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Mark Hamill has played a Jedi, a clown prince of crime, and just about everything in between — but it’s The Life of Chuck that he says might be one of the most special experiences of his entire career. The pop culture icon sat down with Kyle Meredith to talk about the new Mike Flanagan film, a surreal, poetic meditation on existence based on a Stephen King novella. Listen to the episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.
For Hamill, the film’s emotional core hit hard — both as a performer and as someone reflecting on a long life onscreen. “It’s such an affirmation of life and love and hope,” he says. “It’s like… how one little insignificant moment can become pivotal in the arc of your whole life.” He credits Flanagan’s adaptation for retaining the novella’s time-shifting structure and praised the cast, including a scene-stealing Tom Hiddleston and an emotionally rich performance from young newcomer Benjamin Pajak.
The actor even relates the new film to the messaging behind his most famous role. “I told George [Lucas] I loved the idea of the Force so much because it’s spiritual in a way that doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable,” he explains. “When Yoda came on the scene, it wasn’t about religion — it was something everyone could accept on their own terms.” That same spirit, he says, flows through The Life of Chuck. “This movie, it reassures you everything’s going to be okay. You’ve got to believe in the inherent goodness of people, or what’s the point?”
Listen to Mark Hamill talk about The Life of Chuck, his long road from Headmaster to Star Wars, and more in the new episode above or by watching the video below. Keep up on all the latest episodes by following Kyle Meredith With… on your favorite podcast platform; plus, check out all the series on the Consequence Podcast Network.
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