‘The Flash’: Mark Hamill to Reprise as The Trickster

Next year, moviegoers will see Mark Hamill reprise the iconic role of Luke Skywalker in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (despite his absence in the endlessly analyzed teaser trailer). Yet, that role is far from the only one the actor is known for.

In addition to his work in a galaxy far, far away, Hamill is known throughout the comic book world for a variety of roles, most notably his stellar voice work as the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series back in the 1990s. However, we’ve now received word that Hamill will return to the DC universe as a different character, one that he has brought to life before.

According to HitFix, The CW has announced that Hamill will appear on its new series The Flash as James Jesse, best known as the villainous Trickster. The actor previously played the character on two episodes of the original CBS series The Flash, which ran for one season from 1990 to 1991. Hamill also isn’t the first actor to appear on both shows, as original Flash actor John Wesley Shipp has already popped up in a few episodes of the 2014 version.

On the new show, Hamill’s character will be reimagined as an incarcerated anarchist who assists Barry (Grant Gustin) in stopping the city-wide attacks of a criminal aiming to become the new Trickster. The episode will air as the 17th installment of season one and will feature a reunion between Hamill and Shipp.

The way the new show is incorporating elements of the character’s history calls to mind Smallville’s regular practice of bringing in notable actors who played key roles in previous incarnations of the Superman mythos. One could make an argument that Hamill’s inclusion here is a bit too driven by fan service, but considering the overwhelming affection the geek community (understandably) has for the actor, his appearance here – especially in the story’s Silence of the Lambs-esque twist – should please both old and new fans alike and provide Hamill with some fun, over-the-top material to work with before he reaches for his lightsaber once more.

Are you excited to see Hamill return to the small screen as the Trickster, or would you prefer the new Flash to stop paying homage to the titular hero’s past? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts.

The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8pm on The CW.