Mark Hamill in Manitoba: Star Wars actor films Stephen King adaptation

From the Millennium Falcon to the military jeep.

Star Wars icon Mark Hamill drove through the streets of Stonewall, Manitoba last month, filming scenes for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King's “The Long Walk” in what looked like an army vehicle.

According to ACTRA Manitoba, filming for the Lionsgate feature film was scheduled to take place in our province from mid-July until this week.

Business owner Kirsten Ellison got a front-row seat to the magic of filmmaking last month.

Traffic in front of her body sugaring and aesthetics shop on Main Street was closed for production on August 27th and the street was transformed for a few days with vintage cars and new storefronts.

An old police car used in the filming of “The Long Walk” on Main Street in Stonewall, Man., is pictured on August 27, 2024. (Kirsten Ellison)

In the days leading up to filming, Ellison said she had not received confirmation as to whether Hamill himself would be filming scenes there.

But when the director called the shots and Ellison watched from her window, it was clear to see.

“It was pretty obvious when he crossed the street. You can't miss Luke Skywalker,” Ellison told CTV News Winnipeg.

Published in 1979 under King's pseudonym Richard Bachman, the book was the legendary author's first novel and tells the story of a brutal walking competition in a dystopian near-future America ruled by a totalitarian regime.

Ellison said many movies have been shot on Stonewall's main street, mostly Lifetime and Hallmark films, which have become the core of Manitoba's film industry.

Although “Star Wars” is known to have a large fan base, Ellison also found the project exciting because it features another cult figure.

“I'm a huge Stephen King fan,” she said, “so I was very excited.”

Mark Hamill drives past Stonewall, Man., in a military-looking vehicle during filming on August 27, 2024. (Kirsten Ellison)