Mark Hamill looks to be in good shape on the Star Wars: Episode VII backlot

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

While you may have seen quite a few photos of Mark Hamill about town sporting his beard and slimmed down physique, this may be the first time we have seen it in any sort of conjunction with STAR WARS: EPISODE VII. Hamill’s son, Nathan, posted this photo of his dad in front of a cool sign signifying STAR WARS: EPISODE VII is shooting within.

Harrison Ford‘s injury forced production on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII into hiatus, but I think we can pretty much guarantee this is the look Hamill will be seen in when he reprises the iconic role of Luke Skywalker in next year’s film. Like Obi Wan and countless Jedi masters before him, Luke Skywalker now sports a beard. Even Hamill’s hair is parted to the side like his younger self way back in A NEW HOPE.

It is kind of sad that this type of photo gets us so excited but it is a new STAR WARS, damnit! We should be excited about these things! Even when the prequels were filming, I never got this revved up and I think that is due to the return of Ford, Hamill, and Carrie Fisher. The prequels will always be part of canon, but STAR WARS: EPISODE VII already feels more like what a new STAR WARS should be like and we haven’t seen anything yet.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII hits theaters December 18, 2015.