Mark Hamill Praises Actor Playing His Younger Self In ‘Star Wars’ Show ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

Actor Mark Hamill is going to be looking out for his younger self.

“Star Wars” fans all remember what happened to Jake Lloyd, the child star that played a young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s “The Phantom Menace.” Lloyd was heavily criticized for his role in the film and retired from acting two years after the film came out due to significant bullying by both classmates and the press. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and had multiple run-ins with the law while struggling with his mental health.

Fortunately, Hamill is going to be there to support the child star tasted with bringing a young Luke Skywalker to life in the upcoming Disney+ live-action series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

The Twitter chain started when Star Wars Stuff tweeted the news that actor Grant Feely – who has just two acting credits to his name as per IMDb – would be playing Luke Skywalker in the upcoming “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series.

Feely appeared as Young Stephen in the 2021 “In The End” music video. He also appeared as Timmy in the “Time Out” segment of “Creepshow” later that same year. He will appear as a young Luke Skywalker in the premiere and the finale of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Hamill responded to the news, saying, “Grant Feely looks like a perfect Luke Skywalker and I am wishing him all the very best!”

“I am so honored to take on this role @HamillHimself!” Feely responded. “You set the bar high and I hope to make you proud. Your support means so much!”

Many fans expressed support for the young actor, although a few had concerns with a child so young being on Twitter. Many fans surmised that his account was likely run by his parents, but there is no confirmation either way.

In a follow-up message, Hamill posted a side-by-side photo with Grant Feely and his younger self at that age, as some fans have asked, to show the comparison between the two actors.

“You got this, @grant_feely! They chose YOU for a reason,” he tweeted. “They knew you would do a wonderful job as young Luke, even though you're much too handsome for the part. Have fun with it! Best always from your pal, Mar[camel-emoji].” He capped off his post with the hashtag #SeeYouAroundKid.

Mark Hamill first joined Twitter in May 2011 and is just shy of having five million Twitter followers. His bio reads, “Believe in yourself! Work hard, never give up & anything's possible! OR: Kick back, relax & aim low: You'll never be disappointed... I IGNORE ALL DMs!”

However, his original account was @HamillHimself because @MarkHamill was already taken by someone who never used the account. On Saturday afternoon, Hamill took to Twitter to share the good news with his fans.

“After almost 10 years as @HamillHimself- @Twitter has finally allowed my account to use my own name,” he tweeted. “Welcome to @MarkHamill & I hope there's no confusion or nostalgia for the loss of alliteration or any questions about why I don't also use my middle name: Richard.”