Much conversation has been generated around the appearance, or lack thereof, of Mark Hamill in any of the recent Star Wars: The Force Awakens footage. We know he’s there in some capacity, but because of the secrecy surrounding the film, Hamill’s ability to keep a secret, and certain legally binding documents, we know next to nothing about what Luke Skywalker will be up to in Episode VII.

However, Hamill recently opened up to Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine for his first official Star Wars: The Force Awakens interview, in which he talked at length about all things Star Wars. Available on newsstands starting December 8th, the 283rd issue of the magazine – which features three special covers – will have plenty from Hamill; we’ve chosen a few select quotes from their interview to share with you below.

If Hamill were to sum up his feelings on Star Wars: The Force Awakens in a brief sentence, it would be as follows:

“The new storyline, the new characters, and especially the actors that they chose to play them, are thrilling beyond words.”

Hamill expanded a bit more about the basic concept of the film:

“It is about setting up the next generation of heroes and villains, but the fact that half a dozen cast members from the originals can be there to place it in some sort of context, to be there for the historical side of things, I think it’s wonderful. … Young people can see the progression of the characters. I’m old enough to be Luke’s grandfather now, and that’s a healthy, natural thing for people to see.”

Speaking of age, Hamill is the same age now that Alec Guinness was when he filmed the original Star Wars:

“Intellectually, I know I’m the same age as Alec Guinness. Emotionally, I’m thinking, “Are you kidding me?!? I still like The Three Stooges and the Rolling Stones. How could I be old?”

And while there’s not much more in the way of plot details or character development given away by Hamill in these excerpts, he does give an overview as to how Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be different from the first film:

“I think [THE FORCE AWAKENS] could be every bit as exciting for the audience, [but] it’s not going to be like it was then, when we’re rattling around in the Death Star, and exchanging quips, and jockeying for the affections of the princess. It’s going to be age appropriate. The story has moved on, and our purpose in the story is different than it was then.”

Hamill also shared his appreciation for Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, saying:

“Famous Monsters really played an important part in my life, and in my decision and my belief that working in the areas that I wanted to pursue was a possibility at all. … [It] was something that was very, very special to me, and the fact that it’s been around for more than half a century is a testament to its importance in the pop-culture world.”

For more from Hamill, be sure to pick up the new issue, where you’ll find out just what surprising, unique birthday gift that director J.J. Abrams gave him, and his opinion on the Star Wars anthologies, including his #1 pick for a spin-off movie character. It’s the closest we’ll get to learning more about Hamill’s latest iteration as Luke Skywalker until Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens on December 18th.