Editing Luke Skywalker

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{{Character Infobox
| image              = Luke_Skywalker_ANH.png
| image_size         = 250px
| caption            = Luke Skywalker in his Tatooine moisture farmer attire.
| name               = Luke Skywalker
| portrayed_by       = [[Mark Hamill]]
| first_appearance   = ''[[Star Wars: A New Hope]]''
| last_appearance    = ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]''
| affiliation        = [[Rebel Alliance]], [[Jedi Order]]
| signature_artifacts= [[Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber]], [[Luke Skywalker's Green Lightsaber]], [[Tatooine Moisture Farmer Outfit]], [[Jedi Knight Outfit]], [[T-65B X-wing]], [[X-34 Landspeeder]]
| wikipedia_link     = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Skywalker
| imdb_link          = https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000004/
}}

'''Luke Skywalker''' is the central protagonist of the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy. Introduced in ''A New Hope'' as a young farmboy on the desert planet of Tatooine, his journey from humble beginnings to galactic hero is defined by the artifacts he inherits, discovers, and masters.

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==Character Overview==
An orphan raised by his aunt and uncle, Luke is a skilled pilot and dreamer who yearns for a life of adventure beyond his mundane existence. His life changes forever when he purchases two droids, [[R2-D2]] and [[C-3PO]], and is thrust into the Galactic Civil War. Guided by [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]], he begins to learn the ways of the Force and discovers his lineage as the son of a Jedi Knight.

==Film & Television Appearances==

=== ''[[Star Wars: A New Hope|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope]]'' (1977) ===
Luke is introduced as a farmboy on Tatooine who dreams of joining the academy. He discovers a message from Princess Leia hidden within R2-D2, leading him to meet Obi-Wan Kenobi. After his aunt and uncle are killed by Imperial stormtroopers, he commits to learning the ways of the Force and joins the Rebel Alliance. As a pilot, he successfully destroys the Death Star by using the Force to guide a proton torpedo into a small exhaust port.<ref name="anh_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(film) "Star Wars (film)"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' (1978) ===
In this television special, Luke appears alongside Han Solo trying to get back to Chewbacca's home planet of Kashyyyk to celebrate the Wookiee holiday, "Life Day." He is seen primarily on video screens communicating with Chewbacca's family and later appears in his X-wing fighter. This appearance is notable for featuring the main cast between films, though it is often disregarded in official canon.<ref name="huffpo_holiday">[https://www.huffpost.com/entry/star-wars-holiday-special_n_6135512 "The 'Star Wars Holiday Special' Is The Weirdest Thing To Ever Air On TV"]. HuffPost. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' (1980) ===
Luke Skywalker, along with C-3PO and R2-D2, guest-starred in an episode of ''The Muppet Show''. In the episode, the characters crash-land on the Muppet planet and search for Chewbacca, who has been captured. Luke showcases his Jedi abilities and uses his lightsaber. Mark Hamill also appears as himself, playing Luke's "cousin."<ref name="muppet_wiki">[https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_417:_The_Stars_of_Star_Wars "Episode 417: The Stars of Star Wars"]. Muppet Wiki. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back|Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980) ===
Three years after destroying the Death Star, Luke is a commander in the Rebel Alliance. Following a vision of Obi-Wan, he travels to the swamp planet Dagobah to be trained by the exiled Jedi Master [[Yoda]]. Though his training is incomplete, he leaves to confront [[Darth Vader]] at Cloud City to save his friends. In a duel, Vader severs Luke's right hand, taking his father's lightsaber with it, before revealing that he is Luke's father.<ref name="esb_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_Strikes_Back "The Empire Strikes Back"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi|Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi]]'' (1983) ===
Now a confident Jedi Knight, Luke constructs a new, green-bladed lightsaber. After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, he confronts Vader and the Emperor aboard the second Death Star. He resists the Emperor's temptations to turn to the dark side and, in a fit of rage, defeats his father but refuses to kill him. This act of compassion inspires Vader to redeem himself by destroying the Emperor, sacrificing himself in the process. Luke's journey comes full circle as he successfully brings his father back to the light.<ref name="rotj_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_of_the_Jedi "Return of the Jedi"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens|Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens]]'' (2015) ===
In the decades following the Empire's fall, Luke attempted to rebuild the Jedi Order. However, after his nephew and apprentice, Ben Solo, turned to the dark side and destroyed his temple, a guilt-ridden Luke vanished into self-imposed exile. He appears only in the film's final scene, a silent, hooded figure on the planet Ahch-To, where he is found by [[Rey]].<ref name="tfa_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Force_Awakens "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi|Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi]]'' (2017) ===
A central figure in this film, Luke is a broken man who has cut himself off from the Force, believing the Jedi must end. He reluctantly agrees to teach Rey, but his cynicism and guilt over creating Kylo Ren initially hold him back. In a final, heroic act, he projects an image of himself across the galaxy to Crait, confronting Kylo Ren and providing a distraction that allows the last of the Resistance to escape. The strain of this act costs him his life, and he becomes one with the Force.<ref name="tlj_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Last_Jedi "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker|Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker]]'' (2019) ===
Luke appears as a Force spirit to a disillusioned Rey on Ahch-To. He encourages her not to follow his path of isolation and to face Palpatine. As a spirit, he lifts his old T-65B X-wing from the sea for her, a feat he failed to accomplish as a student on Dagobah, and gives her Leia's lightsaber, showing he has learned from his past failures.<ref name="tros_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Rise_of_Skywalker "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[The Mandalorian]]'' & ''[[The Book of Boba Fett]]'' ===
In the Season 2 finale of ''The Mandalorian'', a digitally de-aged Luke appears at the height of his Jedi powers, single-handedly destroying a platoon of Dark Troopers to rescue [[Grogu]]. He takes Grogu to be trained at his new Jedi temple on Ossus. In ''The Book of Boba Fett'', he continues Grogu's training but ultimately presents the child with a choice: Yoda's lightsaber, representing the Jedi path, or a beskar chainmail shirt from Din Djarin, representing attachment. Grogu chooses the armor, and Luke respectfully sends him back to the Mandalorian.<ref name="mando_sr">[https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-luke-skywalker-mark-hamill-grogu-jedi-future/ "Luke Skywalker In The Mandalorian Explained: Jedi Order & Baby Yoda Future"]. ScreenRant. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

==Signature Artifacts==

=== [[Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber]] ===
* '''Description:''' A Jedi weapon with a silver and black hilt, constructed from a 1940s Graflex camera flash handle. It produces a blue plasma blade.<ref name="graflex_prop">[https://propstore.com/blog/the-graflex-lightsaber-a-history/ "The Graflex Lightsaber: A History," Prop Store].</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This artifact represents Luke's destiny and his connection to the Jedi Order. Receiving it from Obi-Wan is the "call to adventure" that officially begins his hero's journey. It is a symbol of his father, Anakin Skywalker, and the noble path he must learn to follow.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The lightsaber is Luke's primary tool for growth in ''A New Hope''. He first uses it for training aboard the Millennium Falcon and later to defend himself. Its loss in ''The Empire Strikes Back'', along with his hand, is a pivotal moment of failure and maturation.

=== [[Tatooine Moisture Farmer Outfit]] ===
* '''Description:''' A simple costume consisting of a white tunic (similar to a Japanese karate gi), tan leg wrappings, and worn work boots. Designed by [[John Mollo]].
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This outfit visually establishes Luke's humble, rural origins. Its simplicity and light color contrast sharply with the dark, imposing armor of the Empire, symbolizing his innocence and inherent goodness at the start of his journey.<ref>J.W. Rinzler, ''The Making of Star Wars'', Del Rey, 2007, p. 482.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The costume grounds the fantastical story in a relatable, almost peasant-like reality. It is the "skin" Luke must shed as he transitions from a farmer to a Rebel pilot and Jedi-in-training.

=== [[Luke Skywalker's Green Lightsaber]] ===
* '''Description:''' A lightsaber with a thinner neck and a more metallic, circuit-board-like appearance than his first. It produces a green blade. The prop was based on an Obi-Wan Kenobi prop from the first film.<ref name="rotj_props">"Return of the Jedi Props," StarWars.com. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The creation of this weapon between films signifies Luke's growth into a self-sufficient Jedi Knight. He no longer relies on his father's legacy but has forged his own path and identity. The green blade distinguishes him from the traditional blue of his masters.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' This is the weapon he uses throughout ''Return of the Jedi'', from his confident rescue of Han Solo to his final, emotional duel with Darth Vader.

=== [[Jedi Knight Outfit]] ===
* '''Description:''' A stark, all-black costume consisting of a tunic, pants, boots, and a cloak, worn by Luke in ''Return of the Jedi''.
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This costume marks a dramatic shift from his earlier white and tan outfits. The black color reflects his maturity, seriousness, and his proximity to the dark side. It creates a strong visual parallel to his father, Darth Vader, highlighting his central conflict: whether he will fall to the dark side or redeem the Skywalker name.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The outfit causes both the Emperor and the audience to question Luke's allegiance. When he finally casts his lightsaber aside and rejects the dark path, the contrast between his dark clothes and his noble actions is made even more powerful.

=== [[Prosthetic Hand]] ===
* '''Description:''' A robotic right hand that replaces the one he lost in his duel with Darth Vader. It is covered with a synthetic skin to appear lifelike.
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The hand is a permanent physical reminder of his failure and the painful truth of his parentage. It represents a loss of innocence and a step toward a more mechanical, Vader-like existence.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The artifact provides the climax of ''Return of the Jedi''. After severing Vader's mechanical hand and seeing the sparking wires, Luke looks down at his own prosthetic hand. In that moment, he sees that he is becoming his father. This realization is what causes him to throw away his weapon and refuse to kill Vader, a pivotal choice that saves the galaxy.

=== [[X-34 Landspeeder]] ===
* '''Description:''' A civilian SoroSuub X-34 landspeeder with a faded red paint job and an exposed engine. The prop was famously built on the chassis of a three-wheeled British car, the Bond Bug.<ref name="landspeeder_prop">"Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder," StarWars.com Databank. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The speeder is a symbol of Luke's trapped existence and his desire for freedom. It is his only means of exploring the world beyond the farm, yet it also represents the limits of his world, as it cannot leave the planet.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The landspeeder is the vehicle that moves the plot forward on Tatooine, taking Luke and Obi-Wan to Mos Eisley. Its sale to get passage on the Millennium Falcon is a crucial moment, representing Luke's "point of no return" where he sells his old life to begin his new one.

=== [[Rebel Pilot Helmet]] ===
* '''Description:''' A standard-issue Rebel Alliance flight helmet, customized by Luke with a red "Red Five" insignia of the Rebel starbird.
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This helmet symbolizes Luke's official transition from a civilian to a soldier in the Rebel Alliance. It gives him an identity within the group and marks his first real step into the larger galactic conflict.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The helmet is worn during the climactic Death Star trench run. The blast shield, which Luke lowers at Obi-Wan's command, is a key physical element in the scene where he learns to trust the Force over technology, leading directly to the destruction of the Death Star.

==Behind the Scenes==
Actor Mark Hamill was cast as Luke Skywalker, beating out several other actors for the role. George Lucas was looking for an actor with a youthful earnestness, which Hamill embodied. The design of Luke's costume was intended to be simple and timeless, drawing inspiration from classic adventure serials and Japanese cinema.<ref name="makingofsw"/>

==Trivia==
* The original prop for Luke's first lightsaber cost only about $15 to make, assembled from the Graflex flash handle and other found parts like calculator bubbles and T-track strips for grip.

==See Also==
* [[Star Wars: A New Hope]]
* [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]
* [[Mark Hamill]]

==References==
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[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters in Star Wars]]
[[Category:Rebel Alliance]]