Mark Hamill confirms Star Wars return via Twitter

MARK Hamill is set to reprise his role as Luke Skywalker in the sequel to next month’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens – but his role in JJ Abrams’ forthcoming film is still uncertain.

Mark Hamill: Star Wars return. Picture: AP

Hamill has been absent from the trailers and publicity for the latest entry in the Star Wars franchise, which is set for release on December 14.

On Twitter the actor wrote: “Last shaved on 10/22 after final day of my 2nd #TheFlash (which airs 12/8 #XmasTrix), just in time for Ep VIII-whew!”

Many have taken this to mean that Hamill’s character survives the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, some have speculated that Skywalker may return as a ghost.

Looper director Rian Johnson will be at the helm of Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is due in cinemas in May 2017.

With less than a month to go until the long-awaited release of JJ Abrams’ take on the Star Wars franchise, the internet has been inundated with spoilers and speculation about the film’s plot.