US NewsMark Hamill dubs Biden 'Joe-B-Wan Kenobi' during White House Visit

Mark Hamill dubs Biden 'Joe-B-Wan Kenobi' during White House Visit

Mark Hamill recorded a short film with Joe Biden. It's a real treat for "Star Wars" fans.
Mark Hamill recorded a short film with Joe Biden. It's a real treat for "Star Wars" fans.
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8:32 AM EDT, May 5, 2024

Mark Hamill, renowned for portraying Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" saga, recently appeared at the White House. Following a conversation with President Biden, Hamill engaged with journalists, sharing insights from his visit with the U.S. leader. Intriguingly, Hamill coined a new nickname for Biden, and the duo even collaborated on a video.

The unexpected presence of actor Mark Hamill at the White House, along with his participation in a press briefing, caught many off guard. Hamill disclosed that he was welcomed in the Oval Office, describing the chance to meet Joe Biden as a profound honor. He recounted the inception of their meeting, highlighting the moment he suggested a unique nickname for the president.
"I said to him 'Mr. President', to which he replied: 'call me Joe'. Then I asked: 'Can I call you Joe-B-Wan Kenobi?'" — Hamill shared.

The nickname "Joe-B-Wan Kenobi" cleverly references Obi-Wan Kenobi, a "Star Wars" character and mentor to Luke Skywalker. Hamill noted that Biden responded with a smile, indicating that this playful exchange was one of several nods to George Lucas's iconic saga during his visit.

Joe Biden and Mark Hamill also teamed up to record a brief video, released on the president's official account on May 4. The clip opens with the president saying, "May the 4th be with you", followed by Hamill's timely addition of "always."

In the video, Biden leveraged a well-known phrase that cleverly plays on the iconic line "May the Force be with you" from the movies. The catchphrase "May the 4th be with you" has intriguing origins, initially used by the London Evening News to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on her electoral victory.

Is Hamill joining Biden's campaign efforts?

Speculation is rife among U.S. media that Mark Hamill's White House visit signifies his involvement in Joe Biden's re-election campaign. Observers believe that endorsements from leading Hollywood figures could significantly bolster Biden's candidacy.
Hamill isn't the only prominent actor advocating for the current president. Recently, Robert De Niro vocalized his support, expressing optimism for Biden's potential to secure victory once more against Donald Trump.
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