Mark Hamill is listed among the movie crew, and we get to see his robotic hand touching R2-D2 in the trailer; but Luke is nowhere else to be found. According to J.J. Abrams, director of the film, this is all just “part of the plan”.
Fans of the legendary Star Wars franchise are incredibly excited about the upcoming sequel, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, which continues the franchise after a 30+ year hiatus.
However, an online turmoil emerged when fans started noticing Luke’s absence in the whole marketing campaign. Lots of questions regarding this have flooded J.J. Abrams inbox during the past days, and in an “Associated Press” event regarding this 7th Star Wars film, he finally revealed, rather jokingly, that this whole mess is “no accident” (and probably his intent from the start).
People’s anxiety over Luke is understandable: while the movie recasts the original actors (Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, among others), the story takes place 30 years after the original plot, and so few information regarding this new story and the role of its (old and new) characters has been revealed, that speculation is rampant even about the most basic of story details, let alone what happened with the protagonist of the original saga.
To add topping to the cake, back in August Disney pulled all online copies it could from the only leaked image we got of Luke in the new films, wearing usual Jedi robes. It’s clear his role will have a tremendous impact on the film’s story, and it’s on Disney´s and Abrams’ best interest to keep it hidden from fans until December 18.
Referring to the doubts sent to him, Abrams says “These are good questions to be asking. I can’t wait for you to find out the answer”. He seems very happy about the overall enthusiasm displayed by the public and really excited about the film’s launch, but won’t disclose anything.
Lately he has been busy with finishing the special effects and working with John Williams in the musical score. He expects his work to be over in 4 weeks, and is anxious to see the film in theaters.
Aside from the “original cast”, which also includes Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Star Wars: The Force Awakens counts with John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron),Daisy Ridley (Rey), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux) and Adam Driver (Kylo Ren). With a script by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams himself, the sequel of “Return of the Jedi” has easily become the most anticipated film of 2015.