Mark Hamill’s Favorite Books – Stephen King Reveals
Mark Hamill on teh Enduring Power of Stephen King: “He’s Much More Versatile Than He Gets Credit For”
Mark Hamill, the actor forever etched in our minds as Luke Skywalker, is having a Stephen King moment. Fresh off his appearance in “The Life of Chuck” (2024), Hamill is now starring in “The Long Walk,” a dystopian thriller based on King’s novel, hitting theaters this week.But Hamill’s appreciation for King goes far beyond these recent roles. He’s a genuine fan, and recently shared his thoughts on the author’s work, calling King “much more versatile a writer than he gets credit for.”
Hamill recalls first meeting King at a film festival, admitting, “I know I’m a good actor as I was able to say, ‘Hi, how do you do?’ when my inner fanboy was, like, Oh, my God.”
So, which King books stand out for Hamill? he highlighted two in particular:
“The Shining”: A Cinematic Revelation
Hamill’s journey into the world of Stephen king began with a visceral experience: seeing “The Shining” on opening weekend. “I was just so knocked out that I went directly from the theatre to a bookstore to buy the book to figure out, What the hell did I just see?” he explained.
The book became an immersive experience. Hamill deliberately cultivated the perfect atmosphere for reading, waiting until “it was dark, sometimes after my wife went to bed and the kids where down, so that I had the optimum atmosphere.” he savored every page,admitting,”I remember enjoying it so much that I would slow down-like,Oh,I’m reading too fast.” “The Shining” wasn’t just a book; it was a gateway, “the first King book I ever read, and it’s the one that made me a gigantic fan.”
“The Dead Zone”:
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