Mark Hamill drops hint about Luke Skywalker's fate in new Star Wars sequels

Mark Hamill may be part of Star Wars’ old guard, but the actor knows how to use social media to cause a stir. The actor got fans buzzing with a tweet Tuesday when he dropped a hint about the possible fate of his beloved character Luke Skywalker.

Luke’s fate has been a source of concern for months, with many fans worrying that the Jedi Master could be the next iconic character to meet his tragic end. The actor himself has played into the rumors at times, but most recently, he offered hope for Luke’s survival. In his tweet Tuesday, he hinted that he’d still be around for Star Wars: Episode IX.

Hamill shared a video of his beard being shaved, and as he bid the facial hair farewell, he dropped his big hint: “#ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX),” he wrote.

Haven't seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX) @popculturequest pic.twitter.com/gaScz1okk6

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 30, 2016

Hamill’s message does seem promising, but we wouldn’t take it as confirmation that Luke will appear in Episode IX. Earlier this summer, the actor had to clarify a comment he had made about being “out of work” after Episode VIII. Naturally, his remark had sparked cries that Luke was going to die.

I meant "out of work" because #Ep8 is wrapping soon, OK? #DontOverThinkEVERYTHING #ParsingHamill #WaitForVIII https://t.co/5CIJ5Gqo99

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) June 27, 2016

Whether or not Hamill makes it all the way to Episode IX as he seems to be saying he will (here’s hoping!), his role in Episode VIII should at least top the whopping one scene he had in Episode VII — The Force Awakens. Hamill (and his beard) only appeared at the end, disappointing many viewers. It would be great to see him take on a bigger role moving forward, but with so many conflicting rumors and reports, it is hard to say what the future holds for Luke.

Episode VIII is slated to open on December 15, 2017. In the meantime, fans have Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to look forward to on December 16.