Oy, talking about Star Wars is a touchy subject sometimes, especially when you’re bringing up the main characters. Luke Skywalker has become the most iconic member of the cast since his first arrival in A New Hope and ever since then has been one of the most sought after characters in terms of stories, merchandise, and overall exposure. But one thing you need to keep in mind as talks of prequels and their like start popping up. Luke didn’t have the most exciting life growing up on Tattooine. A Han Solo prequel will offer plenty of action, as would an Obi-Wan standalone film and even a Princess Leia film if that became a possibility. But as far as Luke is concerned, it wouldn’t really be that great.
You’ve got believe that when the man that essentially brought Luke to life says it, there isn’t a lot there to work with. That’s right, even Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, says there isn’t much chance of an origin story having the kind of pop that the others would. Here are a few reasons why.
Remember Uncle Owen?
Owen Lars was the kind of man that kept his home and his family safe and secure by being one of the most BORING MEN ON THE PLANET. He didn’t want adventure, he didn’t want fame or fortune. He just wanted his farm to run the way it should and be manned by his headstrong nephew and himself. Owen had seen the kind of man that Luke’s father was and he didn’t want Luke walking that path. That’s why he kept such a tight rein on the boy whenever he could.
For all the adventures he could have had, Luke had only a few in the comics that might not even be considered canon.
There was an adventure in one of the many comics when Luke, as a boy, somehow meets the childhood version of his father and then encounters a Krayt dragon. He somehow kills the Krayt dragon right after Annie(Anakin) disappears. Later he’s found after a huge dust storm and the whole thing is seen to be nothing more than a vision he’s had. Another adventure has him and his friend Biggs Darklighter as they prepare to take a trip to the nearby moon, only to have the ship they’re on experience a serious malfunction as it must return to Tattooine. So really, Luke’s had the chance to have adventures, but something always seems to go wrong.
His life really isn’t that exciting.
He’s the nephew of a moisture farmer and the highlight of his day is hanging out with his friends at Tosche Station. It’s not to say he’s a boring person, but there really isn’t a lot to do on a desert world where wandering too far from civilization could kill you in a number of ways. Luke can feel that he’s meant for great things, but a feeling will only carry a movie through a few minutes at best, while an adventure, if they could find enough material for one, would elevate his prequel to something that could be great. Now all they have to do is agree on what’s canon and what’s not. Let’s not hold our breath.
Mark Hamill doesn’t have a lot of faith in a Luke Skywalker movie, and unfortunately it might be well founded. Let’s hope not though.
