The push for Sebastian Stan to be cast as Luke Skywalker might be fan-driven, but it could still make sense for The Mandalorian if the series explores Grogu's training. Dubbed "Baby Yoda" since his debut, the 50-year-old Force-sensitive foundling said goodbye to his protector, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), in season 2 of the Disney+ Star Wars series. Though he didn't want to leave Din behind, Grogu needed to receive training in the ways of the Force, and Luke was the one who answered the call to be the mentor.
The surprise appearance by Luke in The Mandalorian season 2 finale was made extra special by the fact Mark Hamill was heavily involved. With the help of de-aging special effects and a body double, the original Star Wars actor had the opportunity to reprise his role for the series. Years before Disney+ developed a series following the events of the original trilogy; there were campaigns for Stan to be cast as a young Luke due to his undeniable resemblance to Hamill. Luke's presence in The Mandalorian has churned up the rumor mill, resulting in Stan and Hamill commenting on the matter. Rather than shoot down the idea, there's more hope than ever based on Stan's continued openness to the idea.
Though Hamill returned to his Skywalker roots for the Jedi's appearance, there's no indication the actor will have a continued role on The Mandalorian. While Grogu might not be a prominent piece to The Mandalorian season 3's story, he will inevitably return to the series at some point, especially based on the popularity surrounding the little creature. The series could potentially follow along with Grogu's Jedi training before hopefully reuniting with Din down the line. This arc means Luke would need to have an expanded role in The Mandalorian as the foundling's teacher. Rather than bring back Hamill, the series still has time for proper casting.
Hamill's cameo was thrilling in The Mandalorian season 2, but his involvement wouldn't work beyond a brief appearance based on the special effects needed to de-age the actor. It was an extraordinary way to insert the legendary figure into the show's storyline, and a legitimate casting wouldn't take away from that. With Stan's uncanny resemblance to Hamill, especially in his early portrayal as Luke, The Mandalorian could forgo the complicated special effects by hiring an actor who can bring a lot of appeal. The series already established a viable way for Luke to serve a pivotal role to build on Grogu's arc. It also doesn't hurt that Stan already has a relationship with Disney.
Stan's most notable role to date is his work as Bucky Barnes in the MCU. Aside from starring in five franchise installments beginning with Captain America: The First Avenger, Stan serves as a lead in Disney+'s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Disney has proved it's perfectly willing to have actors star in the streamer's TV shows while also working on its franchise films. It's unclear what Stan's future holds in the MCU after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but a stint as Luke in The Mandalorian could most likely be figured out. It wouldn't be the first time Star Wars viewers got their fan-casting wishes granted.
