What would the juggernaut of Star Wars be without its iconic cast? Gratefully, it’s a question that need not be answered. The historic films, specifically episodes IV, V, and VI, were made how they were made with whom they were made. The world may be complicated, but in this way, it is blessed.
Star Wars is such a phenomenon that games that were invented for the movie – Sabacc, to name one – are played in the so-called real world as well. The cultural osmosis is strong enough that even non-fans (sadly, they exist) likely know that Harrison Ford recently played Indiana Jones for the last time in the Dial of Destiny, or that Carrie Fisher is no longer with us.
The original cast members are forever immortalized on film, but now that decades have passed, even Star Wars‘ biggest supporters may not know: what does the cast look like now?
Mark Hamill
Luke Skywalker could only be played by an actor with a boyish charm and naivety but also the undeniable potential for a heroic rise. It’s hard to imagine any other face than Mark Hamill’s in this role.
Then: Hamill was born in 1951 in Oakland. He was 26 years old when A New Hope was released. While aging is inevitable for essentially everyone, Mark Hamill’s appearance experienced an abrupt change shortly after the wrapping of A New Hope. A severe car accident required surgery on his face. To account for the scars evident in The Empire Strikes Back,= George Lucas added the storyline of Luke getting attacked by a wampa.
Now: After Star Wars, moviegoers may not have seen much of Hamill on screen, but he worked prolifically as a voice actor. And yet, it would be hard for fans to be clueless about what Mark Hamill looks like now. His appearances in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker affectionately reminded fans that even bright-eyed young Jedi become gracefully aged, wise and slightly disillusioned men. You can watch Mark Hamill in the role of Arthur Gordon Pym, known by his clients as the Pym Reaper, in Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, available to stream on Netflix now.
Carrie Fisher
What is there to say about Princess Leia that hasn’t already been said? She is stately and beautiful, clever and fierce. Her hair buns are almost as iconic as her legendary Return of the Jedi bikini, both of which have inspired Halloween costumes and cosplay for years to come.
Then: Carrie Fisher was born in 1956, making her 21 years old when A New Hope was released. Her role as Leia inspired an entire generation of strong, independent female science fiction characters. While Mark Hamill may have been the literal poster child for the original Star Wars trilogy, Carrie Fisher’s appearance carried the torch for what it looked like to be a heroine throughout the 80s, 90s and beyond.
Now: Fisher did continue acting, but one of her most prized contributions is to the world of words. She helped adjust various screenplays and wrote an impactful memoir about her struggle with drug and alcohol use. Like Hamill, fans don’t need to strain to imagine how she appeared before she died in 2016 – she reprised her role as Leia for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Some unfortunate criticism was lobbed her way for appearing “old,” as if time hasn’t paced forward since 1977. To fans, she looked as stunning and iconic as ever.
Harrison Ford
Han Solo is cocky. He’s a gambler: he won the Millennium Falcon playing Sabacc, and he blasts his way through danger with a careless smirk. If he hadn’t been killed by his own son, Han might have spearheaded the universe’s first online casino conglomerate alongside his old friend Lando.
Then: Harrison Ford was born in 1942. Even as the original Star Wars trilogy gained cultural momentum, his leading man appeal was cemented by his roles in Indiana Jones and Blade Runner. Harrison Ford became somewhat synonymous with charisma and rugged charm.
Now: Just this year, we saw Ford reprising the role of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Witnessing Ford now, the descriptors “weathered,” “strong,” and “still-a-dare-devil” easily spring to mind. His on-screen and off-screen characterizations are not terribly dissimilar, with Ford approaching life with the heart of an adventurer. He is a real-life pilot and a champion for the environment.
Sir Alec Guinness
Obi-Wan Kenobi is the mentor every professional wishes they could have. For writers, replace “the Force” with a pen and “the Empire” with a blank page. Horrible comparisons aside, Sir Alec Guinness was paramount in grounding the character of Obi-Wan, bringing with him a sense of refined British sensibility.
Then: Born in 1914, Sir Alec Guinness played several notable roles prior to Star Wars, including Oliver Twist and The Bridge on the River Kwai, the latter of which he won an Academy Award. Looking at Guinness’ IMDb, the Star Wars trilogy appears as one small needle in a haystack of many roles. It should be noted that Guinness had a high bar for what constituted good cinema.
Now: Guinness died in 2000, but not before witnessing Star Wars become an indisputable fixture of global popular culture. The fame and large fan base did not appeal to him, and he notoriously embraced the franchise with affection (for the opportunities it gave him) but severe detachment. Nevertheless, he was known as a consummate professional until the end.
Anthony Daniels & Kenny Baker
C-3PO and R2-D2 are the comic and emotional relief of the films, and – in a potentially controversial take – may be the reason why it’s hard for kids who grew up on Star Wars to be wary of Artificial Intelligence. C-3PO and R2-D2 are so wholesome and undeniably lovable that the Royal Mint even commemorated them with their own coins.
Then: Unlike other iconic Star Wars characters, fans never had a clear sense of what actors Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker looked like. They played C-3PO and R2-D2, respectively, and were physically restricted during the entire performance within their metal-framed costumes. This only highlights their incredible skill, as they were still able to radiate warmth and humor through their performances.
Now: Daniels (C-3PO) never left the Star Wars galaxy. He was the only star of the original trilogy to perform in all nine movies. Baker (R2-D2), however, sadly passed away in 2016. In distinct ways, both actors illustrated that humanity lies in an empathetic connection, irrespective of form. You can own part of Anthony Daniels’ collection in the upcoming Propstore auction taking place between November 9th and 12th.
Final Thoughts
What a crew, what a journey. George Lucas and the original trilogy cast defined a genre, a generation, and, arguably, the future of global culture. What would the juggernaut of Star Wars be without its iconic cast? Who knows, who cares. Time passes, but the strength of their impact remains an immutable force.
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