The theory thatLuke Skywalkeris gay has long circulated in theStar Warsfanbase, but could this really be the case? Luke is easily one ofthe best characters inStar Wars, and nearly 50 years after he first appeared inA New Hope, he continues to define the franchise. It is perhaps for that reason that, despite decades of stories about Luke inStar Warsmovies and TV shows, along with countless Legends and canon books and comics, some questions and theories remain.
One of the most controversial but also the most persistent is the notion that Luke Skywalker could be gay. This has become a rather heated debate, in part because there are some in the fanbase who are against representations of queerness inStar Warsin general. Others, though, are accepting of LGBTQ+ stories but don’t feel this is an accurate interpretation of Luke. With such an extensive history and so much controversy surrounding this theory, the question remains:could Luke Skywalker really be gay inStar Wars, and what has legendary Luke actor Mark Hamill said on the matter?
Some Star Wars Fans Have Always Thought Luke Skywalker Was Gay
This Theory Goes Back Decades
Star Warsis a franchise known for its theories and headcanons, andone of the most longstanding theories regarding Luke Skywalker is the idea that Luke could be gay. It’s difficult to identify where exactly this theory began and why, although there are some very well-known posts that have made the rounds online, particularly ones referencing Luke’s original trilogy outfits. It goes without saying that one’s clothing doesn’t automatically equate to their sexuality, and some of these posts seem to just be shared in good fun, but it does reflect the discourse surrounding the possibility of Luke being gay.
It’s interesting that this theory dates back to the original trilogy in light of Luke’s feelings for Leia in those movies, specifically the first two. Of course, there’s always the possibility that Luke could be bisexual without contradicting this unfortunate romantic arc for Luke, althoughStar Warshas already muddied the waters regarding what really happened between Luke and Leia. It seems obvious that the original plan was for Luke, Leia, and Han Solo to be a love triangle, but, much like Rey and Ben Solo’s kiss in the sequels,Star Warshas tried to walk that back.
Star Warshas already muddied the waters regarding what really happened between Luke and Leia.
After all, Leia’s assertion that she ‘always knew’ Luke was her brother inReturn of the Jedimakes it difficult to accept that their kiss inThe Empire Strikes Backwas romantic, even if it certainly seemed to be at the time. Luke’s complex and at times unsettling relationship with Leia aside,the discourse surrounding Luke’s sexuality inStar Warspersists to this day, with many arguing passionately on both sides. Evidently, these conversations are notable enough that Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill has directly weighed in on this question.
Mark Hamill Understands The Value Of This Theory
Hamill Has Shared That Star Wars Should Be What Viewers Want It To Be
Mark Hamill surprised many recently by saying"Of course, [Luke] is gay.“This quote in particular made headlines, although what Hamill actually said was more nuanced than that. Essentially, Hamill’s stance is thatStar Warsis meant to be interpreted by the viewer, and Luke’s sexuality, along with many other aspects of these stories, can be determined on an individual level. It was clear that Hamill wasn’t dismissive of or against this opinion of Luke’s character, and he emphasized thatStar Warsis for everyone.
Hamill’s stance is thatStar Warsis meant to be interpreted by the viewer.
This really was a thoughtful and encouraging way for Hamill to navigate this conversation, although it (unsurprisingly) did cause backlash and controversy. For some, this statement, however open-ended it was, seemed to ignoreStar Warscanon, particularly pertaining to Luke’s feelings for Leia.Luke’s sexuality in canon is actually much more complicated and ambiguous than that, though.
Luke Isn’t Canonically Gay, But The Possibility Has Meaning
Luke Has No Canon Relationships, But This Theory Goes Beyond That
Outside of Luke’s feelings for Leia,he does not have a romantic relationship inStar Warscanon. Instead, Luke doubles down on the rule against attachments established in theStar Warsprequel trilogy, believing it’s inappropriate for a Jedi to have any romantic relationships. This alone was controversial, however, because in Legends,Luke Skywalker had a wife named Mara Jade. Mara also proved to be an incredibly popular character, so whenStar Warsremoved her from canon, many were unhappy.
We don’t need a canon answer to this question because the truth about Luke being gay can be in the eye of the viewer.
Some have argued this is proof Luke couldn’t be gay (although he could be bisexual), but, as this is no longer canon, it makes Luke’s sexuality once again ambiguous. Ultimately, as Mark Hamill himself said, we don’t need a canon answer to this question because the truth about Luke being gay can be in the eye of the viewer. No,Luke Skywalkerisn’t canonically gay inStar Wars, but he also isn’t canonically straight; instead, he is an iconic character almost universally beloved, and this aspect of his story can be decided on an individual level.
