For so many Star Wars fans, Luke Skywalker is the quintessential hero. He was an icon who taught them so much growing up, and is one of the best and most legendary characters in the Star Wars franchise. Even his sequel trilogy portrayal, while divisive, added so much depth and brilliance to the character for many fans. However, not everybody adores the Skywalker farmboy.
Like with so many aspects of Star Wars, Reddit is full of fans who have unpopular opinions about Luke Skywalker. Whether this is sweeping comments about the character or takes on specific moments, Luke is not free from criticism.
The Empire Strikes Back Outfit Is Better Than His Return Of The Jedi Outfit
Luke's outfit in Return of the Jedi, clad in all black with the genius placement of white on the inside of the top, is one of the most iconic in Star Wars. Beloved and seen as a badass look by many fans, it helps him become one of Return of the Jedi's best characters.
While Redditor u/crossrivers does not necessarily think that Luke's Return of the Jedi outfit is bad, for them, their "favorite outfit is the Bespin fatigues," referencing the outfit Luke had on Dagobah and Bespin in The Empire Strikes Back. Both are undoubtedly great, but most will more fondly remember his Jedi fit from Return of the Jedi.
He Is Bland Before Return Of The Jedi
At the very start of the original trilogy, Luke Skywalker is not exactly bursting with personality or unique traits. Still, as the trilogy moves along through A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, Luke grows and develops in that regard.
Quite simply, Redditor u/soggyindo "can't really get into Luke until he gets a little hardcore in Return of the Jedi," believing the Jedi to be too bland in A New Hope and Empire. Many fans will agree Luke is not the most exciting character in A New Hope, but not many original trilogy fans believe him to be too bland in The Empire Strikes Back as this is where fans see a lot of his character development.
He Is A Moron Whose Opinion Does Not Matter In The Sequel Trilogy
To say that Luke Skywalker's portrayal in the sequel trilogy is divisive is an understatement. While others believe it totally ruined the character, some love it, with him having such emotional depth, as well as some iconic Star Wars sequel trilogy scenes.
A less common criticism for the character comes from a deleted Redditor who states, "Luke Skywalker is a moron in the ST and a complete failure, so his opinion means absolutely zero." This is based on his opinion of the Jedi Order needing to end, which many fans share. To say Luke Skywalker's opinion does not matter seems ludicrous given his knowledge and experience also helps Rey learn more about the force.
He Is The Least Favorite Character
Many Star Wars fans grow up with Luke Skywalker, idolizing him for his heroics and moral compass, with the character becoming not only a legend but a crucial part of their lives. He is a favorite, if not the favorite of many.
However, for Redditor u/GodOfPopTarts, they say their "least favorite character out of the saga is Luke." Not everyone's favorite character is Luke. Yes, many fans have him right at the top. However, to have Luke bottom of the Skywalker saga barrel is unique and a seriously hot take when considering the poor and unpopular characters that have come through the nine movies.
Mark Hamill Is The Best Actor In The Entire Saga
There is no doubting Mark Hamill is one of the most iconic performers in Star Wars, delivering one of the saga's greatest performances in The Last Jedi, as well as a great outing in The Empire Strikes Back acting opposite a puppet for much of the film.
Redditor u/Crapicornia takes his adoration for the actor's performances to the next level, though, claiming he is the very best the Skywalker saga has to offer, saying, "From ANH to TLJ, he owns every second." There is no doubt Hamill ups his game massively from an often criticized performance in A New Hope to an arguably Oscar-worthy outing in The Last Jedi. However, with consistent brilliance from Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid, and Adam Driver, among others, it is definitely not popular to call the legendary Hamill the best.
Yoda Vs. Dooku Is More Fun Than Luke Vs. Vader
There has been much debate from Star Wars fans over the years about which style of lightsaber battle is better, that of the prequels or the original trilogy. While most agree each has at least one incredible duel, some have unique opinions on various battles.
Redditor u/SithLord13 is one such individual who claims, "The Yoda v Dooku match was also more fun than Luke v Vader." For many, this would be seen as an unpopular opinion as Luke vs. Vader was pretty iconic since it saw the main hero and villain finally face each other. Usually, this battle is only challenged by the likes of the Duel of the Fates or the Battle of the Heroes, but certainly not Yoda's divisive first outing with a lightsaber.
Any Luke Content Before Set Return Of The Jedi Is Filler
The new era of canon is constantly unleashing content to the fandom set in all eras of established Star Wars. However, there has definitely been a serious lack of post-Return of the Jedi Luke Skywalker content.
Most fans enjoy seeing Luke in any capacity; Redditor u/Tacitus111 says they "want Luke as a Jedi, not some OT filler content." There has been a lot of great content set in the original trilogy before Return of the Jedi. For patient comic readers who enjoy it, it is definitely unpopular to refer to it as no more than 'filler,' a term overused by the Star Wars fandom.
He Is More Unbearable Than Anakin
There is no doubt Luke can be an irritating character, especially in A New Hope. Like-father-like-son, Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogy is also seen as annoying but is usually much more vilified for it.
Redditor u/chingchongpin believes "Luke Skywalker is easily more unbearable than Anakin." It is a very valid opinion, and some will agree with it, especially prequel lovers. However, there is so much love for the original trilogy Luke and so much hate for the prequel trilogy Anakin that this is definitely a hot take.
His Appearance In The Mandalorian Undercut Established Plot Points
One of arguably the greatest moments of the new canon happened in the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian as Luke Skywalker arrives to take Grogu, showing off his skills in taking out Dark Troopers in the process.
Redditor u/Broadbeck7 believes Luke's appearance was badass, but that "his introduction undercut what was already established." This is in reference to him easily handling the Dark Troopers who had been built as menacing all season, as well as getting in the way of Bo-Katan and Mando's confrontation. Most fans could not care less about having to wait for said confrontation, nor for the fate of the Dark Troopers, with the scene so iconic and breathtaking for multiple Mandalorian characters.
He Is The Most Overrated Character
No Star Wars fan will ever have the exact same opinions on every aspect of the vast franchise, but a lot of fans can agree on many things, such as Luke Skywalker being a pretty great character, maybe not even the best, just great.
Redditor u/Nightmosse19 believes "Luke Skywalker is the most overrated character ever." Some will definitely agree in saying Luke is overrated, especially by original trilogy purists. However, to call him the most overrated character ever is fairly wild, since most fans, no matter what era they grew up with, can agree he is a fantastic part of the Galaxy far, far away.