Mark Hamill Hosts Brunch for 'The Long Walk' Stars, But They Decline — Exclusive Insight

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Mark Hamill’s Unique Journey with Stephen King’s Works

Mark Hamill, the legendary actor known for his iconic portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, is currently diving into a book by Stephen King. However, it's not one of the author’s horror novels that has captured his attention. Instead, Hamill is reading On Writing, a memoir and guide to becoming a writer by the acclaimed author. This choice highlights his deep admiration for King, as he finds the book invaluable for understanding the creative process behind some of King's most famous works.

Hamill recently shared his thoughts on this literary endeavor with Single Sparkle. He expressed how much he appreciates the insights provided in On Writing, stating that it answers many questions he would have liked to ask King about his methods, character development, and inspiration. "It's fantastic. It's like taking a college course in Stephen King given by the man himself," he said.

Two Stephen King Projects in One Year

This year, Hamill has been involved in two Stephen King adaptations, which might seem like a coincidence at first glance. However, the actor admits that it was more of a fortunate occurrence. He first appeared in The Life of Chuck, playing the role of Albie, the paternal grandfather of the main character. Later, he took on the role of The Major in The Long Walk, a sinister antagonist in a post-apocalyptic setting.

While both films are based on King's works, they could not be more different in tone and style. The Life of Chuck is a heartwarming story filled with optimism, reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life. In contrast, The Long Walk presents a grim and terrifying dystopian vision of the future, where a group of teenage boys participate in a deadly walking contest. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, features a stellar cast including Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, and Judy Greer.

A Unique Experience Meeting Stephen King

During the premiere of The Life of Chuck, Hamill had the opportunity to meet Stephen King. He described the encounter as a fanboy's dream, expressing surprise that King already knew who he was and what role he was playing in The Long Walk. "I was shocked that he knew who I was at all, and then to know specifically what character I was playing, it was a thrill," Hamill said.

Despite the excitement, Hamill also mentioned that he had to restrain himself from engaging in lengthy conversations about King's other works, such as Carrie and The Shining. "But I said, 'This is not the right time. Let him enjoy the film, and don't bother him,'" he added.

Building Relationships with the Younger Cast

Hamill also spoke about his interactions with the younger cast members, particularly Cooper Hoffman. He had planned a brunch to connect with the entire cast but was surprised when Hoffman expressed reluctance to meet him. "He's afraid he might like you," Hamill recalled being told. Understanding the actors' need to maintain their characters, Hamill canceled the plans and respected their process.

He also had a chance to spend time with Roman Griffin Davis, who had wrapped his scenes earlier. "Delightful young man," Hamill said, highlighting Davis's talent and charm. After the film wrapped, Hamill finally got to know the rest of the cast better during press events.

Playing the Villain: A New Challenge

For the first time in his career, Hamill is playing a villain in The Long Walk. While he enjoys the challenge of portraying complex characters, he admitted that being a villain can be more rewarding. "As an actor, you want to get a response, whatever that may be," he explained. "Sometimes, being a villain, you get even a stronger reaction because people hate your guts."

Despite the appeal of playing a villain, Hamill still cherishes the role of a hero. "Would I want to play Peter Pan, or would I want to play Captain Hook? Actually, both," he said. "When I was a little kid, I would have loved to be Peter Pan. Now I'd love to play Captain Hook."

Final Thoughts

With The Long Walk set to hit theaters nationwide on September 12, 2025, fans can look forward to seeing Hamill in a new light. His unique perspective on working with Stephen King and the cast adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film. As he continues to explore different roles, Hamill remains a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, always eager to take on new challenges.