Mark Hamill apologises for criticising director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Photo / AP

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has apologised for criticising the portrayal of his character Luke Skywalker in the blockbuster franchise's latest film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

"I regret voicing my doubts & insecurities in public", Hamill wrote on Twitter yesterday. "Creative differences are a common element of any project but usually remain private."

Hamill, who played Skywalker in the three original Star Wars films (1977-83), gave an interview in June in which he said he was unconvinced by the script, and particularly unhappy about Skywalker's line "It's time for the Jedi to end."

He said: "Luke would never say that...I almost had to think of Luke as another character. Maybe he's 'Jake Skywalker,' he's not my Luke Skywalker."

Mark Hamill (second from left) with Laura Dern, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega at the photo call for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Photo / AP

Earlier, in May, Hamill said he had approached the film's writer/director Rian Johnson about his concerns. He told Vanity Fair: "I at one point had to say to Rian, 'I pretty much fundamentally disagree with every choice you've made for this character. Now, having said that, I have gotten it off my chest, and my job now is to take what you've created and do my best to realize your vision.'"

But yesterday the 66-year-old actor admitted his fears had been unfounded. "All I wanted was to make good movie," he tweeted. "I got more than that – Rian Johnson made an all-time GREAT one!"

I regret voicing my doubts & insecurities in public.Creative differences are a common element of any project but usually remain private. All I wanted was to make good movie. I got more than that- @rianjohnson made an all-time GREAT one! #HumbledHamill https://t.co/8ujJfBuEdV

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 26, 2017

His latest comments reaffirm a point he made earlier this month, in an interview with IMDB. "I had trouble accepting what he saw for Luke but, having seen the movie, I was wrong."

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Photo / AP

Since its release on December 15, The Last Jedi has grossed around $400 million at the US box office. The film has proved a success with critics, but has met with more of a mixed reception from audiences.

One fan launched a petition calling for the film to be disowned as part of the franchise, which garnered more than 30,000 signatures.

Alongside Hamill, the cast includes Daisy Ridley, Laura Dern and the late Carrie Fisher, in one of her last screen roles. It also features a fleeting cameo from Prince Harry and Prince William, who play two heavily armoured Stormtroopers.