Mark Hamill explains we should interpret Luke’s sexuality however we want in “Star Wars”

We haven’t seen an openly gay character in the Star Wars movies — YET! — but Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams wants that to change over the next few movies. And hearing this recent statement, the first thought of many jump to the paring between brand new characters: ex-Stormtrooper, Finn, and Resistance pilot, Poe (their official shipper name is actually, “StormPilot” just so you know).

But what if it’s neither of those characters? Talking to The Sun, Luke Skywalker himself (aka, Mark Hamill) hinted that his character could be gay. Or he could be straight. It’s totally up to the viewer to decide, and that’s amazing.

“Fans are writing and ask all these questions, ‘I’m bullied in school…I’m afraid to come out.’” He explained. “They say to me, ‘Could Luke be gay?’ [I reply to them that Luke’s sexuality] is meant to be interpreted by the viewer.”

Luke’s sexuality has never come up in the movies, unless we’re talking about that one kiss he shares with his sister, but that’s a completely different story. In the non-canon Expanded Universe, Luke actually marries a former Sith, and they have a son (his name is Ben, and LOL to that). But neither one of those things are the focus right now. And in all the years Luke’s been MIA, he could have been in any kind of relationship, either gay, or straight, or even neither! Hamill is giving us permission to embark on a Choose Your Own Skywalker Sexuality adventure.

“If you think Luke is gay, of course he is,” he continues. “Judge Luke by his character, not by who he loves.”

Those are some amazing words to live by, whether in the Star Wars universe or our own.