How The Mandalorian producers got Mark Hamill to return as Luke Skywalker

The Mandalorian season 2 wowed new and old Star Wars fans alike, especially when its finale brought a digitally aged-down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) into the mix. Luke showed up just in time to rescue Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his companions from an onslaught of Dark Troopers sent after them by Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) and the remnants of the Empire.

Naturally, fans of the original Star Wars trilogy were thrilled to see Hamill back on-screen, even if it involved a lot of special effects behind the scenes. Luke’s character means a lot to fans, not to mention to Hamill, so bringing him back into the fold was a big responsibility.

Most assumed Hamill’s involvement with Star Wars was over following The Rise of Skywalker, and that included The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau and Peyton Reed, who directed the finale. Evidently, the two of them were nervous to approach the actor about the cameo, but with a little help from the script and Baby Yoda, they made the move.

In the episode of Disney Gallery that broke down The Mandalorian‘s second season finale, Reed explained how everything went down:

"We brought the script and we brought Luke Skywalker’s wardrobe and we brought Grogu with us. Mark was so gracious. We came in. Jon and I sat with Mark’s wife as he was in his office reading the script in real time. So, we were on pins and needles because it wasn’t necessarily a given that he was gonna be interested. I think he’s very protective of this character, and rightfully so. He came out and he was thrilled — and I think a huge weight was lifted off of Jon’s shoulders when that happened."

Mark Hamill didn’t voice Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian season 2 finale

Another surprising reveal from the Disney Gallery episode has to do with Luke’s voice. Given Hamill’s history of voice acting — and the fact that he was involved with the episode in the first place — most fans assumed that he was the one speaking to Din Djarin and little Grogu. However, according to Disney Gallery (via Collider), Luke’s lines were reproduced using technology.

“Something people didn’t realize is that his voice isn’t real,” Favreau explained. “His voice, the young Luke Skywalker voice, is completely synthesized using an application called Respeecher.”

Disney Gallery is currently streaming on Disney+, and it’s full of behind-the-scenes info and stories.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t SyFy Wire