May the fourth be with you: Joker Mark Hamill gives fans a Star Wars Day to remember with epic prank.

Mark Hamill: the man, the legend. To many he is known as Luke Skywalker and to others as the iconic voice of the Joker. Today he has shown how some of the more playful characteristics of his latter alter ego have seeped through into his own personality as footage has emerged of him  gleefully playing pranks on unsuspecting Star Wars fans with heart-warming results that will make you feel all gooey inside.

Fans were invited along under the premise of recording some of Luke’s most iconic lines for a video celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of the franchise. They were then stunned and delightfully surprised as Luke Skywalker himself stepped out of the dark (side) and into the light to reveal… himself.  As Mark himself excitedly quoted “It’s a trap!”

The director behind the scenes amplified the comedy and irony to the situation by telling one (completely) oblivious fan that, “you never expected to be this close to Luke Skywalker, hold your lightsaber out and finally you have a chance to meet your hero” as unbeknown to her, her hooded acting partner was actually Hamill in disguise. To her surprise, the director’s inspiring words were very much literal, as Luke (Hamill) slowly removed his hood, perfectly re-enacting the final scene of The Force Awakens to reveal himself to her sheer shock and utter joy.

The incredible prank was not only in aid of celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope but also raising awareness of The Star Wars Force for Change charity which uses the power of the franchise to improve children’s lives by supporting such organisations as Unicef and Starlight.

With the blockbuster success of both Episode 7 and Rogue One, Episode 8 due to hit cinemas this Winter and the stellar line up for the as yet untitled Young Han Solo movie being recently released it is clear to see that the Force is strong with this one. May the Fourth be with you all!

-@janeylbarker