Summary
Luke Skywalkeris one of the most iconic characters inStar Wars, but the character’s age throughout the franchise may be surprising. Luke Skywalker was the main character in the originalStar Warstrilogy, with his journey from small farm boy on Tatooine to hero of the galaxy becoming one of the most well-known in history. Luke was the first character audiences ever got to see become a Jedi, and his journey has helped craft the entireStar Warsfranchise after the original trilogy.
Originally,Luke Skywalker was called “Luke Starkiller”- a surname that has since been used in theStar Warsfranchise. In fact, George Lucas’ original draft ofStar Wars(later retitledA New Hope)was called “The Adventures of Luke Starkiller,” fully solidifying that the originalStar Warstrilogy was set to center around him. Over the years, Luke has mostly been portrayed by Mark Hamill, something that allowedStar Warsto show Luke as he aged throughout the franchise. However, Luke Skywalker’s age in his variousStar Warsappearances doesn’t usually match up with the actor portraying him.
Every Member Of The Skywalker Family In Star Wars Canon & Legends
The Skywalkers are the central characters of the Star Wars saga, and their family has grown to encompass several members in canon and Legends.
6Luke Skywalker Was 10 In Obi-Wan Kenobi
Luke Briefly Appeared in the Limited Series
BeforeObi-Wan Kenobipremiered on Disney+, many thought the story would revolve around the titular Jedi going to great lengths to protect Luke Skywalker; however, it turned outObi-Wan Kenobi was protecting Luke’s twin sister Leia throughout the show’s run.Despite Leia being the focus of the Skywalker twins inObi-Wan Kenobi, Luke does appear, though audiences don’t get to know him too well. Most of what audiences learn about Luke during this time comes through Obi-Wan or Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.
InObi-Wan Kenobiepisode 6, Obi-Wan tells Leia that there is plenty of time for her to be a rebel and fight for what’s right, but that she’s only ten years old. Because Luke and Leia are twins, this solidifies not only Luke and Leia’s age, but alsoObi-Wan Kenobi’s place on theStar Warstimeline. From what audiences see of Luke, he’s already showing that he has a desire to fly away from Tatooine and be a pilot. This also sets up Luke and Ben Kenobi’s relationship by introducing the two at the end of the series.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Cast
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Set during the reign of the Galactic Empire, the narrative follows former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as he undertakes a pivotal mission to reconcile with former allies turned adversaries while confronting the formidable forces of the Empire.
5Luke Skywalker Was 19 In A New Hope
He Was Still Just a Farm Boy
Luke Skywalker’s journey to becoming a Jedi began inA New Hope, when he longed to see the rest of the galaxy but was seemingly forced to stay home on Tatooine to help his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru with their moisture farm.During the movie, Luke was supposed to be 19, which by Jedi standards is a bit old to start one’s training; however, with the pedigree Luke possessed, the ways of the Force seemingly came naturally to him. With Obi-Wan Kenobi’s help, Luke was able to take that first step to being the Jedi the galaxy needed.
Luke being 19 inA New Hopemakes a lot of sense, considering that in the real world, this is often the age people are when they move away from home for various reasons. Luke longed to leave the life he knew on Tatooine because he felt he was destined for more, though it was clear that Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru were simply trying to keep their nephew safe. Once Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru are murdered by the Empire, it makes Luke’s decision to leave Tatooine very easy, especially when he has Obi-Wan encouraging him.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Star Wars is a seminal science fiction film released in 1977 that follows the quest of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to rescue Princess Leia from the oppressive Imperial forces. They are aided by the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, as they strive to restore peace to the galaxy.
4The Empire Strikes Back Is 3 Years Later
Which Would Make Luke 22
One of the reasons whyThe Empire Strikes Backis so renowned in theStar Warspantheon is because of the growth seen in Luke over the course of the movie. He goes and trains with Yoda on Dagobah, but he’s still a hot-headed kid who leaves despite Yoda telling him not to.The movie is also when Luke really begins coming into his own as a Jedi.His abilities have grown, though his discipline is still lacking.
Either way,The Empire Strikes Backis when Luke starts figuring out what he wants and how being a Jedi fits into that, which is what many people in the real world are doing when they’re 22. Luke tries to figure out who he is without pressure from Obi-Wan or Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. Instead, he remains loyal to the people he cares for the most—Leia and Han Solo. This could be seen as a flaw, but it’s exactly what differentiates Luke from his father, Darth Vader.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, directed by Irvin Kershner. Released in 1980, it follows Luke Skywalker as he trains under Jedi Master Yoda, while Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the Rebel Alliance face ongoing threats from the Galactic Empire and Darth Vader.
Every Major Star Wars Event Between Empire Strikes Back & Return Of The Jedi
Star Wars' Galactic Civil War continued to rage between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with several significant events.
3Luke Skywalker Is 23 In Return Of The Jedi
The Final Original Trilogy Film Shows a Refined Luke
Despite only a year separatingThe Empire Strikes BackfromReturn of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker’s abilities in the Force grew exponentially during that time. This is shown from the moment Luke appears on-screen, when he exudes ease and grace as he helps rescue Han Solo and take down Jabba the Hutt—even if their plan goes somewhat awry. It’s clear thatin the year betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi, Luke continued to train and became much more confident in the ways of the Force.
While an older Jedi like Obi-Wan Kenobi might not have believed that there was anything remaining of Anakin Skywalker inside of Darth Vader, Luke still had hope and thought Vader was capable of redemption.
Luke’s still relatively young age helps contribute to his optimism when it comes to his father. Throughout the movie, Luke is insistent that there is still good in Darth Vader and that he can help him. While an older Jedi like Obi-Wan Kenobi might not have believed that there was anything remaining of Anakin Skywalker inside of Darth Vader, Luke still had hope and thought Vader was capable of redemption. This allowed him to take on Palpatine and Vader aboard the second Death Star and therefore allowed Luke to tease the goodness in his father.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi concludes George Lucas’s original Star Wars trilogy with Luke Skywalker and his allies seeking to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and facing a renewed threat as the Emperor attempts to obliterate the Rebellion through a second Death Star, broadening the epic battle between good and evil.
2How Old Is Luke Skywalker In The Mandalorian & The Book Of Boba Fett?
The Jedi Made A Surprise Return to Star Wars
Mark Hamill made a surprise return toStar Warsto play Luke Skywalker once again forThe Mandalorianseason 2 finale. In his appearance, Luke saves Din Djarin and his allies from Moff Gideon’s Dark Troopers, taking them down with ease. Luke comes to find Grogu and eventually takes the little green creature to train as a Jedi. Luke’s appearance in the season 2 finale was entirely unexpected, but an extremely welcome appearance.
When he appears again inThe Book of Boba Fett, it’s clear thatthe 28-year-old Jedi had grown into his own in more ways than one. Not only is Luke’s ability to use the Force much more impressive than when he appeared inReturn of the Jedi, but he also knows more about the Jedi Order and is actively looking to rebuild it. Luke seemingly found his purpose in training the next generation of Jedi, and it was amazing to see how he was as a teacher when, for so long, he was merely a student of the Force.
Mark Hamill shared the role of Luke Skywalker with Max Lloyd-Jones and Graham Hamilton, who acted as Luke’s body double/stand in forThe MandalorianandThe Book of Boba Fettrespectively.
The Mandalorian
Released on August 21, 2025 The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter navigating the galaxy’s outer reaches after the Galactic Empire’s fall. As a skilled bounty hunter, he operates in a lawless universe, undertaking various missions on the fringes of the New Republic’s territories.
Luke Skywalker In The Mandalorian Explained: Jedi Order & Baby Yoda Future
Luke Skywalker trains Grogu between The Mandalorian season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett, but what does this mean for the Jedi Order and its future?
1How Old Was Luke Skywalker In The Force Awakens & The Last Jedi?
Mark Hamill Returned to Play An Older Luke
One of the best aspects of theStar Warssequel trilogy is that it was able to bring back so much of the original cast from the original trilogy. This included Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. Though Luke only appeared in the final seconds ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens,he was a big part ofStar Wars: The Last Jedi. Many fans didn’t agree with the direction Luke’s character went inThe Last Jedi, as he was seen as a disillusioned old man.However, at 53, Luke Skywalker had gone through great loss after great loss.
It was revealed thatLuke’s Jedi Academy, which was seen in its infancy inThe Book of Boba Fett, was burned to the ground after his nephew Ben Solo turned to the dark side and became Kylo Ren.Luke felt like a failure and that the Jedi should not continue.Like most members of the Skywalker family, Luke died young, but it was after protecting his sister and the Resistance one last time. By the time ofThe Last Jedi, Luke was no longer young and optimistic like in the original trilogy, but instead a realist who saw the flaws of the Jedi.
Luke Skywalker is one of the most iconic characters in cinema history, and it’s amazing that theStar Warsfranchise has been able to follow him through so much of his life. Audiences have seen Luke at most of the major milestones in his life and how each of these moments changed him for better or for worse. While knowing Luke’s age throughout his different appearances inStar Warsisn’t necessary to understand his motivations, it does help inform his overall character.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
