Even though he gets credited in the official Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster and has appeared at a number of live events in celebration of the sequel, Mark Hamill recently admitted in an interview that he has never officially been allowed to say that he is in the movie. That changes today, as he used his Official Twitter account to confirm that he will once again reprise Jedi Master Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode VIII, which kicks off the summer 2017 movie going season.

This news was already revealed a few months ago by sources who saw the actor and his family returning to Skellig Michael island in Ireland to shoot scenes for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens sequel. Though, no set photos ever leaked. And as of now, Luke Skywalker is the only returning character that we've yet to see in any of the trailers, TV spots, photos or toys. Director J.J. Abrams said in the recent past that we won't get to see Luke until the movie opens on December 18. One thing we do know, he will have a full-on Obi-Wan style beard when we next see him. And he'll still have it in Star Wars: Episode VIII. This is what the actor had to say.

"Last shaved on 10/22 after final day of my 2nd #TheFlash (which airs 12/8 #XmasTrix), just in time for Ep VIII-whew!"

It has recently been said that Star Wars: The Force Awakens will carry on the Skywalker family saga that makes up the prequel and original trilogies. But we've seen absolutely no evidence of that anywhere. While Harrison Ford's Han Solo is said to be a main character in Star Wars 7, Luke's role is said to be minimal. And it might be nothing more than a cameo. He's not even expected to make his presence known until the third act of the movie.The main focus in the movie will be on a new trio of heroes named Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron, played respectively by Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega.

Skellig Michael has long rumored to be used as a Jedi sanctuary, where Luke is hiding out. And we will definitely return there in the next sequel. With few details revealed for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you can expect that we'll only get a sense at what's at stake in Star Wars: Episode VIII after we see the next movie. And at this time, Luke Skywalker's presence is the only thing confirmed plot wise for Episode 8. There is a big twist at the end of Star Wars 7, with some expecting that Luke may be a Force Ghost. Would they really go that route? Especially with Han's fate on the line?

The Star Wars galaxy is a dangerous place. Epic Battles. Remote worlds. Strange creatures. And deadly threats at each turn. A long time ago a group of heroes banded together to save the galaxy from an Evil Empire. A dark new threat promises to destroy everything they've fought for. Now it's time for a new generation of heroes. Rey, a scavenger searching for answers. And Finn, a rogue Stormtrooper looking for something to fight for. They team up with a mysterious droid named BB-8. These three must make a choice. Continue their journey alone. Or work together to defeat the dark side. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is in theaters in less than a month, arriving December 18, 2015. The movie is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and features a new generation of swashbuckling heroes and shadowy villains, as well as the return of fan-favorite smugglers, princesses, and Jedi. Take a look at Mark Hamill's Tweet.