Mark Hamill Names the Film That Shaped His Imagination

Few actors are as closely associated with a single character as Mark Hamill. Despite his best efforts, the shadow of Luke Skywalker has followed him for nearly fifty years, ever since Star Wars burst onto the scene and changed the face of popular culture. The film arrived at a time when audiences were hungry for a sense of hope and clear-cut heroes, and George Lucas’ space adventure delivered just that. For Hamill, then a relatively unknown 24-year-old working in television, the script’s blend of humour, universal themes, and inventive storytelling was irresistible. He managed to extricate himself from a commitment to a television series, Eight is Enough, to take a chance on Lucas’ ambitious project.

That decision proved transformative. Star Wars not only redefined the summer blockbuster but also made Hamill’s face instantly recognisable, appearing on everything from action figures to lunchboxes. Yet, with such rapid fame came a certain professional confinement. Like Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, Hamill found himself forever linked to his iconic role. Still, as he has often remarked, it is better to be remembered for something than to be forgotten entirely. Alongside his celebrated work as the voice of The Joker in various Batman adaptations, Hamill’s legacy remains firmly rooted in his lightsabre battles and galactic adventures.

Childhood Inspirations and Lasting Influence

Hamill’s love for fantasy and adventure was evident long before he set foot on the Star Wars set. When asked about his all-time favourite film during a red carpet interview at the 2025 Academy Governors Awards, he did not hesitate to look back to the classics. He mentioned the comedic brilliance of Laurel and Hardy, the charm of the Our Gang shorts, and the intrigue of The Manchurian Candidate. However, one film stood out above the rest.

“Well, right up at the top would be the black-and-white King Kong from 1933, because that captured me as a little kid and said, ‘I want to be in a business where they make dinosaurs come to life.’”

For Hamill, the original King Kong was more than just a spectacle; it was a formative experience that ignited his imagination and set him on the path to a career in film.

The Enduring Magic of King Kong

The 1933 production of King Kong remains a touchstone for generations of filmmakers and actors. Its tale of a giant ape rampaging through New York and the unforgettable performance of Fay Wray as Ann Darrow have inspired countless creative minds. The film’s pioneering special effects and sense of wonder left a lasting impression on Hamill, as it has for many others who would go on to shape the worlds of horror and fantasy.

While numerous remakes and reinterpretations have followed, none have quite managed to recapture the enchantment of the original. For Hamill, King Kong’s debut nearly ninety years ago remains a benchmark of cinematic magic, a reminder of the power of film to transport and transform.