25 actors that could play Luke Skywalker next in Star Wars

7. Henry Golding

Henry Golding has “only” been acting for a little over a decade, but like Washington, built quite a resume in that time. His first major role was as Nick Young in Crazy Rich Asians, and he has since starred in A Simple Favor, The Gentlemen, and most recently, helmed the revival of the G.I. Joe franchise as Snake Eyes.

That last project is only part of what makes Golding a great fit for Star Wars. Not only does it show his ability to lead a major film franchise, but it requires preparation similar to what one would have to take on for Luke Skywalker. Many will remember that a lot of Lucas’ original inspiration for Star Wars came from ancient Japanese fighting, something that Golding embraced for Snake Eyes.

Speaking on his approach to the film, Golding said,

"You really have to commit because there’s so much on the line. We wanted to see the actors doing the sequences. There’s none of this flourishing swords, waving it around in the air. The movements are so acute and so efficient — the way it should be, especially in the world of samurais and ninjas."

It is the type of physical work that Golding has always appreciated, and he is especially fond of the hand-to-hand combat that other styles of action lack. He also specifically mentions the fact that the action is always justified, something that the Jedi believe in themselves. On top of all that, Golding acknowledges that beyond action, it is the character that lies at the heart of any story. Now all he has to do is replace the sword with a lightsaber.