<P> The Rebels analyze the Death Star's plans and identify a vulnerable exhaust port that connects to the station's main reactor . Luke joins the Rebel assault squadron, while Han collects his payment for the transport and intends to leave, despite Luke's request that he stay and help . In the ensuing battle, the Rebels suffer heavy losses after several unsuccessful attack runs, leaving Luke as one of the few surviving pilots . Vader leads a squadron of TIE fighters and prepares to attack Luke's X-wing fighter, but Han returns and fires at the Imperials, sending Vader spiraling away . Helped by guidance from Obi - Wan's spirit, Luke uses the Force to destroy the Death Star seconds before it can fire on the Rebel base . Back on Yavin IV, Leia awards Luke and Han with medals for their heroism . </P> <Ul> <Li> Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker: a young man raised by his aunt and uncle on Tatooine, who dreams of something more than his current life and learns the way of a Jedi . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker: a young man raised by his aunt and uncle on Tatooine, who dreams of something more than his current life and learns the way of a Jedi . </Li> <Dl> <Dd> Lucas favored casting young actors who lacked long experience . To play Luke (then known as Luke Starkiller), Lucas sought actors who could project intelligence and integrity . While reading for the character, Hamill found the dialogue to be extremely odd because of its universe - embedded concepts . He chose to simply read it sincerely, and he was selected instead of William Katt, who was subsequently cast in the Brian De Palma - directed Carrie (Lucas shared a joint casting session with De Palma, a longtime friend). </Dd> </Dl>

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