Dominating 2025 with Stephen King Adaptations
Hamill features prominently in two major Stephen King-based films this year: The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk. In The Life of Chuck, directed by Mike Flanagan, he plays Albie Krantz alongside Tom Hiddleston in this genre-bending tale of an ordinary man's extraordinary life, released in June 2025[5].
The Long Walk, helmed by Francis Lawrence of Hunger Games fame, casts Hamill as The Major in a chilling thriller about a deadly walking contest. The film hit theaters in September 2025, with Hamill praising the young cast's performance at SDCC 2025 and noting King's satisfaction with the adaptation[4][7].
These roles mark a shift from voice work, with Hamill surprised by his on-camera opportunities: 'I certainly didn’t think I’d be on camera as long as I’ve been.'[1]
Reviving Passion and Bustling Schedule
A Mike Flanagan project cleared Hamill's prior retirement thoughts, rekindling his excitement. He described it as a 'character part that would’ve been routine in voiceover,' emphasizing how such opportunities keep him engaged[1].
This year alone, Hamill appeared in five features, including voicing the Flying Dutchman in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Art Rosebaum in Invincible, and roles in Big City Greens and The Sandman[2]. Upcoming 2026 projects like Squadron 42 and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt signal continued momentum.
At SDCC 2025, Hamill shared his initial reservations about The Long Walk's violence but was convinced after researching Lawrence's work, calling it 'bonkers' yet compelling[7].
Navigating AI Deepfakes and Legacy
Hamill recently voiced apprehension about generative AI, particularly deepfakes using his likeness in Star Wars projects. On December 26, 2025, he expressed wariness but openness to discussing likeness rights for posthumous uses[6].
This stance reflects broader industry debates on AI ethics, balancing innovation with actor protections. Hamill's comments align with his history of embracing pop culture while safeguarding his iconic roles.
His multifaceted 2025 output—from live-action thrillers to animation—proves his enduring relevance amid technological shifts.