An actor from one of the biggest movie franchises of all time is helping the residents of Ukraine as the war with Russia continues.
What Happened: Legendary actor Mark Hamill is best known for playing the role of Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” franchise. In the recent year, Hamill has also become known for his efforts in helping Ukraine in its war efforts against Russia.
With the war passing the one-year anniversary, Hamill is once again lending a hand, or in this case his voice, to help Ukraine.
A downloadable app called “Air Alert” is linked to the air defense system in Ukraine and serves as a warning when Russian missiles or drones could be approaching.
Hamill is featured as the voice of the app, according to the New York Post.
“Attention. Air raid alert. Proceed to the nearest shelter,” Hamill says on the app.
Hamill’s calm voice helps residents of the country know when attacks could be coming and that they should seek shelter.
“Don’t be careless. Your overconfidence is your weakness.”
The app also features a Ukrainian-language setting for those who don’t speak English or don’t want to hear the voice of Luke Skywalker.
One app user told the Associated Press that he prefers Hamill’s voice as a “Star Wars” fan, and it also helps improve his English.
“Besides, we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us,” the user said.
Hamill has said that he admires the resilience that Ukraine has shown despite “such terrible circumstances.” The actor also points out the similarities between the reality of the Russia Ukraine war and the fictional Star Wars universe.
“A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with what’s going on in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically,” Hamill told the Associated Press.
When the air alerts end, Hamill tells resident the alert is over and signs off in the best way Luke Skywalker can with the tagline “May the Force be with you.”
“It does inspire people. Everyone flashes back to being 6 years old again. And if the movie can help people get through hard times, so much the better.”
The app, which was developed by Ukrainian security systems company Ajax Systems, has been downloaded over 14 million times.
The company hopes that Hamill’s voice leads to increased downloads and can help ease the real-life effects of war.
“With Mark’s approach, it won’t be so terrifying,” Ajax Systems Chief Marketing Officer Valentine Hrytsenko said. “But they will understand somehow the context.”
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Why It’s Important: Along with providing his voice on the air alert app, Hamill is one of several celebrities who has stepped up efforts to raise money for the war torn Ukraine.
Hamill’s efforts include raising money to buy drones to help Ukraine in the war. Hamill has autographed Star Wars items that are raffled off to help raise funds.
“Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering,” Hamill said. “It motivates me to do as much as I can.”
Hamill met with the Ukrainian Army's drone operators via Zoom recently, the unit also asked for donations for the drone efforts of Ukraine.
“These are the drones you’re looking for: Join Mark Hamill and the army of drones,” a website raising funds reads.
Over 1,400 drones have been purchased by the Army of Drones project.
“I know for certain that Ukrainians need drones to protect their land, their freedom and the values of the entire democratic world. Right now is the best time for everyone to come together and help Ukraine stand up in this war with the evil empire,” Hamill previously said.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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