A part of the plot for Star Wars Episode VII could have been revealed when the production moved to Skellig Michael in Ireland . Actor Mark Hamill — who reprises his role as Luke Skywalker — was spotted traveling to the remote island, which raises the question, What is our hero doing there?
Not much is known about the plot for J.J. Abrams’ blockbuster, set to hit theaters on December 15, 2015, save for the fact that it takes place roughly 30-years after the events of Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi . We have also heard that the original characters, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Hamill, and Carrie Fisher (Leia) have not been as close as we would have thought, after they defeated the Death Star.
According to some of the rumors surrounding the Star Wars Episode VII production, Luke Skywalker has not been seen since the last time we met the trio and now Han Solo goes to find him in a remote location. We can assume that Hamill’s presence in Skellig Michael would support that rumor.
Even though Abrams is keeping the plot close to his chest, it is inevitable leaks will happen, especially when the production moves to a different location. Luke Skywalker living in isolation for the last 30-years, seems to go along with Hamill’s involvement in the shooting of these scenes.
Back as Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill reminisces on set of new Star Wars: http://t.co/qw3ix2XQ1O pic.twitter.com/FndHLLNi2W
— ABC News (@ABC) July 26, 2014
Following Harrison Ford’s on set injury, while filming at Pinewood Studio, Abrams was forced to shuffle things around so the veteran actor could recover from surgery. Ford was spotted by TMZ walking without the help of a special crutch and as reported by The Inquisitr said he will return to work “pretty soon.”
In the meantime, Mark Hamill is shooting his portion of the film. The actor was seen sporting a very bushy “contractually-obligated beard” and has reportedly been following a strict training and nutrition regimen at the request of producers. Hamill stated that George Lucas asked him to portray an Obi Wan Kenobi sort of Luke.
Hamill was surprised to be asked to reprise Luke Skywalker, for Star Wars Episode VII . The original cast member told BBC News he considers the opportunity “a gift”:
“I never thought we’d come back. I still can’t believe it’s happening. To go on to those sets that evoke so many memories, is just astonishing. I have real ties to this country (England), my son was born when we were making Empire Strikes Back … it just seems like an unexpected gift.”
Luke Skywalker’s presence in the remote island can lead to all sorts of speculation, so we will have to just wait and see what it actually means in the puzzle that is Abrams’ plot. In the meantime, we will continue to bring you all the latest news regarding the Star Wars Episode VII production.
[Image via Lucasfilm]