Mark Hamill is a name that needs no introduction, especially for Star Wars fans. He played the iconic role of Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars movie, which was released in 1977.
The movie was a blockbuster hit and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Fans have often wondered how much Mark Hamill made for his role in the movie.
Well, let’s find out.
Mark Hamill’s Salary for Star Wars: A New Hope
According to reports, Mark Hamill was paid $650,000 for his role in the first Star Wars movie, titled “A New Hope.” At that time, it was a significant amount of money, especially for an actor who was still relatively unknown.
It’s important to note that this salary was only for the first movie and did not include any residuals or bonuses that he may have received later on. Moreover, this amount was significantly less than what some of his co-stars made.
What Did His Co-Stars Make?
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford played the role of Han Solo in the first Star Wars movie. He was reportedly paid $10,000 for his role but also received bonuses and royalties later on. It’s estimated that he made around $100 million from the entire Star Wars franchise.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia in the first Star Wars movie. She was reportedly paid $1,000 per week during filming but also received bonuses and residuals later on.
Why Did Mark Hamill Make Less?
There are several reasons why Mark Hamill made less money compared to his co-stars. Firstly, he was relatively unknown at that time while Harrison Ford had already established himself as an actor with “American Graffiti.” Secondly, George Lucas had initially envisioned casting unknown actors for the lead roles, which is why the budget for the movie was relatively low.
Lastly, Mark Hamill’s contract did not include any bonuses or royalties that he could have received later on. This was a common practice at that time, especially for actors who were not well-known.
Final Thoughts
Mark Hamill may have made less money compared to his co-stars, but his role in the Star Wars franchise has undoubtedly made him a household name. Moreover, he has continued to work in the entertainment industry and has lent his voice to several animated characters over the years.
In conclusion, Mark Hamill’s salary for the first Star Wars movie may seem insignificant compared to what some of his co-stars made, but it’s important to remember that he played a pivotal role in making the movie a success. His portrayal of Luke Skywalker will forever remain etched in our memories as one of the most iconic performances in cinematic history.
