So here’s the latest: Sebastian Stan’s own stunt double just confirmed that Mark Hamill personally wants him to play Luke Skywalker. Yeah, seriously. In a recent interview on Cantina Talk, John Nania—Stan’s double—said Hamill’s not just aware of the fan casting, he’s actually talked to Sebastian about it.
The way Nania described it, Hamill told Stan he thinks he’d be great in the role. Stan, though, seemed hesitant, saying he doesn’t want to take the job while Mark’s still doing it. Which I respect. But at the same time? Stan admitted he’d love to do it if Lucasfilm ever made the call.
And that’s the kicker—Lucasfilm still hasn’t called. No plans, no offers, just silence. Which kind of sucks, because everything about this casting just works.
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Stan Fits the Age for Post-ROTJ Luke Perfectly
People keep bringing up his age—he’s 42—but that’s actually spot-on for the era fans want to see: the post-Return of the Jedi years. We’re talking Luke rebuilding the Jedi Order, hunting lost Force knowledge, and setting the stage for what eventually becomes the New Republic.
Luke was about 53 in The Force Awakens, so if you’re telling stories that take place 10 to 15 years after ROTJ, Sebastian fits like a glove. It’s not about recasting teen Luke. It’s about filling in the huge, mostly untouched middle chapter in his life.
You Don’t Need Deepfakes When You’ve Got Stan
The tech used in The Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett was impressive, sure. But even then, something always felt a little off. Deepfakes can’t fully capture the energy of a real performance, and honestly? They shouldn’t have to.
Sebastian already looks like young Hamill. It’s not just the face—he’s got the same calm intensity, the same serious stare, and the kind of quiet emotion that grown-up Luke would have. No CGI needed. Just good casting.
He’s Proven He Can Carry a Franchise
This isn’t some untested actor. Stan’s been doing the Marvel thing for over a decade now. He’s handled action, drama, complex emotions—you name it. Saying he’s too old or too busy just doesn’t really hold up when he’s still out here doing stunts and landing lead roles.
If anything, his experience makes him more qualified. Post-ROTJ Luke isn’t a wide-eyed farm boy anymore. He’s a battle-scarred Jedi Master trying to hold the galaxy together. That’s exactly the kind of character Stan can bring to life.
Mark Hamill Literally Supports It
This part can’t be stressed enough. Mark Hamill is on board. Not just in a vague, social-media-approval kind of way, but actually having personal conversations with Stan about it. Hamill even said two years ago that the franchise doesn’t really need him as Luke anymore.
So the idea that it would be “disrespectful” to recast? That’s out the window. Hamill’s not just okay with it—he’s the one encouraging it. And when the original actor says, “Yeah, go for it,” that should carry serious weight.
There’s So Much Luke Content Left on the Table
Let’s be real—there’s a giant storytelling gap between ROTJ and The Force Awakens. We barely got to see Luke as a Jedi Master in live action. We didn’t see the academy. We didn’t get much of his inner conflict. Just flashes.
With shows like Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Skeleton Crew already exploring that timeline, Luke could slot right in. Stan wouldn’t be taking over the Skywalker saga—he’d be adding to it in a meaningful way. Stories like Heir to the Empire or anything with the New Jedi Order could finally be told on screen.
Lucasfilm Needs to Rethink Their Recast Policy
They’ve been cautious ever since Solo underperformed, but that wasn’t about the casting. That movie had other problems—bad timing, weak marketing, and franchise fatigue. Recasting alone didn’t sink it.
And honestly? They’ve already recast iconic characters before. Obi-Wan, Anakin, Lando all got new actors, and it worked. So the idea that Luke is somehow untouchable just doesn’t make sense, especially when you already have the perfect guy lined up.
Fun Fact That Just Hits Right
Did you know Stan and Hamill have been teasing this whole thing for years? At one point, Hamill even called Stan his “son” on social media because of how uncanny the resemblance was. That’s not just approval—that’s basically a hand-off.
Sorry to disappoint you but I refuse to say “Sebastian Stan-I AM YOUR FATHER!” (even though, in fact, I am) 😜 #SorryNotSorry #MySonSebastian pic.twitter.com/A6e4t6GkXC
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 24, 2017