wars universe. Levy revealed during Star Wars Celebration Tokyo in April 2025 that the film is neither a prequel nor a sequel, but a completely fresh adventure set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.

“It’s not a prequel, not a sequel,” Levy explained. “It carries the Star Wars DNA — the spirit, the adventure, the myth — but with a whole new cast of characters in a different era after the Battle of Exegol.”

The movie, currently in production and slated for release on May 28, 2027, stars Ryan Gosling as a daring starfighter pilot navigating a turbulent galaxy in the post-Empire era. Levy shared a first-look image from the set in September 2025 featuring Gosling alongside young actor Flynn Gray, teasing an emotional mentor-apprentice relationship reminiscent of earlier Star Wars legends.

The ensemble cast also includes Amy Adams, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Matt Smith, Daniel Ings, Jamael Westman, and Simon Bird — signaling a blend of established stars and fresh faces for a new generation of fans.

Hamill Reflects on His Legacy as Luke Skywalker

Mark Hamill first wielded a lightsaber in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope and reprised his role in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and later in the sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker). His last live-action appearance as Luke came in The Book of Boba Fett (2022).

After decades of playing the Jedi Knight who defined heroism for millions, Hamill says he’s at peace with closing that chapter.

“When people ask if I’d return, I always say, ‘Luke had his time,’” Hamill explained. “It’s such a privilege to see how Star Wars continues to evolve beyond my generation.”

Ryan Gosling Brings a New Era of Star Wars to Life

Ryan Gosling’s involvement marks a new creative era for Star Wars, blending emotional storytelling with blockbuster energy. Known for his performances in La La Land, Drive, and The Fall Guy, Gosling’s casting surprised fans — but has already generated massive buzz online.

“Ryan Gosling is making the Star Wars franchise cooler and more dynamic than ever,” Levy told PEOPLE earlier this year. “He brings heart, humor, and humanity — everything that made the original films special.”

As filming continues across multiple global locations — including rumored Mediterranean coastlines and desert landscapes — anticipation for Starfighter continues to soar among fans eager to see a new generation take flight.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

For Hamill, watching Star Wars expand with new heroes like Gosling’s character is both nostalgic and inspiring.

“I never imagined when we made the first movie that people would still be talking about it nearly fifty years later,” Hamill said. “That’s the power of storytelling — it keeps going long after we’re gone.”

With Starfighter preparing for its 2027 release, both longtime fans and newcomers will experience the next great chapter in the galaxy far, far away — one that bridges the wisdom of the old Jedi with the courage of a new pilot ready to take on the stars.