Star Wars’ Mark Hamill Candid On The New Era Of The Franchise; Will J.J. Abrams Do The New Trilogy Justice? ‘The Force Awakens’ Secrets Hard To Keep With Drones Around, Actor Confessed

Star Wars' Mark Hamill has seen the franchise change over the years, but with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Luke Skywalker said it's a new arena altogether, with production in the hands of former fans.

The technology also changed drastically since the first trilogy, the actor observed. Star Wars' Mark Hamill has aged with his character, and the tech to squeeze out scoops for leak info has also progressed. Case in point: flying drones.

First up, Hamill said the big difference between the first trilogy and the newest is the people behind it. George Lucas' surprise hit spawned an elaborate franchise which covered television, movies, games, and merchandise, aside from a serious cult following.

It's a new era with the latest film, though. According to Hamill, "the most interesting aspect from my point of view is that ['Star Wars'] is now in the hands of the generation who were fans. It's the next generation of filmmakers who were sort of weaned on these pictures."

"Star Wars: Episode VII" director J.J. Abrams previously commented he had qualms taking on the film because he preferred to remain a fan, and not get involved in the details of contributing to the franchise. The audience is yet to see how a fan fared with a new Star Wars trilogy run, with "The Force Awakens" release date Dec. 18.

Hamill also commented on the lengths he had to go through to keep details of production a secret, with snooping technology evolved.

"It's a whole different era now," Hamill said. "When we made the original films, you had the odd reporter hanging around the studio bribing people to give them stories.

"Now, I said to them, 'Do I really have to wear this robe and this hood that covers my entire head to go from the trailer to the soundstage?' They said, 'Yeah, there are drones.' Seriously! There are drones flying over the studio trying to get pictures of whatever they can get pictures of."

So if leaked info is legit, will Star Wars' Mark Hamill actually appear as the quest of new characters who stumbled onto his severed hand? (screenrant.com)