Tuesday 26 May 2020

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: LUKE SKYWALKER RETURNS!

Facing inner demons on Dagobah.

He became an instant star and a teen heart throb worldwide with the release of the original Star Wars, though he'd actually been a working actor, primarily in TV and commercial voiceovers, since the early 1970's. With the space fantasy blockbuster's release, he'd go on to make several notable films between 1977 and 1979, including car comedy Corvette Summer and the eventually acclaimed World War II drama, The Big Red One. But with the arrival of The Empire Strikes Back, Mark Hamill was determined to subtly prove himself further as a serious dramatic actor of integrity, and use the sequel to build upon a bigger career once again, his role of Luke Skywalker gaining extra shading in the film's script from George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan, along with key input via new director Irvin Kershner.

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2020/05/21/empire-strikes-back-anniversary-mark-hamill-exclusive-star-wars-photos/5226166002/?fbclid=IwAR1vTl5XKEoqAJGmdLA42lGIUCBL27CMNzNxR8vfZFMImFgJsRPB9hluxrw

https://www.starwars.com/news/mark-hamill-interview-empire-strikes-back-40th

https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-mark-hamill-thanks-fans-empire-strikes-back-anniversary/

Surveying the Hoth landscape atop his trusty Tauntaun.

A Wampa-wounded Luke traverses the deadly snow wilderness.

At a time when Leia was not Luke's sister, in this posed publicity image.

Ready for action: Commander Luke Skywalker of the Rebel Alliance.

Leading the Rogue Squadron into time-buying action against Imperial Walkers.

Escaping his crashed snowspeeder during the epic Battle of Hoth.

A great posed image of Luke and Han on the wrecked Rebel Base hangar set.
Learning the power of the Force, via the wisdom of Yoda on Dagobah.



Battle ready in a rare posed out-take image.

Can Luke rescue his friends on Bespin?

Taking on the man who 'murdered' his father: Darth Vader.

A brutal duel, with a stunning twist in the tale as the duel reaches its climax.

With thanks to Ian Trussler, Chris Baker, and The Star Wars Archives for selected imagery.

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