Sebastian Stan has responded to rumors concerning him playing a young Luke Skywalker in upcoming Star Wars projects. It has long been noted Stan shares a striking resemblance to Mark Hamill. Back in 2016, people were already talking about how much the two actors looked alike. There was even a viral edited image of Stan as Luke that got shared around on social media as some noticed how similar they looked. Then, in 2017, Stan was asked if he was aware of this resemblance and if he'd ever join the Star Wars universe and play the iconic character. At the time, he just said that he would be very happy to play him. Stan took this a step further when in November of the same year, he recorded a video joking Hamill was his father. Hamill responded with nothing but kind words, saying that Stan was a good actor and that he would be happy for him to play the role if the opportunity ever presented itself. In 2018, Hamill took to Twitter to wish Stan a happy birthday, yet again mentioning how he could be his son.
People have been wanting Stan to play Luke for quite some time, but there has never been an opportunity until now. Those who watch The Mandalorian on Disney+ were shocked and delighted when a young Luke Skywalker came to save the day in the season 2 finale episode. Young Skywalker took Grogu away from Mando to train him. Little is known about season 3 of The Mandalorian, but it is reasonable to assume Luke could return as viewers catch up with Grogu and his training.
Although people were excited to see Luke in The Mandalorian, many did complain about the uncanny valley effect they experienced while watching the CGI rendering of the character. One way to fix this could be by casting an actor who looks a lot like him, such as Stan. While promoting his new Marvel show, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Stan appeared on Good Morning America. There, he responded to the rumors about playing young Luke Skywalker and had this to say:
Well, if Mark Hamill calls me personally to tell me that he feels inclined to share this role with me, then I'll believe it, until then I won't believe it.
Little is known about Luke's character in between the events of Return of the Jedi and when he showed back up at the end of The Force Awakens. Since The Mandalorian takes place 5 years after Return of the Jedi, viewers could finally learn more about Luke's adult life once he mastered his Jedi powers. Having a younger Luke come back to Star Wars could help flesh out this missing time period of his life. What's more, Stan playing him instead could give Luke more to do, as the role wouldn't be so beholden to technology limitations.
As of now, it is still pure speculation if Luke will reappear in season 3 of The Mandalorian. However, it would make sense to bring the character back given the story. Hamill is already on board with Stan's casting, so it will be interesting to see if he is ever offered the Star Wars role.
Source: Good Morning America / Twitter