Mark Hamill Compares the Force to a Drug in Huge 'Star Wars: Ep. 9' Spoiler

Star Wars gave Luke Skywalker a pretty definitive sendoff in The Last Jedi, but considering that Mark Hamill is set to return in some capacity in Episode IX, some fans are wondering whether his character really died at the end of the last film. However, in a recent tweet, Hamill seems to confirm his character’s demise while also offering an interesting new perspective on the corrupting influence of the Force.

On Monday, Hamill shared a page from the comic book adaptation of The Last Jedi showing his death at the end of the film. As you likely remember, Luke used the Force to project himself across the galaxy so he could protec Leia and the rest of the Resistance. After facing off against Kylo Ren, Luke revealed that he was just a projection and disappeared. Back at home on the island Ahch-To, he also vanished as his cloak fell away to reveal nothing but air.

That scene is just ambiguous enough to suggest that maybe Luke isn’t really dead, but there’s no arguing against Hamill’s recent tweet.

“THE FORCE KILLED LUKE,” he wrote.

Hamill goes on to explain exactly what happened, essentially arguing that after years of abstaining from the Force, using it again was simply too much for Luke Skywalker to handle.

“You have to acknowledge the irony in his fate,” he said. “Almost like an addict that kicked his habit cold-turkey, remained clean for decades, only to re-use just once & then, tragically, overdoses.”

It’s an interesting take on the Force and its place in the Star Wars universe. It’s no secret the Force can have a corrupting influence (see Anakin Skywalker), but comparing it to a drug takes things to a new level. It implies that anyone who uses the Force (good or evil) will eventually suffer as a result. Hamill’s interpretation might even help explain the Jedi Council’s decline in the prequels as a result of extended exposure to the Force.

As for Episode IX, Hamill essentially confirms here that his character is dead. That means when we see Luke Skywalker next year he’ll most likely be a Force ghost (or maybe a flashback). Just don’t expect to see Luke pop-up as if nothing happened in The Last Jedi. That starfighter has sailed.

Star Wars Episode IX is set to debut on December 20, 2019.