Star Wars Celebration 2016: Our 5 Favorite Moments From Mark Hamill’s Panel!

Mark Hamill took the stage in London at Star
Wars Celebration 2016 on Friday for a Q&A.

The panel ended in a standing ovation, and here’s
why — he’s hilarious and heartwarming!

Here are five of the fun stories and facts he shared during his
hour-long chat with fans at the event.

Mark Hamill attends the European premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at Leicester Square on December 16, 2015 in London
Mark Hamill attends the European premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at Leicester Square on December 16, 2015 in London (Getty Images)

Luke almost had a different name 

Mark revealed that originally, his character’s name was Luke Starkiller! When the filmmakers told him it was changing to Luke Skywalker — because Starkiller was too harsh — he hated it! Mark thought the new moniker sounded like “Luke Fly Swatter,” which is… slightly less intimidating.

“Star Wars” secrecy is at an all-time high

Mark admitted that while the infamously high level of secrecy surrounding “Star Wars” films can be annoying at times, he understands why the filmmakers keep everything under wraps. He said, “They want the surprise to be in the movie theaters, not on the internet,” and revealed that cast members are given numbers on their call sheets, instead of actual names! So, the actors don’t know who they’re working with that day until they show up and find out who the number belongs to. Plus, scripts are shredded at the end of each day. Talk about keeping the spoilers away!

WATCH: ‘Star Wars’ Celebration: All The New ‘Rogue One’ Details You Need To Know

Mark thought another character was the lead in the first “Star Wars “film

Surprisingly, Mark didn’t actually read a true script for “A New Hope” until he showed up for work, and when he met Harrison Ford, he assumed that Harrison’s Han Solo was the lead character! Mark figured he was playing a “sidekick” for Harrison. It wasn’t until he began actually reading the script that he realized the story revolves around Skywalker. 

Passing the torch (or lightsaber) is good

Mark believes that the “Star Wars” movies do a good job of showing characters (and the actors who play them) progressing through life; it’s healthy to see that process! He was gracious in noting that the films are no longer about his original cast of characters, but new stories are being told wonderfully. Mark joked that he freaked out when Rey caught the lightsaber in “The Force Awakens,” because she hasn’t finished any training! But, he admits Luke Skywalker is a Jedi school dropout himself. 

Film friends are forever friends!

Mark got sentimental when speaking of his “Star Wars” co-stars, assuring the crowd that he still hangs out with them. He explained that Carrie Fisher is like a real sister to him, and whenever they get together, it’s like no time has passed at all. Skywalker Sibling love!

For more behind-the-scenes action and updates from Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016, follow @officialaccess on Snapchat and “like” the Access Hollywood page on Facebook! You can also keep up with my London adventure @a_hudge. May the Force be with you!

Alex Hudgens

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