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{{short description|Character in Star Wars}}
{{About|the ] character Luke Skywalker|rapper Luke Skyywalker|Luther Campbell}}
{{About|the Star Wars character|the rapper Luke Skyywalker|Uncle Luke|the ] character|Luke Skywalker (Skulduggery Pleasant)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{In-universe|subject=Star Wars|category=Star Wars|date=April 2009}}
{{Infobox character
{{Plot|date=April 2009}}
| name = Luke Skywalker
| series = ]
| image = Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi and The Last Jedi.jpg
| caption = Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in '']'' (top) and '']''
| first = '']'' (1977)
| creator = ]
| portrayer = {{Plainlist|
*]&thinsp;{{efn|]<br>]<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''}}
*Grant Feely (child)&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
*Aidan Barton (infant)&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
}} }}
| voice = {{show|Various|

{{Plainlist|
{{Infobox Star Wars character
* Mark Hamill&thinsp;{{efn|'']''<br>]<br>'']''<br>'']''
|image = Luke Skywalker.png
}}
|size = 250px
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|Various '']'' productions}}
|colour =
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|Various video games}}
|caption = ] as Luke Skywalker in '']''
* Joshua Fardon&thinsp;{{efn|'']'' radio drama}}
|bgcolor = Blue
* Lloyd Floyd&thinsp;{{efn|Various video games<br>'']''}}
|name = Luke Skywalker
* Anthony Hansen&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
|position = *Lieutenant Commander (later General in the Expanded Universe) in the ]
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
*Co-Founder (with Wedge Antilles) & Leader of Rogue Squadron
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|''Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit''}}
*Founder & (Former) Leader of Twin Suns Squadron
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
*Founder & Leader of Hardpoint Squadron
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
*Jedi Knight, Jedi Master, Grand Master of the New Jedi Order
* C. Andrew Nelson&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
|species = ]
* ]&thinsp;{{efn|'']''}}
|gender = Male
* Fred Young&thinsp;{{efn|'']'' (pinball game)}}}}}}
|planet = ] <small>(homeworld)</small><br>] <small>(birthplace)</small>
| occupation = Jedi Knight
|affiliation = ]/]<br>]<br>Galactic Alliance
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
|portrayer = ]<br />] (<small>'']''</small>)
* ]
|voiceactor= Mark Hamill (<small>'']'' animated inserts, '']'' audio drama, '']'' audio drama, '']'', '']'' and one episode of '']''</small>)<br />Joshua Fardon (<small>'']'' audio drama</small>)<br />C. Andrew Nelson (<small>'']''</small>)<br />] (<small>'']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''</small>)<br />] (<small>'']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''</small>)<br />] (<small>''Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit''</small>)
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| family = {{Plainlist|
* ] (father)<!-- Please do not change to Darth Vader. His real name is Anakin Skywalker. -->
* ] (mother)
* ] (sister)
* ] (nephew)<!-- Please do not change to Kylo Ren. His real name is Ben Solo. -->
* ] (uncle)&thinsp;{{efn|Owen and Beru are not Luke's true uncle and aunt, but are relatives by marriage.{{Sfn|Hidalgo|Sansweet|2008|p=245}}}}
* ] (aunt)
* Others in '''''Legends'''''&thinsp;{{efn|Luke's family members in the '']'' narrative universe include his wife ] and his son ].}}
}}
| spouse =
| children =
| lbl21 = Masters
| data21 = ]<br>]
| lbl22 = Apprentices
| data22 = Leia Organa<br>Ben Solo<br>]<br>]
| lbl23 = Homeworld
| data23 = ]
}} }}
'''Luke Skywalker''' is a fictional ] and the main ] of the ] of the '']'' franchise, portrayed by ]. An important figure in the ]'s struggle against the ], he is the twin brother of Rebellion leader ] of ], a friend of mercenary ], an apprentice to ] Master ], and the son of fallen Jedi ] (Anakin Skywalker) and Queen of ]/Republic Senator ]. The ] depicts him as a powerful ] and eventually the ] of the ], the father of ], the maternal uncle of ], and the ancestor of ]. '''Luke Skywalker''' is a fictional character in the '']'' franchise. He was introduced in the ] as the main ] and also appears in the ]. Raised as a moisture farmer on the planet ], Luke joins the ] and becomes a pivotal figure in the struggle against the ]. He trains as a ] under ] and ], and eventually confronts his father, the ] Lord ]. Years later, Luke trains his nephew ] and mentors the scavenger ]. Luke is the twin brother of ].


] portrays Luke in all the films of the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy, and in the television series '']'' and '']''. Hamill won the ] for his portrayal of Luke in '']'' (1980), '']'' (1983) and '']'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web |title=Saturn Award – Past award winners |url=http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311075533/http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html |archive-date=March 11, 2005 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=2018-06-28 |title=2018 Saturn Awards Winners: Black Panther, The Last Jedi Win Big |url=https://collider.com/saturn-awards-winners-2018-black-panther/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> He was also nominated for the award for his performance in ''Star Wars'' (1977).<ref>{{Cite web |title=5th Saturn Awards |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1977/1977sat.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017175716/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1977/1977sat.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2006 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Luke also appears in novels, comics, and video games.
In 2008, the character was selected by '']'' magazine as the 54th greatest movie character of all time.<ref name="Empire 54">{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/100-greatest-movie-characters/default.asp?c=54 |title=''Empire's'' The 100 Greatest Movie Characters |publisher=''Empire'' Magazine |date= |accessdate=May 21, 2010}}</ref> On their list of the ''100 Greatest Fictional Characters'', Fandomania.com ranked Luke at number 14.<ref name="Fando 14">{{cite web|url=http://fandomania.com/100-greatest-fictional-characters-15-11/ |title= The 100 Greatest Fictional Characters |publisher=Fandomania.com |accessdate=May 21, 2010}}</ref>


==Concept and creation== ==Creation and development==
Luke Skywalker was initially called "Annikkin Starkiller", and went through multiple design changes. The character was at one point designed as a 60-year-old grizzled war hero, and later as a Jedi Master, and also as a female.<ref name="Databank">{{cite web |url=http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/lukeskywalker/ |title=Skywalker, Luke |work=] |publisher=StarWars.com |accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref>


=== ''Star Wars'' (1977) ===
==Appearances==
George Lucas considered various characterizations for the protagonist of ].{{Efn|The film was originally titled ''Star Wars'', then later retitled ''Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope''.}} The possibilities included a 60-year-old grizzled war hero, a Jedi Master, a dwarf, and a woman.<ref name="Databank">{{cite web|title=Skywalker, Luke|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/lukeskywalker/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907021501/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/lukeskywalker/|archive-date=September 7, 2011|access-date=April 3, 2011|work=]|publisher=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>Lucas, George (2004). ''The Characters of 'Star Wars''', ''Star Wars Trilogy'' DVD. ]. Event occurs at 3:45.</ref> Luke's original surname was "Starkiller", and it remained in the script until a few months into filming. It was dropped due to what Lucas called "unpleasant connotations" with ], who became a "star killer" in 1969 when he murdered the well-known actress ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serratore |first=Angela |date=July 25, 2019 |title=What You Need to Know About the Manson Family Murders |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/manson-family-murders-what-need-to-know-180972655/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818185908/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/manson-family-murders-what-need-to-know-180972655/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hedash |first=Kara |date=2020-02-18 |title=Star Wars: Here's Why George Lucas Changed Luke Skywalker's Original Name |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-george-lucas-luke-starkiller-skywalker-name-change/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105023320/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-george-lucas-luke-starkiller-skywalker-name-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lucas replaced the problematic name "Starkiller" with "Skywalker".{{Sfn|Rinzler|2008|p=191}}


=== Original trilogy === === ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983) ===
An alternate ending to the film reportedly featured Luke disappearing into the wilderness "like ] in the ]."<ref name="LostEnding">{{Cite web |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=2010-08-12 |title=Did 'Star Wars' become a toy story? Producer Gary Kurtz looks back |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/hero-complex-blog/story/2010-08-12/did-star-wars-become-a-toy-story-producer-gary-kurtz-looks-back |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123064813/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/hero-complex-blog/story/2010-08-12/did-star-wars-become-a-toy-story-producer-gary-kurtz-looks-back |archivedate=January 23, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
Introduced in '']'', the character represents the hero ] who is "the young man, called to adventure, the hero going out facing the trials and ordeals, and coming back after his victory with a boon for the community".<ref>''The Power of Myth'', paperback, 1989. ], ], 978-0385247740</ref><ref>''The Fourth Turning'', 1997. William Strauss, Neil Howe. New York: Broadway Books</ref><ref>pg 179 ''The Power of Myth'', paperback, 1989. ], ], 978-0385247740</ref>


=== ''The Force Awakens'' (2015) ===
Luke Skywalker lives a humdrum existence as a ] on ] with his ] and ] that have kept his ]'s true history a secret from him. He initially wants to join the Imperial Academy to become a pilot with his childhood friend ], but is held back by his uncle who ostensibly needs his help on the moisture farm (while it was to hopefully prevent Luke from following his father's path). He takes his first steps toward his ] when he finds the two droids ] and ]. After delivering R2-D2's message to ] ], Ben tells Luke that his father was a Jedi and presents him with his father's ] and then tells him that his father was murdered by ]. Ben offers to take Luke to the planet ] and train him in the ways of ], but Luke rejects his offer.
Luke's lack of screen time in '']'' was due to concerns by screenwriter ] that his presence would distract from Rey, leading to an agreement that he be removed from the screen and instead become a ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=December 20, 2015 |title=J.J. Abrams explains R2-D2's closing scene in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/20/jj-abrams-answers-burning-question-about-r2-d2-star-wars-force-awakens/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keyes |first=Rob |date=2015-12-20 |title=Luke Skywalker's Role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-7-luke-skywalker-role-explained/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> Hamill attended meetings for script readings, and helped conceal Luke's role in the film; instead of dialogue, he read stage directions. According to director and co-writer ], this allowed Hamill to remain involved and his reading helped make a "better experience for everyone."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Star Wars The Force Awakens: Mark Hamill's secret role in the table read revealed |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/04/04/star-wars-force-awakens-jj-abrams-mark-hamill-table-read/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref>


== Portrayal ==
However, Luke changes his mind when he discovers his aunt and uncle have been killed by ]s. He and Ben obtain passage with the smugglers ] and ] on their '']'' ship, only to find that Alderaan has been destroyed by the ] (the Empire's new ]). Luke and the group sneaks onto the Death Star and rescues ]; as they are escaping, Ben sacrifices himself.
Mark Hamill was originally cast as Luke for ''Star Wars'' (1977). Other actors who auditioned for the role include ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Prell |first=Sam |date=November 20, 2017 |title=Mark Hamill reflects on his Luke Skywalker competition for Star Wars: "Any one of those guys was perfect" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/amp/mark-hamill-reflects-on-his-competition-for-playing-luke-any-one-of-those-guys-was-perfect/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806005328/https://www.gamesradar.com/amp/mark-hamill-reflects-on-his-competition-for-playing-luke-any-one-of-those-guys-was-perfect/ |archive-date=August 6, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Kevin |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Charles Martin Smith (alias Terry the Toad) behind the camera now |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/11/21/charles-martin-smith-alias-terry/7815646007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312091836/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/11/21/charles-martin-smith-alias-terry/7815646007/ |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |accessdate=March 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post}}</ref> Hamill was injured in a car accident in January 1977, fracturing his nose and cheekbone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lue |first=Alex |date=2021-07-06 |title=How Mark Hamill's Near-Fatal Wreck Completely Changed 'Star Wars' |url=https://insidethemagic.net/2021/07/mark-hamill-car-accident-al1/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Inside the Magic |language=en-US}}</ref> Lucas justified the slight change to Hamill's likeness this would impose upon the sequel film, ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980), by asserting that in the interim between the two films, Luke had been fighting for the Rebel Alliance. It was speculated that the ] attack at the beginning of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' was written in to explain his facial injuries, but Lucas disputed this in the DVD commentary of the film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cronin |first1=Brian |date=August 25, 2015 |title=Was the Wampa Attack in ''Empire Strikes Back'' Created to Explain Mark Hamill's Facial Injuries? |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-cronin/was-the-wampa-attack-in-e_b_8035468.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218234747/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-cronin/was-the-wampa-attack-in-e_b_8035468.html |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=]}}</ref>


==Appearances==
Later during the ]'s ] on the Death Star, Luke uses his ] along with many of the Rebel pilots attacking the ]s. In the trench leading to the Death Star's exhaust port, Luke takes his teacher's advice by trusting his feelings of the Force rather than use his X-wing's targeting system to guide his proton torpedoes, destroying the station.<ref>''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope''</ref>
=== Original trilogy ===
{{Main article|Star Wars original trilogy}}


==== ''Star Wars'' ====
Three years later in '']'', Luke Skywalker is now a lieutenant commander in the Rebel Alliance and in command of a fighter squadron.
Luke was introduced in '']'' (1977), the first film of the original trilogy. He is portrayed by Mark Hamill in all three films of the trilogy. At the beginning of the film, Luke is living on a moisture farm on the desert planet Tatooine with his uncle ] and aunt ]. After his uncle purchases the droids {{Nowrap|]}} and ], Luke finds a message from ] of ] inside R2-D2. When R2-D2 goes missing, Luke goes out to search for the droid, and is saved from ]s by Obi-Wan Kenobi, an elderly hermit. R2-D2 plays the message from Leia, in which she asks Obi-Wan to help her defeat the Galactic Empire. Obi-Wan says that he and Luke's father were once Jedi Knights, and that Luke's father was murdered by a traitorous Jedi named Darth Vader. Obi-Wan presents Luke with his father's ] and offers to take him to Alderaan and train him in the ways of ]. Luke declines his offer, feeling obligated to his family's farm.


Luke changes his mind when he finds that ] have killed his aunt and uncle. He and Obi-Wan travel to ], where they meet the smugglers ] and ]. They hire the duo to take them to Alderaan on the ], only to discover that it has been destroyed by the ], the Empire's battle station. The ''Falcon'' is brought to the Death Star via tractor beam, and Luke and Han disguise themselves as stormtroopers to infiltrate the station. When they discover Leia is being held captive, Luke persuades Han and Chewbacca to help rescue her. Obi-Wan deactivates the tractor beam, then sacrifices his life in a duel with Vader so the others can escape. Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and pilots an ] during the ]. He and other Rebels attempt to destroy the Death Star by launching torpedoes into an exhaust port. As he approaches the port, Luke hears Obi-Wan's voice, telling him to trust his feelings. He switches off his ship's missile guidance system, instead using the Force to guide the torpedoes. After destroying the Death Star, Luke receives a medal of honor from Leia.
While on a mission on the ice planet ], he is nearly killed by a ] but escapes with the help of the Force and his lightsaber. In the frozen wasteland, he sees Ben Kenobi's spirit telling him to travel to the planet ] and complete his training under the exiled ]. When the Empire discovers the Rebel base on Hoth, Luke leads his squadron to cover the evacuation. In the battle, Luke, after being shot down, is able to bring down one of the Empire's massive ]s singlehandedly.


==== ''The Empire Strikes Back'' ====
Escaping Hoth in his X-wing, he travels to Dagobah instead of regrouping with the Alliance. There, he meets Yoda and undergoes rigorous Jedi training, quickly increasing his power in the Force. However, he is warned that the Force is a double edged sword; its ] is seductive and could corrupt him into an agent of evil if he gives into his anger and aggression.
]
Luke returns in '']'' (1980). Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, Luke is now a commander in the Rebel Alliance.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Ben |date=2024-12-06 |title=Star Wars Timeline: Every Movie, Series And More |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-timeline-chronological-order/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Empire |language=en}}</ref> While on the ice planet ], he is captured by a ], but manages to escape. Obi-Wan appears to him as a ] and urges him to complete his training with the Jedi Master Yoda. When the Empire discovers the Rebel base, Luke leads a squadron of ] against the opposing {{nowrap|]}}, but is forced to retreat. After escaping in his X-wing, he travels to ] and meets Yoda. He undergoes rigorous Jedi training, quickly expanding his Force abilities.


His training is interrupted by a vision of his friends in pain. Against Ben's and Yoda's advice, he travels to ] to save them, only to be lured into a lightsaber duel with ]. As his mentors warned, Luke proves to be no match for Vader and his nemesis severs his right hand, causing Luke to lose his father's weapon. Vader then reveals his true identity as Luke's father. Vader offers him the chance to turn to the dark side of the Force and rule the galaxy at his father's side. Horrified by this unexpected claim and the powerful temptation before him, Luke chooses to die rather than be corrupted and throws himself into a deep reactor chasm. However, he is sucked into a garbage chute to the underside of Cloud City and left hanging onto a weather vane. Princess Leia, flying away from Cloud City in the ''Millennium Falcon'', senses Luke's peril and turns the ship around to save him. Aboard the medical ship after rejoining the rebel fleet, Luke's missing hand is replaced with a ] one.<ref>''Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back''</ref> While on Dagobah, Luke has a vision of his friends in danger. Against the advice of both Obi-Wan and Yoda to stay and complete his training, he travels to ] to help them, unwittingly falling into a trap set by Vader. He engages in a lightsaber duel with Vader, and is overpowered. After severing Luke's hand, Vader reveals that he is Luke's father, and invites him to join the dark side of the Force and rule the galaxy with him. Luke throws himself into a chasm, and finds himself on the underside of Cloud City. Hanging onto a slender rod, he uses the Force to contact Leia, who is leaving in the ''Falcon''. She hears his plea, and Chewbacca turns the ship around to rescue him. After Luke returns to the Rebel fleet, his severed hand is replaced with a ] one.


==== ''Return of the Jedi'' ====
One year later in '']'', Luke Skywalker is now a Jedi Knight and has constructed his own lightsaber.
A year later, Luke is a Jedi Knight and has constructed his own lightsaber.<ref name=":0" /> At the beginning of '']'' (1983), he returns to Tatooine with Leia, Chewbacca and ] to rescue Han, who was frozen in ] and delivered to the crime lord ]. Luke offers to negotiate with Jabba, who rejects his offer and imprisons him with a giant beast called a ]. When Luke kills the rancor, Jabba decides to execute him, Han and Chewbacca by casting them into a ]. Luke escapes with R2-D2's help, saving his friends and destroying Jabba's sail barge. Luke returns to Dagobah, where he learns from a dying Yoda that Vader is indeed his father. Luke is then informed by Obi-Wan's spirit that he has a twin sister, whom he realizes is Leia. Both Yoda and Obi-Wan tell Luke that he must face Vader again to finish his training and save the galaxy, but he is disturbed by the idea of killing his father.


While his companions undertake a mission on ], Luke surrenders to Vader in an attempt to bring him back from the dark side. Vader takes his son to the second Death Star and brings him before ], who attempts to seduce him to the dark side. Luke lashes out at the Emperor with his lightsaber, but Vader blocks his strike, and the two of them duel once again. As Luke regains control of his emotions, Vader senses that he has a sister, and threatens to turn her to the dark side if Luke will not submit. Enraged, Luke overpowers Vader and severs his hand. The Emperor then orders Luke to kill Vader and take his place, but Luke refuses. The Emperor begins torturing Luke with ], and Luke calls out to his father for help. Vader hesitates, then throws the Emperor down a reactor shaft to his death. Mortally wounded, Vader asks his son to remove his mask, which allows Luke to look upon the face of Anakin Skywalker for the first time. On Endor, Luke burns his father's body on a funeral pyre. As the Rebels celebrate the destruction of the Death Star and the fall of the Empire, Luke sees Anakin's spirit appear alongside the spirits of Obi-Wan and Yoda.
He helps Princess Leia, the droids C-3PO and R2-D2, and ] save Han Solo from gangster ]. Luke offers to negotiate with Jabba, but instead is forced to fight a fearsome monster known as the ]. When Luke kills it, Jabba sentences him to be thrown into The Pit of Carkoon to be eaten by the ]. Luke escapes with R2-D2's help, saving his friends and destroying Jabba's ], with the aid of his new lightsaber.


=== ''Revenge of the Sith'' ===
During his return trip to Dagobah, Luke learns from Yoda that Darth Vader is indeed his father, and from Ben Kenobi's spirit that he has a twin, which Luke immediately realizes is Leia. Ben warns him that his instincts "do him credit". Yoda tells Luke that although he requires no further training, he will not truly be a Jedi until he confronts his father. Luke insists that there is still good left in Vader, and pledges to bring him back from the dark side. Ben, however, believes that Vader has completely consumed Luke's father, and must be destroyed in order to defeat the Empire.
In the prequel film '']'' (2005), ] gives birth to the twins Luke and Leia and then dies. {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} and Yoda agree to separate the twins in order to protect them from their father, Vader, and the newly created ]. {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} takes Luke to the desert planet Tatooine, where he is adopted by Vader's stepbrother, Owen Lars, and his wife Beru. Leia is adopted by Senator ] of ]. Both infants are portrayed by Aidan Barton, the son of ], an editor of the film.<ref>{{cite web |last=De Lange |first=Sander |title=Star Wars, A Family Affair |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-a-family-affair |website=] |access-date=October 11, 2019 |date=December 16, 2014 |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909195344/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-a-family-affair |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Sequel trilogy ===
Arriving on ] as part of a Rebel commando squad, Luke surrenders to Vader in an attempt to bring his father back from the dark side of the Force. Vader rebuffs his entreaties and brings Luke to the second Death Star in orbit around Endor. ] attempts to turn Luke to the dark side with promises to save his friends from certain death. When that fails, the Emperor goads Luke to strike him down to save the Rebels's losing ] with the Empire and over the forest moon of Endor. Luke momentarily lashes out in anger but Vader blocks his strike, and father and son face each other in a final duel. Luke keeps his emotions under control until Vader senses Luke's feelings for his sister and threatens to turn ''her'' instead. At this threat, Luke snaps and attacks with full fury. Vader loses ground as Luke lands blow after blow; Luke knocks Vader to the ground and severs his father's mechanical right hand. With the Emperor ordering Luke to strike Vader down and take his place, Luke glances at his own bionic hand and realizes he is on the verge of suffering his father's fate. Luke regains composure, deactivates his lightsaber and throws it away, proudly declaring his allegiance to the Jedi.
{{main|Star Wars sequel trilogy}}The first film of the sequel trilogy, '']'' (2015), occurs thirty years after the destruction of the second ].<ref name=":0" /> Hamill reprises his role as Luke in all three films. The opening crawl of ''The Force Awakens'' reveals that Luke disappeared after his nephew and Jedi apprentice, Ben Solo, turned to the dark side and became ], a warlord of the ]. The ], led by Leia, manage to locate Luke on the planet ]; the Force-sensitive scavenger Rey then travels to the planet and offers him his lightsaber. At the beginning of '']'' (2017), Luke tosses the lightsaber aside. He refuses to talk to Rey, but eventually inquires about his family. Rey tells him about Han Solo's death at the hands of his son Ren, and explains that the First Order now rules the galaxy. She asks Luke to train her in the ways of the Force, but he is reluctant. He tells her it is time for the Jedi Order to end.]Luke eventually begins instructing Rey, but is afraid of her power. He tells her the history of the Jedi Order, and how Darth Sidious rose to power. He claims the Jedi were partly responsible for his father's fall to the dark side. Luke admits that he briefly considered killing his nephew after seeing a vision of the destruction he could cause; when Ben woke to see Luke with his lightsaber drawn, he felt betrayed and left his training. Rey urges Luke to help her redeem Ben, but he refuses. When Rey leaves, Luke tries to burn the Jedi temple, but fails. He is then visited by the spirit of Yoda, who assures him that he still has a purpose. Later, Luke appears on ], where the Resistance is besieged. He apologizes to Leia for allowing Ben to fall to the dark side, then steps in front of the First Order forces. He survives an onslaught of blaster fire, then engages Ren in lightsaber combat. Ren seemingly cuts through him, but Luke is unharmed; he is still on Ahch-To, having used the Force to project himself to Crait. He then collapses and becomes one with the Force. His battle with Ren gave the Resistance time to escape the planet.


Luke returns in the final film of the trilogy, '']'' (2019). After Rey defeats Ren in a lightsaber duel, she flies his ] to Ahch-To, then burns the ship. When she throws Luke's lightsaber into the flames, he appears as a Force spirit and catches it. He reprimands her for treating the weapon with disrespect, and admits he was wrong not to participate in the Resistance. He thanks Rey for helping him rediscover himself, and urges her to continue her battle against the Sith. He gives her Leia's lightsaber and his X-wing for her journey to ]. After Rey vanquishes Sidious, she visits the moisture farm where Luke was raised. When a passerby asks Rey who she is, she notices the spirits of Luke and Leia nearby, and replies "Rey Skywalker."
Enraged, the Emperor attacks Luke with ], nearly killing him. When Luke calls out to Vader for help, his father becomes ] once again then seizes and throws the Emperor to his death down a reactor shaft but is mortally wounded by the Emperor's lightning in the process. As Rebel fighters race toward the Death Star's main reactor, Luke removes Vader's mask and looks upon Anakin's eyes for the first time. Anakin assures Luke that there is good in him after all before his redeemed father dies. On Endor, Luke burns his father's armor on a ] (a Jedi tradition). During the Rebel's victory celebrations on Endor, Luke sees the smiling spirits of Ben, Yoda and Anakin.<ref>''Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi''</ref>


=== Other appearances === ===Series===
Hamill portrays Luke in "]", the season two finale of the live-action series '']''. The Force-sensitive infant ] had contacted him in ], and Luke now arrives to collect him and begin his Jedi training. Luke also destroys a group of ] that were threatening Grogu and his guardian, ].<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Hunt|url=https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-luke-skywalker-mark-hamill-grogu-jedi-future/|title=Luke Skywalker In The Mandalorian Explained: Jedi Order & Baby Yoda's Future|website=]|date=December 18, 2020|accessdate=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926041952/https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-luke-skywalker-mark-hamill-grogu-jedi-future/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the last prequel '']'', ] is ] with Anakin Skywalker's progeny near the end of the ]. During the film's epilogue, Padmé gives birth to Luke and Leia on ]. After his mother dies from ], Luke is taken to the desert planet Tatooine to be raised by ] and ] to be hidden from Emperor Palpatine with ] keeping an eye on Luke during his formative years.<ref>''Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith''</ref>


The series '']'' features Hamill as Luke in the episode "Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger". While training Grogu, Luke helps him remember some of his past, including his home at the ] on ] and the events of the ]. Soon after, Djarin sends Luke a gift for Grogu: beskar chain mail forged by ]. Unsure whether Grogu is committed to the Jedi path, Luke decides to let the child choose his own destiny. He invites him to choose between the chain mail and a lightsaber that belonged to ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Russell|first=Bradley|date=February 2, 2022|title=How The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 ending sets up The Mandalorian season 3|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-book-of-boba-fett-episode-6-ending-baby-yoda-choice-lightsaber-chainmail/|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=]|language=en|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208153951/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-book-of-boba-fett-episode-6-ending-baby-yoda-choice-lightsaber-chainmail/|url-status=live}}</ref> In "Chapter 7: In The Name of Honor", it is revealed that Grogu chose the chain mail, which leads Luke to send him back to Djarin.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dougherty|first=Matt|date=February 8, 2022|title=Grogu's Choice in The Book of Boba Fett Could Shape the Future of Star Wars|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/book-of-boba-fett-grogu-choice-cliffhanger|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210095852/https://www.ign.com/articles/book-of-boba-fett-grogu-choice-cliffhanger|archive-date=February 10, 2022|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=]}}</ref>
===Expanded Universe===
The ] details Luke Skywalker's exploits following the Rebel victory at Endor.


Luke appears in two episodes of the animated web series '']'', voiced by Hamill. The episode "The Path Ahead" details his training with Yoda on Dagobah.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Jack |date=March 20, 2018 |title=Star Wars: Mark Hamill returns as Luke Skywalker for Forces of Destiny short |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-mark-hamill-luke-skywalker-a8264506.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092750/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-mark-hamill-luke-skywalker-a8264506.html |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=May 28, 2018 |newspaper=]}}</ref> In "Traps and Tribulations", he and Leia help the ]s stop a rampaging beast known as a ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Camden |date=March 8, 2020 |title=Star Wars' Awful Ewoks Movies Start Becoming Canon In Battlefront 2 |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-canon-ewoks-battlefront-2-tv-movies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926041950/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-canon-ewoks-battlefront-2-tv-movies/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |accessdate=September 25, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> Grant Feely portrays Luke as a ten-year-old child in the series '']'' (2022).
====After the battle of Endor====
In the novel '']'', set one day after the battle of Endor, Luke and his friend ] recover a message droid from the titular planet, which was being invaded by the ]. Luke commands a task force, turning back the enemy army. He also meets Dev Sibwarra, a Force-sensitive human who had been captured by the Ssi-Ruuk, who is killed in the battle after turning against his captors.


===Novels and comics===
In the novel '']'', set four years after the Battle of Endor, Luke travels to the planet ]. There, he discovers a group of Force-sensitive witches called the ], banded into two separate groups: a collective of benign, matriarchal clans; the one he is in contact with being the ''Singing Mountain Clan'', and the witches who have turned to the dark side, called the ''Nightsisters''. Discovering a ] in which it was told a Jedi would change the way of life on the land, Luke eventually realizes truly what the Force is for the first time in his life. While there, he destroys most of the Nightsisters (including their powerful leader, Gethzirion, and the galaxy's most powerful remaining warlord, Warlord Zsinj). Thanks to the help of the prophecy and witches, Luke recovers old Jedi records left by Yoda about 400 years prior. He decides to start a new ], something he has been trying to do for six months before the start of the novel by finding old Jedi records and archives.
The 2015 novel ''Heir to the Jedi'' takes place between ''Star Wars'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back'', and chronicles the adventures of Luke as he continues to battle the Empire with his Rebel companions.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=March 6, 2015 |title=''Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi'' Review |url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/03/06/star-wars-heir-to-the-jedi-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816080047/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/06/star-wars-heir-to-the-jedi-review |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hearne |first=Kevin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8zrkCgAAQBAJ |title=Heir to the Jedi |date=2015-11-26 |publisher=Penguin Random House |isbn=978-0-09-959427-7 |language=en}}</ref> He grows close with Nakari Kelen, a fellow Rebel, and he begins to develop his Force abilities. The novel is written from the first-person perspective of Luke, and is only the second ''Star Wars'' novel to utilize this type of narrative voice.{{efn|The first was the 1997 ] novel '']''.}}<ref name="IGN" /> Luke is featured in the junior novel ''The Legends of Luke Skywalker'', which was adapted as a ].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2019 |title=TheForce.net: Star Wars: The Legends Of Luke Skywalker - The Manga Coming Early 2020 |url=http://www.theforce.net/story/front/Star_Wars_The_Legends_Of_Luke_Skywalker_The_Manga_Coming_Early_2020_185322.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012041710/http://www.theforce.net/story/front/Star_Wars_The_Legends_Of_Luke_Skywalker_The_Manga_Coming_Early_2020_185322.asp |archive-date=October 12, 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019 |website=TheForce.net}}</ref> He also appears in the 2015 comic ], which is set between the films of the original trilogy.<ref>{{cite web |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Marvel to Relaunch 'Star Wars' Comic With Time Jump |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-relaunch-star-wars-comic-time-jump-1245572 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005173826/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-relaunch-star-wars-comic-time-jump-1245572 |archive-date=October 5, 2019 |access-date=October 6, 2019 |website=]}}</ref> The 2022 novel ''Shadow of the Sith'', which is set between ''Return of the Jedi'' and ''The Force Awakens'', follows Luke and Lando Calrissian as they search for Exegol.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2021 |title=New Books Starring Luke and Lando, Obi-Wan and Anakin, and More Revealed - Exclusive |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/new-books-revealed |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=StarWars.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625083035/https://www.starwars.com/news/new-books-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Christopher |first=Adam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BNBFEAAAQBAJ |title=Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith |date=2022-06-28 |publisher=Random House Worlds |isbn=978-0-593-35861-0 |language=en}}</ref>


=== Other ===
In ''The ]'', Luke meets former ] ], who is bound by Palpatine's disembodied voice that repeatedly commands "You will kill Luke Skywalker." Mara Jade is working with her boss, a fringe-of-the-galaxy smuggler named ], who also plays a crucial role in this era. Although she was ready to fulfill that order to stop the voice, circumstances force her to keep him alive long enough to have him help escape a mutual danger. Despite her threats, Luke learns of Mara's curse and vows to free her from it. Meanwhile, the rest of the ] is fighting against ], and thanks to Leia's help, he is eventually defeated, although Luke tried several times to get near him and his ally, Joruus C'boath. Eventually, the desperate pair fights against Luke's clone, Luuke Skywalker, the apprentice of ].
Hamill provides Luke's voice in '']'' (1978) and in radio adaptations of '']'' (1981) and '']'' (1983). Joshua Fardon voices Luke in the '']'' radio drama. Luke also appears in video games, in which he is voiced by a variety of different actors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Luke Skywalker Voices (Star Wars) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Star-Wars/Luke-Skywalker/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref>


== ''Star Wars Legends'' ==
During the fight, Mara Jade destroys the clone and, with Leia's help, destroys C'baoth. This entire time, C'boath has been obsessed with 'molding' Luke and Mara to serve him, perhaps due to the fact that the Spaarti cloning cylinders he was made from have a reputation of turning people insane later in life. Nonetheless, C'boath is defeated along with Luuke<!--this is not a typo as it is "Luuke" the clone that is killed; please read the whole sentence and stop changing this to "Luke"-->, and Mara's sacrifice silences her curse and completes her reconciliation with the Jedi, whom she later joins.
{{See also|Star Wars in other media}}Following the acquisition of ] by ] in 2012, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced between 1977 and 2014 were rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise. The ''Legends'' works comprise a separate narrative universe.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name="THR Legends2">{{cite news |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429022447/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="SW Legends2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="SW Adult2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Star Wars Canon: The Definitive Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>}}


====''Jedi Academy Trilogy''==== === Novels ===
The novel '']'' (1997) takes place one day after the Battle of Endor. Luke and his friend ] recover a message droid from the planet Bakura, which is being invaded by the ]. Luke turns back the army and meets Dev Sibwarra, a Force-sensitive human who had been captured by the Ssi-Ruuk. Sibwarra is eventually killed after turning against his captors.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tyers |first=Kathy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aFUQprvzZQ4C |title=The Truce at Bakura |date=1997 |publisher=Bantam |isbn=978-0-553-50596-2 |language=en}}</ref> '']'' (1995) is set four years after the Battle of Endor. Luke travels to the planet ], where he encounters the Force-sensitive ]. He discovers a prophecy stating that a Jedi will change the way of life on Dathomir, and he eventually realizes what the Force truly is. Luke destroys most of the Nightsisters—a group of {{No wrap|dark-side}} witches—and their leader Gethzirion. He also terminates Zsinj, the galaxy's most powerful warlord. Luke recovers Jedi records left by Yoda roughly 400 years prior, then decides to start a new ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wolverton |first=Dave |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AOiIqUpIaB8C |title=The Courtship of Princess Leia: Star Wars Legends |date=1995-04-01 |publisher=Random House Worlds |isbn=978-0-553-56937-7 |language=en}}</ref>
In the '']'', Luke resigns his commission in the ]'s starfighter corps to pursue his Jedi studies and rebuild the Jedi Order in the ] on Yavin 4, a decision some anti-Jedi politicians use against him. Luke becomes the Order's de facto leader.
His students in the ways of the Force include: Gantoris, Kam Solusar, Tionne, Streen, Cilghal, Kirana Ti and others.


In the ], Luke meets ], the former ] who is bound by Palpatine's disembodied voice that repeatedly commands "You will kill Luke Skywalker". Although she was ready to terminate Luke to stop the voice, she keeps him alive so he can help her escape from danger. Despite her threats, Luke learns about the spell Mara is under and vows to free her from it. Later, Luke and Mara fight against Luke's clone, Luuke Skywalker, a creation of ]. Mara destroys the clone and eliminates C'baoth with help from Leia. Mara's curse is then silenced.
An older and wiser Luke Skywalker also appears in the '']'' and '']'' video games at the rank of Jedi Master. In ''Jedi Outcast'', Luke helps Kyle Katarn in his fight against ] and Empire Reborn by driving off Desann and his Reborn forces from Valley of the Jedi.


Luke resigns his commission in the New Republic starfighter corps in the ]. He turns his attention to his Jedi studies and begins to rebuild the Jedi Order in the ] on ], a decision some anti-Jedi politicians use against him. He is forced to contend with the spirit of the ancient Sith Lord Exar Kun, who lures one of his most powerful students, Kyp Durron, to the dark side. In the '']'', Luke is a Jedi Master. He works again with Mara, who has gained knowledge of the Force since her training at Luke's Jedi Academy. Luke falls in love with her and they eventually marry. In '']'', they have a son whom they name ], after Obi-Wan's alias.
====Family====
In the '']'', Luke, now a Jedi Master, works again with Mara Jade, who has learned to better her Force knowledge since her training at Luke's Jedi Academy. He falls in love with her and they eventually marry. Later, in '']'', they have a son whom they name ] after Obi-Wan Kenobi's ] Ben.


Luke creates a New ] in the '']'' series. He envisions a conclave composed of Jedi, politicians and military officers. In '']'', he spearheads a mission to the Unknown Regions during the ] invasion to find the mysterious planet ], which creates living starships. After the invaders are defeated, Luke leads the New Jedi Order on Denon, the temporary capital of the Galactic Alliance.
====''New Jedi Order'' and ''The Yuuzhan Vong Invasion''====
In the '']'' series, Luke creates a new ]. He idealises a new conclave, made up of Jedi, politicians and military officers. Included in this new Jedi Order are Tresina Lobi, Kenth Hammer, ], ], Cilghal, Saba Sebatynee and himself. From the politicians and military came new Chief of State ], Admiral Sienn Sovv (Sullustan male) and four others.


In '']'', the Order moves to Ossus, the site of Jedi temples and libraries that were mostly destroyed 4,000 years prior. Upon the Killik's invasion of Chiss space and the transformation of most of the Myrkr mission survivors into Killik Joiners, Luke deduces that the Killik's collective mind is being unconsciously controlled by a hive called the Dark Nest. The hive, in turn, is controlled by a former Nightsister named ], who became the Unseen Queen through her ability to become invisible by exploiting the doubts of inferiors. One of the Myrkr survivors, Alema Rar, suggests to Luke that Mara may be responsible for the death of his mother. Luke almost believes the lie due to Mara's previous role as the Emperor's Hand. His doubts are assuaged when he discovers several hologram recordings hidden in R2-D2's memory. He sees his father Force-choking his mother on ], as well as his own birth and his mother's death. Luke defeats Lomi Plo in the final battle of the Swarm War, cutting her into four pieces.
In '']'', he spearheads the mission into the Unknown Regions during the ] invasion to find the mysterious planet of ], a planet that creates living starships. After the invasion is defeated with the help of the new ] Warriors, a Sekotian fleet and a Galactic Alliance-Imperial Remnant fleet, Luke leads the New Jedi Order on ], the temporary capital of the Galactic Alliance and the site of the newly rebuilt ] on ].


In the '']'' series, a schism develops between Luke and his nephew, ]. Already a powerful Jedi, Jacen has begun adopting radical interpretations of the Force, which causes a dramatic change in his personality and makes Luke afraid that he will fall to the dark side. During this time, Luke begins having visions of a dark figure destroying the galaxy and the Jedi. The situation worsens in '']'', when Luke's son ] becomes Jacen's apprentice. In '']'', Luke determines that the figure from his visions is ], a former Emperor's Hand now known as the "Dark Lady of the Sith".
In '']'', the New Jedi Order moves to Ossus, the site of former famous Jedi temples and libraries that were mostly destroyed 4,000 years prior. Upon the Killik's invasion of Chiss space and the transformation of most of the Myrkr mission survivors into Killik Joiners, Luke determines that the Killik's collective mind is being unconsciously controlled by a hive called the Dark Nest. The Dark Nest is controlled by a former Nightsister named ], who became their Unseen Queen with her ability to become invisible by exploiting the doubts of inferiors. One of the Myrkr mission survivors, Alema Rar, attempted to plant seeds of doubt in Luke's mind by suggesting that his wife, Mara, may be somehow responsible for the death of his mother, Padmé Amidala, which he almost believes because of Mara's previous involvement as the Emperor's Hand.


When Mara is murdered in '']'', Lumiya convinces Luke that she killed her. They battle, and Luke saves Lumiya from falling to her death so that he can kill her himself. However, he later realizes that Lumiya could not have killed Mara. He breaks down over the death of his wife, knowing that her murderer is still at large. He does not realize that the killer is Jacen, who has taken the ] Darth Caedus. In '']'', Ben proves that Jacen killed Mara, but Luke is reluctant to destroy Jacen, fearing that he or Ben may fall to the dark side in the process. The decision is taken out of his hands in '']'', when Jaina kills Jacen in a lightsaber duel.
This allows Lomi to escape from Luke. Luke discovers recordings of his father ] his mother on ], his own birth, and his mother's death hidden inside the protective memory archives of R2D2. Because of this, he is able to overcome his doubts about Mara and defeat Lomi Plo in the final battle of the Swarm War, cutting her into four pieces. Luke also withdraws the Jedi from Cal Omas' Advisory Council, as he plans to create a Jedi Council that will give aid to the Galactic Alliance when needed. He also becomes the Grand Master of the Jedi Order to give the Jedi a clear sense of direction. He has told the Jedi to either follow his leadership or make the order their priority, or leave. Jedi Danni Quee and Tenel Ka have resigned because of their duties to ] and ], respectively, while Corran Horn tries to resign, but Luke talks him out of it. Luke is also forced to exile Tahiri, ], and Tesar Sebatayne to Dagobah for divulging secret information to people outside the Jedi Order.


The ''Fate of the Jedi'' novels are set about forty years after the original ''Star Wars'' film. Now in his sixties, Luke is deposed from his position as Grand Master and exiled from Coruscant. He will be allowed to return if he can discover why Jacen fell to the dark side. Luke and Ben embark on a journey together, exploring dangerous and little-known parts of the galaxy. They learn about each other, about the Force, and about the great dangers threatening the Jedi. The love between them grows greater as they repeatedly save each other's lives.
====''Legacy of the Force''====
In the '']'' series, Luke begins having visions of a figure cloaked in darkness destroying the galaxy and the Jedi Decree. In his dreams, this figure's presence is much like that of his father (as he appeared as Darth Vader). Luke has been troubled by the fact that he has been unable to discern the identity of this figure. Complicating matters even more is the recent schism that has developed between Luke and his nephew, ]. Already a tremendously powerful Jedi Knight, Jacen has begun adopting radical and extreme interpretations of the Force, causing a dramatic change in his personality. Luke fears that Jacen is pursuing the same path that ultimately led to Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side.


The Matthew Stover novel ''Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor'' (2008) takes place shortly after ''Return of the Jedi'' and the novel '']''. Luke and the Rebel Alliance are attempting to stop Lord Shadowspawn and his "shadow stormtroopers", a struggle which culminates in the Battle of Mindor.<ref name="SW.com-announced">{{cite web |date=February 21, 2007 |title=Stover To Pen Luke Skywalker Novel |url=http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20070221.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011133101/http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20070221.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=November 8, 2007 |publisher=Starwars.com}}</ref> Stover said ''Shadows of Mindor'' was meant to evoke ]'s Han Solo novels, which are Stover's favorite ''Star Wars'' books.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mattstover.blogspot.com/2007/02/hey.html |title=studioMWS - Sunday, February 25 |access-date=March 12, 2007 |last=Stover |first=Matthew |author-link=Matthew Stover |date=February 25, 2007 |archive-date=November 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117072748/http://mattstover.blogspot.com/2007/02/hey.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In '']'', the situation worsens when Luke's son, ], becomes Jacen's apprentice. Luke must also battle his wife, who refuses to confront Jacen for fear of alienating Ben. In '']'', Luke determines that the dark figure from his dreams is ], a former Emperor's Hand now known as the "Dark Lady of the Sith". Luke and Lumiya had fought several times over the years, but when Mara is murdered in '']'', Lumiya deceives Luke into believing that she killed her. They battle again, and Luke saves a weaponless Lumiya from falling to her death simply so that he can kill her himself.


=== Comics ===
Luke returns to Coruscant where he is found by Ben, standing guard over Mara's body; upon speaking with his son, he realizes that Lumiya could not have killed her. Later in his private cabin, Luke breaks down over the death of his wife, knowing that her murderer is still at large. He does not realize that the killer is his own nephew, Jacen, who has now taken the ] Darth Caedus. In '']'', Ben proves that Jacen killed Mara, but Luke is now reluctant to kill Jacen out of fear that he or his son will fall to the dark side in the process. (The decision is taken out of his hands in '']'', when Jaina kills Jacen in a final lightsaber duel).
Luke appears in the ]-published comic adaptations of the original trilogy, as well as an ongoing series that ran from 1977 to 1986. He also appears in numerous titles released by ], including '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Legacy (2006 - 2010) |url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/20200/star_wars:_legacy_(2006_-_2010) |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=Marvel}}</ref> In this series, which takes place 125 years after the events of the original trilogy, Luke appears to his descendant ] as a Force spirit. He persuades Cade to once again become a Jedi in order to defeat ] and his burgeoning Sith Empire.


==Reception==
====''Fate of the Jedi''====
{{more citations needed section|date=July 2024|talk=Assertion of notability}}
In this series of original novels, set about 40 years after ''A New Hope'', Luke Skywalker, now in his late 50s, is deposed by the government from his position as Grand Master, and exiled from ]. However, if he finds the reason of why Jacen Solo fell to the dark side, he can be allowed to return. Ben insists on coming with him. Together, father and son explore dangerous and little-known portions of the galaxy. Luke and Ben learn much about each other, about the Force, and about the great dangers threatening the Jedi. The great love the two surviving Skywalkers have for each other grows even greater as they repeatedly save each other's lives and explore the limits and powers and mysteries of the Force.
In regards to Luke's portrayal in ''The Last Jedi'', many fans expressed disappointment in how he was depicted "as a grumpy old man whose failures had driven him into hiding" and the actions the character takes in contributing to Kylo Ren's backstory, a stark departure in how Luke was characterized in the original trilogy.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a853926/mark-hamill-star-wars-the-last-jedi-criticisms-luke-skywalker-plot-device/|title = Mark Hamill says Luke Skywalker was used as a "plot device" in Star Wars: The Last Jedi|first = Hugh|last = Armitage|website = ]|date = April 4, 2018|access-date = June 5, 2018|archive-date = November 22, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181122052157/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a853926/mark-hamill-star-wars-the-last-jedi-criticisms-luke-skywalker-plot-device/|url-status = live}}</ref> Hamill originally stated that he fundamentally disagreed with "every choice ]] made for this character," but that he had the utmost respect for Johnson and was willing to do his part to realize Johnson's vision.<ref>{{cite magazine|url = https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/mark-hamill-star-wars-nerd|title = Star Wars Nerds, Mark Hamill Is One of You|first = David|last = Kamp|magazine = ]|date = May 25, 2017|access-date = June 5, 2018|archive-date = August 8, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210808091948/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/mark-hamill-star-wars-nerd|url-status = live}}</ref>


====''Legacy''==== ==See also==
* ]
In the comic book series '']'', set 133 years after ''Return of the Jedi'', Luke appears as a Force ghost to his descendant ], who has renounced his connection to the Force. Luke appeals to Cade to accept his Jedi lineage and fulfill his destiny to defeat the Sith, who by now have once again decimated the Jedi and taken over the galaxy.

===Comics appearances===
'''Luke Skywalker''' appears in the ]-published ''Star Wars'' comics adaptations of the original trilogy as well as an ongoing series that ran from 1977–86. When ] acquired the license two years later, he appeared in numerous projects based on the franchise as well.

==Portrayals==
Luke Skywalker has been portrayed by at least four different actors.

===Mark Hamill===
*'']'' (May 25, 1977)
*'']'' (November 17, 1978)
*'']'' (May 21, 1980)
*'']'' (May 25, 1983)
*''] (1981)
*''] (1983)
*He reprised his role as Luke Skywalker for a speaking role in a ] for '']'', the first of the '']'' novels by science fiction and ] author ], in 2000. In the commercial, he briefly recalled his past experiences as a Jedi and with the Rebel Alliance, and told of some new threat that he was unsure he could defeat. This threat would be revealed in the book as an ] ] from another galaxy known as the Yuuzhan Vong. To view the commercial, click here <ref>http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/1.html</ref> or here.<ref>http://www.theforce.net/books/unjoh/gallery/</ref>
*Hamill also played Luke in a number of comedy ] on TV over the years. In 1977, he briefly played Luke on ''The ] Show'' ''Star Wars'' Tribute, and again on an episode of '']'' in 1980. In more recent years, Hamill "reprised" his role by voicing both Luke and himself on shows such as '']'', '']'', and '']''.

===Aiden Barton===
*'']'' (May 19, 2005)

===Bob Bergen===
*'']'' (1996)
*'']'' (1998)
*'']'' (1998)
*'']'' (1999)
*'']'' (2000)
*'']'' (2001)
*'']'' (2001)
*'']'' (2002)
*'']'' (2003)
*'']'' (2003)
*'']'' (2005)

===Joshua Fardon===
*'']'' (1996)

==Reception==
In 2008, Luke Skywalker was selected by '']'' magazine as the 54th-greatest movie character of all time.<ref name="Empire 54"/> Luke was also on the ballot for the ]'s '']'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/handv400.pdf?docID=326 |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains Official Ballot|publisher=] |date= |accessdate=April 9, 2011}}</ref> On their list of the ''100 Greatest Fictional Characters'', Fandomania.com ranked Luke at number 14.<ref name="Fando 14"/> ] listed Luke as their 4th top ''Star Wars'' character,<ref name="IGN top">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/star-wars-characters/4.html |title=Top Star Wars Characters |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref> and he was chosen twice by IGN's readers as one of their favorite ''Star Wars'' characters.<ref name="IGN Readers1">{{cite web |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/111/1114011p2.html |title=Who Is Your Favorite Star Wars Character? |author=Phil Pirrello |date=August 18, 2010 |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref><ref name="IGN Readers2">{{cite web |url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/952/952246p3.html |title=Star Wars: Your Favorite Characters |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=February 6, 2009 |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref> IGN's Jesse Schedeen also picked Luke Skywalker as one of the characters they most wanted to appear on the ],<ref name="Players Wanted Wii">{{cite web |url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/950/950195p3.html |title=Players Wanted: Characters We Want on the Wii |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=February 2, 2009 |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref> as well as listing Skywalker as one of their favorite ''Star Wars'' heroes.<ref name="IGN Heroes">{{cite web |url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/899/899365p4.html |title=Top 25 Star Wars Heroes: Day 5 |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=August 15, 2008 |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref> Schedeen also listed the character as one of the ''Star Wars'' characters they wanted to see in '']''.<ref name="Soulcalibur Fighters">{{cite web |url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/896/896610p8.html |title=Players Wanted: Soulcalibur's Star Wars Fighters |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=August 5, 2008 |work=] |accessdate=March 31, 2011}}</ref> IGN also called the fight between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in ''Return of the Jedi'' one of the ultimate movie "boss battles".<ref name="Boss Battles">{{cite web |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/113/1137708p1.html |title=Ultimate Movie Boss Battles |author=Phil Pirello, Scott Collura, Jesse Schedeen, Eric Goldman and Matt Fowler |date=December 6, 2010 |work=] |accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref> In a feature on speeches made by Luke Skywalker, IGN's Todd Gilchrist said that his favorite speech made by Luke was "I am a Jedi, like my father before me".<ref name="Speeches">{{cite web |url=http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/717/717398p1.html |title=Star Wars Speeches: Luke Skywalker |author=Todd Gilchrist |date=July 7, 2006 |work=] |accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref>


==Notes==
] listed Luke as one of their best heroes of all time,<ref name="UGO Heroes">{{cite web |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/best-heroes-of-all-time?page=8 |title=Best Heroes of All Time |author=UGO Team |date=January 21, 2010 |work=] |accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref> and he was voted as one of the coolest ''Star Wars'' characters by UGO's readers.<ref name="Coolest Character">{{cite web |url=http://www.ugo.com/movies/who-is-the-coolest-star-wars-character |title=Star Wars Characters |author=Adam Rosenburg |date=August 25, 2008 |work=] |accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref>
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}
===Works cited===
* {{Cite book |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Pablo |title=The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia |last2=Sansweet |first2=Stephen |publisher=Del Rey |year=2008 |isbn=9780345477637 |edition=First |volume=II |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film |publisher=Del Rey |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-345-54286-1 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film |publisher=Ebury Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-09-192499-7 |edition=2008}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of The Empire Strikes Back |publisher=Del Rey |year=2010|isbn=978-0-345-54336-3 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}


==External links== ==Further reading==
* {{cite journal|first=Martin|last=Miller|title=The Appeal of Star Wars: A psychoanalytic view|journal=]|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|location=Baltimore, Maryland|date=Summer 1981|volume=38|issue=2|pages=203–220}}
*{{databank|category=characters|subject=lukeskywalker|text=Luke Skywalker}}
{{Portal|Star Wars|Fictional characters}}
*
*{{sww|Luke Skywalker}}
*{{imdb character|0000273}}
* at The World of Star Wars


== External links ==
{{Star Wars major characters}}
{{Star Wars Databank|subject=|text=Luke Skywalker}}{{Star Wars Trilogy}}
{{Jedi}}
{{Star Wars sequel trilogy}}
{{Episode IV}}
{{Episode V}} {{The Mandalorian}}
{{The Book of Boba Fett}}
{{Episode VI}}
{{Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries)}}
{{Episode III}}
{{Star Wars Jedi Prince series}} {{Star Wars universe}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 21:51, 25 December 2024

Character in Star Wars This article is about the Star Wars character. For the rapper Luke Skyywalker, see Uncle Luke. For the Skulduggery Pleasant character, see Luke Skywalker (Skulduggery Pleasant).

Fictional character
Luke Skywalker
Star Wars character
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi (top) and The Last Jedi
First appearanceStar Wars (1977)
Created byGeorge Lucas
Portrayed by
  • Mark Hamill
  • Grant Feely (child) 
  • Aidan Barton (infant) 
Voiced byVarious
In-universe information
OccupationJedi Knight
Affiliation
Family
MastersObi-Wan Kenobi
Yoda
ApprenticesLeia Organa
Ben Solo
Rey
Grogu
HomeworldTatooine

Luke Skywalker is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was introduced in the original film trilogy as the main protagonist and also appears in the sequel trilogy. Raised as a moisture farmer on the planet Tatooine, Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and becomes a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire. He trains as a Jedi under Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, and eventually confronts his father, the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Years later, Luke trains his nephew Ben Solo and mentors the scavenger Rey. Luke is the twin brother of Leia Organa.

Mark Hamill portrays Luke in all the films of the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy, and in the television series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Hamill won the Saturn Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Luke in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983) and The Last Jedi (2017). He was also nominated for the award for his performance in Star Wars (1977). Luke also appears in novels, comics, and video games.

Creation and development

Star Wars (1977)

George Lucas considered various characterizations for the protagonist of the original Star Wars film. The possibilities included a 60-year-old grizzled war hero, a Jedi Master, a dwarf, and a woman. Luke's original surname was "Starkiller", and it remained in the script until a few months into filming. It was dropped due to what Lucas called "unpleasant connotations" with Charles Manson, who became a "star killer" in 1969 when he murdered the well-known actress Sharon Tate. Lucas replaced the problematic name "Starkiller" with "Skywalker".

Return of the Jedi (1983)

An alternate ending to the film reportedly featured Luke disappearing into the wilderness "like Clint Eastwood in the spaghetti Westerns."

The Force Awakens (2015)

Luke's lack of screen time in The Force Awakens was due to concerns by screenwriter Michael Arndt that his presence would distract from Rey, leading to an agreement that he be removed from the screen and instead become a plot device. Hamill attended meetings for script readings, and helped conceal Luke's role in the film; instead of dialogue, he read stage directions. According to director and co-writer J. J. Abrams, this allowed Hamill to remain involved and his reading helped make a "better experience for everyone."

Portrayal

Mark Hamill was originally cast as Luke for Star Wars (1977). Other actors who auditioned for the role include Robby Benson, William Katt, Kurt Russell, and Charles Martin Smith. Hamill was injured in a car accident in January 1977, fracturing his nose and cheekbone. Lucas justified the slight change to Hamill's likeness this would impose upon the sequel film, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), by asserting that in the interim between the two films, Luke had been fighting for the Rebel Alliance. It was speculated that the wampa attack at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back was written in to explain his facial injuries, but Lucas disputed this in the DVD commentary of the film.

Appearances

Original trilogy

Main article: Star Wars original trilogy

Star Wars

Luke was introduced in Star Wars (1977), the first film of the original trilogy. He is portrayed by Mark Hamill in all three films of the trilogy. At the beginning of the film, Luke is living on a moisture farm on the desert planet Tatooine with his uncle Owen and aunt Beru. After his uncle purchases the droids C-3PO and R2-D2, Luke finds a message from Princess Leia of Alderaan inside R2-D2. When R2-D2 goes missing, Luke goes out to search for the droid, and is saved from Tusken Raiders by Obi-Wan Kenobi, an elderly hermit. R2-D2 plays the message from Leia, in which she asks Obi-Wan to help her defeat the Galactic Empire. Obi-Wan says that he and Luke's father were once Jedi Knights, and that Luke's father was murdered by a traitorous Jedi named Darth Vader. Obi-Wan presents Luke with his father's lightsaber and offers to take him to Alderaan and train him in the ways of the Force. Luke declines his offer, feeling obligated to his family's farm.

Luke changes his mind when he finds that Imperial stormtroopers have killed his aunt and uncle. He and Obi-Wan travel to Mos Eisley, where they meet the smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca. They hire the duo to take them to Alderaan on the Millenium Falcon, only to discover that it has been destroyed by the Death Star, the Empire's battle station. The Falcon is brought to the Death Star via tractor beam, and Luke and Han disguise themselves as stormtroopers to infiltrate the station. When they discover Leia is being held captive, Luke persuades Han and Chewbacca to help rescue her. Obi-Wan deactivates the tractor beam, then sacrifices his life in a duel with Vader so the others can escape. Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and pilots an X-wing during the Battle of Yavin. He and other Rebels attempt to destroy the Death Star by launching torpedoes into an exhaust port. As he approaches the port, Luke hears Obi-Wan's voice, telling him to trust his feelings. He switches off his ship's missile guidance system, instead using the Force to guide the torpedoes. After destroying the Death Star, Luke receives a medal of honor from Leia.

The Empire Strikes Back

Mark Hamill in 1980
Mark Hamill in 1980

Luke returns in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, Luke is now a commander in the Rebel Alliance. While on the ice planet Hoth, he is captured by a wampa, but manages to escape. Obi-Wan appears to him as a Force spirit and urges him to complete his training with the Jedi Master Yoda. When the Empire discovers the Rebel base, Luke leads a squadron of snowspeeders against the opposing AT-AT walkers, but is forced to retreat. After escaping in his X-wing, he travels to Dagobah and meets Yoda. He undergoes rigorous Jedi training, quickly expanding his Force abilities.

While on Dagobah, Luke has a vision of his friends in danger. Against the advice of both Obi-Wan and Yoda to stay and complete his training, he travels to Cloud City to help them, unwittingly falling into a trap set by Vader. He engages in a lightsaber duel with Vader, and is overpowered. After severing Luke's hand, Vader reveals that he is Luke's father, and invites him to join the dark side of the Force and rule the galaxy with him. Luke throws himself into a chasm, and finds himself on the underside of Cloud City. Hanging onto a slender rod, he uses the Force to contact Leia, who is leaving in the Falcon. She hears his plea, and Chewbacca turns the ship around to rescue him. After Luke returns to the Rebel fleet, his severed hand is replaced with a bio-mechanical one.

Return of the Jedi

A year later, Luke is a Jedi Knight and has constructed his own lightsaber. At the beginning of Return of the Jedi (1983), he returns to Tatooine with Leia, Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian to rescue Han, who was frozen in carbonite and delivered to the crime lord Jabba the Hutt. Luke offers to negotiate with Jabba, who rejects his offer and imprisons him with a giant beast called a rancor. When Luke kills the rancor, Jabba decides to execute him, Han and Chewbacca by casting them into a Sarlacc pit. Luke escapes with R2-D2's help, saving his friends and destroying Jabba's sail barge. Luke returns to Dagobah, where he learns from a dying Yoda that Vader is indeed his father. Luke is then informed by Obi-Wan's spirit that he has a twin sister, whom he realizes is Leia. Both Yoda and Obi-Wan tell Luke that he must face Vader again to finish his training and save the galaxy, but he is disturbed by the idea of killing his father.

While his companions undertake a mission on Endor, Luke surrenders to Vader in an attempt to bring him back from the dark side. Vader takes his son to the second Death Star and brings him before the Emperor, who attempts to seduce him to the dark side. Luke lashes out at the Emperor with his lightsaber, but Vader blocks his strike, and the two of them duel once again. As Luke regains control of his emotions, Vader senses that he has a sister, and threatens to turn her to the dark side if Luke will not submit. Enraged, Luke overpowers Vader and severs his hand. The Emperor then orders Luke to kill Vader and take his place, but Luke refuses. The Emperor begins torturing Luke with Force lightning, and Luke calls out to his father for help. Vader hesitates, then throws the Emperor down a reactor shaft to his death. Mortally wounded, Vader asks his son to remove his mask, which allows Luke to look upon the face of Anakin Skywalker for the first time. On Endor, Luke burns his father's body on a funeral pyre. As the Rebels celebrate the destruction of the Death Star and the fall of the Empire, Luke sees Anakin's spirit appear alongside the spirits of Obi-Wan and Yoda.

Revenge of the Sith

In the prequel film Revenge of the Sith (2005), Padmé Amidala gives birth to the twins Luke and Leia and then dies. Obi-Wan and Yoda agree to separate the twins in order to protect them from their father, Vader, and the newly created Galactic Empire. Obi-Wan takes Luke to the desert planet Tatooine, where he is adopted by Vader's stepbrother, Owen Lars, and his wife Beru. Leia is adopted by Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan. Both infants are portrayed by Aidan Barton, the son of Roger Barton, an editor of the film.

Sequel trilogy

Main article: Star Wars sequel trilogy

The first film of the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens (2015), occurs thirty years after the destruction of the second Death Star. Hamill reprises his role as Luke in all three films. The opening crawl of The Force Awakens reveals that Luke disappeared after his nephew and Jedi apprentice, Ben Solo, turned to the dark side and became Kylo Ren, a warlord of the First Order. The Resistance, led by Leia, manage to locate Luke on the planet Ahch-To; the Force-sensitive scavenger Rey then travels to the planet and offers him his lightsaber. At the beginning of The Last Jedi (2017), Luke tosses the lightsaber aside. He refuses to talk to Rey, but eventually inquires about his family. Rey tells him about Han Solo's death at the hands of his son Ren, and explains that the First Order now rules the galaxy. She asks Luke to train her in the ways of the Force, but he is reluctant. He tells her it is time for the Jedi Order to end.

Mark Hamill (pictured in 2019) reprises the role of Luke in the sequel trilogy.

Luke eventually begins instructing Rey, but is afraid of her power. He tells her the history of the Jedi Order, and how Darth Sidious rose to power. He claims the Jedi were partly responsible for his father's fall to the dark side. Luke admits that he briefly considered killing his nephew after seeing a vision of the destruction he could cause; when Ben woke to see Luke with his lightsaber drawn, he felt betrayed and left his training. Rey urges Luke to help her redeem Ben, but he refuses. When Rey leaves, Luke tries to burn the Jedi temple, but fails. He is then visited by the spirit of Yoda, who assures him that he still has a purpose. Later, Luke appears on Crait, where the Resistance is besieged. He apologizes to Leia for allowing Ben to fall to the dark side, then steps in front of the First Order forces. He survives an onslaught of blaster fire, then engages Ren in lightsaber combat. Ren seemingly cuts through him, but Luke is unharmed; he is still on Ahch-To, having used the Force to project himself to Crait. He then collapses and becomes one with the Force. His battle with Ren gave the Resistance time to escape the planet.

Luke returns in the final film of the trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker (2019). After Rey defeats Ren in a lightsaber duel, she flies his TIE fighter to Ahch-To, then burns the ship. When she throws Luke's lightsaber into the flames, he appears as a Force spirit and catches it. He reprimands her for treating the weapon with disrespect, and admits he was wrong not to participate in the Resistance. He thanks Rey for helping him rediscover himself, and urges her to continue her battle against the Sith. He gives her Leia's lightsaber and his X-wing for her journey to Exegol. After Rey vanquishes Sidious, she visits the moisture farm where Luke was raised. When a passerby asks Rey who she is, she notices the spirits of Luke and Leia nearby, and replies "Rey Skywalker."

Series

Hamill portrays Luke in "Chapter 16: The Rescue", the season two finale of the live-action series The Mandalorian. The Force-sensitive infant Grogu had contacted him in a previous episode, and Luke now arrives to collect him and begin his Jedi training. Luke also destroys a group of Dark Troopers that were threatening Grogu and his guardian, Din Djarin.

The series The Book of Boba Fett features Hamill as Luke in the episode "Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger". While training Grogu, Luke helps him remember some of his past, including his home at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and the events of the Great Jedi Purge. Soon after, Djarin sends Luke a gift for Grogu: beskar chain mail forged by the Armorer. Unsure whether Grogu is committed to the Jedi path, Luke decides to let the child choose his own destiny. He invites him to choose between the chain mail and a lightsaber that belonged to Yoda. In "Chapter 7: In The Name of Honor", it is revealed that Grogu chose the chain mail, which leads Luke to send him back to Djarin.

Luke appears in two episodes of the animated web series Forces of Destiny, voiced by Hamill. The episode "The Path Ahead" details his training with Yoda on Dagobah. In "Traps and Tribulations", he and Leia help the Ewoks stop a rampaging beast known as a Gorax. Grant Feely portrays Luke as a ten-year-old child in the series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022).

Novels and comics

The 2015 novel Heir to the Jedi takes place between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, and chronicles the adventures of Luke as he continues to battle the Empire with his Rebel companions. He grows close with Nakari Kelen, a fellow Rebel, and he begins to develop his Force abilities. The novel is written from the first-person perspective of Luke, and is only the second Star Wars novel to utilize this type of narrative voice. Luke is featured in the junior novel The Legends of Luke Skywalker, which was adapted as a manga. He also appears in the 2015 comic Star Wars, which is set between the films of the original trilogy. The 2022 novel Shadow of the Sith, which is set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, follows Luke and Lando Calrissian as they search for Exegol.

Other

Hamill provides Luke's voice in The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) and in radio adaptations of Star Wars (1981) and The Empire Strikes Back (1983). Joshua Fardon voices Luke in the Return of the Jedi radio drama. Luke also appears in video games, in which he is voiced by a variety of different actors.

Star Wars Legends

See also: Star Wars in other media

Following the acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disney Company in 2012, most of the licensed Star Wars novels and comics produced between 1977 and 2014 were rebranded as Star Wars Legends and declared non-canon to the franchise. The Legends works comprise a separate narrative universe.

Novels

The novel The Truce at Bakura (1997) takes place one day after the Battle of Endor. Luke and his friend Wedge Antilles recover a message droid from the planet Bakura, which is being invaded by the Ssi-Ruuk. Luke turns back the army and meets Dev Sibwarra, a Force-sensitive human who had been captured by the Ssi-Ruuk. Sibwarra is eventually killed after turning against his captors. The Courtship of Princess Leia (1995) is set four years after the Battle of Endor. Luke travels to the planet Dathomir, where he encounters the Force-sensitive Witches of Dathomir. He discovers a prophecy stating that a Jedi will change the way of life on Dathomir, and he eventually realizes what the Force truly is. Luke destroys most of the Nightsisters—a group of dark-side witches—and their leader Gethzirion. He also terminates Zsinj, the galaxy's most powerful warlord. Luke recovers Jedi records left by Yoda roughly 400 years prior, then decides to start a new Jedi Academy.

In the Thrawn trilogy, Luke meets Mara Jade, the former Emperor's Hand who is bound by Palpatine's disembodied voice that repeatedly commands "You will kill Luke Skywalker". Although she was ready to terminate Luke to stop the voice, she keeps him alive so he can help her escape from danger. Despite her threats, Luke learns about the spell Mara is under and vows to free her from it. Later, Luke and Mara fight against Luke's clone, Luuke Skywalker, a creation of Joruus C'baoth. Mara destroys the clone and eliminates C'baoth with help from Leia. Mara's curse is then silenced.

Luke resigns his commission in the New Republic starfighter corps in the Jedi Academy trilogy. He turns his attention to his Jedi studies and begins to rebuild the Jedi Order in the Massassi Temple on Yavin 4, a decision some anti-Jedi politicians use against him. He is forced to contend with the spirit of the ancient Sith Lord Exar Kun, who lures one of his most powerful students, Kyp Durron, to the dark side. In the Hand of Thrawn Duology, Luke is a Jedi Master. He works again with Mara, who has gained knowledge of the Force since her training at Luke's Jedi Academy. Luke falls in love with her and they eventually marry. In Edge of Victory: Rebirth, they have a son whom they name Ben, after Obi-Wan's alias.

Luke creates a New Jedi Council in the New Jedi Order series. He envisions a conclave composed of Jedi, politicians and military officers. In Force Heretic: Remnant, he spearheads a mission to the Unknown Regions during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion to find the mysterious planet Zonama Sekot, which creates living starships. After the invaders are defeated, Luke leads the New Jedi Order on Denon, the temporary capital of the Galactic Alliance.

In The Swarm War, the Order moves to Ossus, the site of Jedi temples and libraries that were mostly destroyed 4,000 years prior. Upon the Killik's invasion of Chiss space and the transformation of most of the Myrkr mission survivors into Killik Joiners, Luke deduces that the Killik's collective mind is being unconsciously controlled by a hive called the Dark Nest. The hive, in turn, is controlled by a former Nightsister named Lomi Plo, who became the Unseen Queen through her ability to become invisible by exploiting the doubts of inferiors. One of the Myrkr survivors, Alema Rar, suggests to Luke that Mara may be responsible for the death of his mother. Luke almost believes the lie due to Mara's previous role as the Emperor's Hand. His doubts are assuaged when he discovers several hologram recordings hidden in R2-D2's memory. He sees his father Force-choking his mother on Mustafar, as well as his own birth and his mother's death. Luke defeats Lomi Plo in the final battle of the Swarm War, cutting her into four pieces.

In the Legacy of the Force series, a schism develops between Luke and his nephew, Jacen Solo. Already a powerful Jedi, Jacen has begun adopting radical interpretations of the Force, which causes a dramatic change in his personality and makes Luke afraid that he will fall to the dark side. During this time, Luke begins having visions of a dark figure destroying the galaxy and the Jedi. The situation worsens in Bloodlines, when Luke's son Ben becomes Jacen's apprentice. In Tempest, Luke determines that the figure from his visions is Lumiya, a former Emperor's Hand now known as the "Dark Lady of the Sith".

When Mara is murdered in Sacrifice, Lumiya convinces Luke that she killed her. They battle, and Luke saves Lumiya from falling to her death so that he can kill her himself. However, he later realizes that Lumiya could not have killed Mara. He breaks down over the death of his wife, knowing that her murderer is still at large. He does not realize that the killer is Jacen, who has taken the Sith name Darth Caedus. In Revelation, Ben proves that Jacen killed Mara, but Luke is reluctant to destroy Jacen, fearing that he or Ben may fall to the dark side in the process. The decision is taken out of his hands in Invincible, when Jaina kills Jacen in a lightsaber duel.

The Fate of the Jedi novels are set about forty years after the original Star Wars film. Now in his sixties, Luke is deposed from his position as Grand Master and exiled from Coruscant. He will be allowed to return if he can discover why Jacen fell to the dark side. Luke and Ben embark on a journey together, exploring dangerous and little-known parts of the galaxy. They learn about each other, about the Force, and about the great dangers threatening the Jedi. The love between them grows greater as they repeatedly save each other's lives.

The Matthew Stover novel Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor (2008) takes place shortly after Return of the Jedi and the novel Prophets of the Dark Side. Luke and the Rebel Alliance are attempting to stop Lord Shadowspawn and his "shadow stormtroopers", a struggle which culminates in the Battle of Mindor. Stover said Shadows of Mindor was meant to evoke Brian Daley's Han Solo novels, which are Stover's favorite Star Wars books.

Comics

Luke appears in the Marvel-published comic adaptations of the original trilogy, as well as an ongoing series that ran from 1977 to 1986. He also appears in numerous titles released by Dark Horse Comics, including Star Wars: Legacy. In this series, which takes place 125 years after the events of the original trilogy, Luke appears to his descendant Cade Skywalker as a Force spirit. He persuades Cade to once again become a Jedi in order to defeat Darth Krayt and his burgeoning Sith Empire.

Reception

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In regards to Luke's portrayal in The Last Jedi, many fans expressed disappointment in how he was depicted "as a grumpy old man whose failures had driven him into hiding" and the actions the character takes in contributing to Kylo Ren's backstory, a stark departure in how Luke was characterized in the original trilogy. Hamill originally stated that he fundamentally disagreed with "every choice made for this character," but that he had the utmost respect for Johnson and was willing to do his part to realize Johnson's vision.

See also

Notes

  1. Original trilogy
    Sequel trilogy
    The Mandalorian
    The Book of Boba Fett
    The Star Wars Holiday Special
  2. Obi-Wan Kenobi
  3. Revenge of the Sith
  4. The Star Wars Holiday Special
    Radio dramas
    Forces of Destiny
    Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
  5. Various Lego Star Wars productions
  6. Various video games
  7. Return of the Jedi radio drama
  8. Various video games
    Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out
  9. Star Wars Battlefront
  10. Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
  11. Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit
  12. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
  13. Star Wars Battlefront II
  14. Star Wars: X-Wing
  15. Phineas and Ferb
  16. Star Wars (pinball game)
  17. Owen and Beru are not Luke's true uncle and aunt, but are relatives by marriage.
  18. Luke's family members in the Star Wars Legends narrative universe include his wife Mara Jade Skywalker and his son Ben Skywalker.
  19. The film was originally titled Star Wars, then later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope.
  20. The first was the 1997 Michael A. Stackpole novel I, Jedi.
  21. Attributed to multiple references:

References

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Works cited

  • Hidalgo, Pablo; Sansweet, Stephen (2008). The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia. Vol. II (First ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 9780345477637.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2007). The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (eBook v3.1 ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-54286-1.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2008). The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (2008 ed.). Ebury Press. ISBN 978-0-09-192499-7.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2010). The Making of The Empire Strikes Back (eBook v3.1 ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-54336-3.

Further reading

  • Miller, Martin (Summer 1981). "The Appeal of Star Wars: A psychoanalytic view". American Imago. 38 (2). Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press: 203–220.

External links

Luke Skywalker in the StarWars.com Databank

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