Mark Hamill On How Alec Guinness Influenced His Performance In The Last Jedi

The different Star Wars trilogies have all used recurring themes and repeated motifs throughout the films. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the next movie to put a twist on a familiar subject, showing how a former student has become a teacher.

Luke Skywalker will begin training Rey in the ways of the Force in the upcoming film, essentially treating the young pilot how Obi-Wan Kenobi treated him in the first Star Wars movie from 40 years ago.

Actor Mark Hamill spoke to Yahoo! Movies during Disney’s D23 Expo about how he’s taken Obi-Wan actor Alec Guinness‘ influence and channeled it into his performance for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

“I was completely in awe of this man,” Hamill said. “But in terms of studying him for this film, I channeled his dignity and his composure. But Obi-Wan has a much different backstory than Luke. So although there are many similarities, you have to really … take ownership of your own character. I would never, you know, sort of imitate Sir Alec.”

UP NEXT: Rian Johnson Reveals The Word He’s Most Proud To Have Gotten Into Opening Crawl Of The Last Jedi

We can’t wait to see the new spin The Last Jedi puts on the master-and-apprentice relationship, especially considering Luke’s ominous words in the first trailer where he calls for the time of the Jedi to end.

Both Hamill and Rey actor Daisy Ridley have hinted that their characters’ relationship won’t be all roses and sunshine. We’re excited to learn more about the duo and how they interact when Star Wars: The Last Jedi premieres in theaters on December 15.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second film in the new Star Wars sequel trilogy that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. The film will deal with Luke training Rey to become a, and possibly the last, Jedi. Meanwhile, the Resistance, including Poe Dameron and First Order defector Finn, continues to fight against the First Order, led by General Hux, while Supreme Leader Snoke and his Dark Side follower Kylo Ren continue their mysterious plot.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran.