Mark Hamill Confirms Star Wars: Episode IX Return?

Considering Star Wars: Episode VIII just entered post-production, fans have a long wait to go until Episode IX hits theaters. The film will stand as the final installment of the franchise's sequel trilogy, no doubt making fans more desperate than ever to discover whether the movie lives up to their expectations. Little is known about Episode IX as Lucasfilm has been extraordinarily tight-lipped about the space opera's secrets - but can the same be side about Star Wars' actors? After all, it does seem like Mark Hamill dropped a surprising teaser for Episode IX on Twitter today.

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

The social media enthusiast uploaded a video earlier today that shows Hamill bidding farewell to his beard. The actor's coarse, thick hairs clearly don't stand a chance against his electric razor, much like how Luke Skywalker's hand easily lost to Darth Vader's lightsaber. Sorry, too soon?

However, it's not the actor's video that contains the alleged Star Wars spoiler. That goodie comes in Hamill's tweet itself. The actor posted a witty message to accompany his video, writing, "Haven't seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX)." And, as you can see, Hamill slyly slipped in a teaser for fans eager to learn more about Episode IX.

At face value, Hamill's tweet appears to confirm he'll be returning to Episode IX in some form, leaving many to assume this means Luke Skywalker won't meet a similar fate to (spoiler!) Han Solo. If the powerful Jedi manages to make it through Episode VIII alive, then fans are optimistic director Colin Trevorrow won't be inclined to kill off Hamill. However, there are some who're not quite sure if Hamill's words necessarily means he's making it out of Episode VIII alive and well.

After all, Star Wars has had sevearl ghostly cameos in the past. The original trilogy confirmed Jedi Masters could reappear as 'Force Ghosts' - just see Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda's return in Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. If Hamill were to appear as a ghost in Episode IX, then he would need to grow his beard back as he's sported the facial hair in all the other Star Wars sequels.

And, as for this reveal being a spoiler, fans are hesitant to call it such. While Han Solo's death in Episode VII was unexpected, fans agree Luke will likely appear in all of the sequel films, even if his role in Episode VII only lasted a few measly seconds. Hamill's involvement with Episode VIII will certainly be more substantial as the film will immediately pick-up where its predecessor left off as Luke begins mentoring Rey (Daisy Ridley) in the ways of the Force.

What's surprising about all of this is that Hamill revealed the news through Twitter. The actor usually keeps quiet about official Star Wars updates unless he's got an okay, no doubt to avoid Mads Mikkelsen's Rogue One snafu earlier this year. If the actor is being up-front about the news, then fans can at least look forward to seeing the actor wrap up the Star Wars franchise's newest trilogy - no mind tricks involved.