Latest news with #Hamill
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
‘It's unlike anything I've ever done before': Mark Hamill teases ‘sadistic' villain in The Long Walk
Mark Hamill has said his role as the Major in The Long Walk is 'unlike anything [he's] ever done before'. The 73-year-old actor stars as the antagonist in the upcoming movie adaptation of Stephen King's 1979 horror novel of the same name, and Hamill has now reflected on his 'sadistic' character. During an interview with Discussing Film, the Star Wars actor said: 'Well, he's amoral. I mean, for you to be able to do what he does … he's got to be some kind of sociopath. 'There's no sort of backstory for him, but you know he's a really troubled person. And sadistic and … just all those terrible things.' Hamill added The Long Walk was completely different to his other recent projects, like the Tom Hiddleston-starring fantasy film The Life of Chuck and the upcoming animated flick The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. He continued: 'It's unlike anything I've ever done before and that's what I like. It's like Life of Chuck, which is aeons away from what I do in this. 'And then I'm doing a voice in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. I love that title, [it] sounds like it's important, but it's the same glorified nonsense that we've come to expect.' In The Long Walk, 100 teenage boys are forced to participate in a relentless walking contest where falling below a set pace means death. As the gruelling journey unfolds, the competitors face both physical torment and psychological collapse in a fight for survival. The movie - which was co-produced and directed by Francis Lawrence and written by J.T. Mollner - stars Cooper Hoffman, Ben Wang and Charlie Plummer, and is slated to hit screens on September 12, 2025. Hamill's Major is the military commander who oversees the walk, and the actor said he was drawn to the role after spending his teenage years in Japan, where his school was next to a U.S. military base. The Batman: The Animated Series star told Variety: 'I said, 'I know who this guy is: I've seen him firsthand'. I'd walk across the parking lot, seeing the officers putting these guys through their paces in blazing hot sun, and they were just brutal. Like if you vomit, they force you to eat it. It's horrible.' Reflecting on The Long Walk, Hamill said he hopes 'everyone will hate [his] guts' due to his portrayal as the Major. He told abc's On The Red Carpet: 'The premise is horrific and off-putting. But the real heart and soul is the story of these young guys and what they experience during the long walk. 'I'm just a bad a**. If I do my job right, everyone will hate my guts, that's okay.' Hamill's co-star Garrett Wareing - who portrays teen Stebbins in The Long Walk - warned the weight of the movie's emotional story would hit audiences hard. He said: 'It's freaky-gets me in my gut every time. That feeling doesn't leave you.'
The National
4 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Former Scotland player named manager of Afghan women's refugee team
Pauline Hamill, who previously played for Celtic, Hibs and Kilmarnock, and coached at Rangers, was announced as the new head coach of the newly formed team by Fifa and has been endorsed by the footballing body's president Gianni Infantino. Fifa said the team is part of their commitment to offer 'every girl and young woman the opportunity to pursue their footballing dreams, regardless of their circumstances'. Women in Afghanistan have been banned from playing sports in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021. READ MORE: Greenpeace activists arrested as Forth Road Bridge protest ends In May, football's governing body gave the green light for a new team of female players of Afghan nationality who had obtained refugee status abroad to be formed. Hamill will manage three 'talent identification camps', from which a squad will be selected to play international friendlies as part of the project. 'We're proud to have Pauline Hamill guiding this team on such a meaningful journey,' Infantino (below) said in an announcement post on social media. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire) 'Her experience, empathy and dedication will be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for these courageous players.' He added: 'Fifa stands firmly with Afghan women - at home and in exile - and remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can pursue their football dreams and be seen, heard and supported on the international stage.' Fifa said the newly-established team 'represents a significant step forward in giving Afghan players the international platform to which they aspire', while also minimising the 'risk of harm'. Players for the team will also have access to support in other areas, including physical preparation, nutrition, psychological care and safeguarding. Hamill, who played for Scotland 141 times across an 18-year career, said she had no hesitation in accepting the job, calling it a 'no-brainer'. She said: 'I was super excited, honestly, as soon as I was offered the role. 'From the very start, something about the job was really pulling me in. 'So, when I had the opportunity to lead the team, for me it was an absolute no-brainer. It's a privilege to be invited into this project. 'This is going to be something really special, and I think it's something that they'll remember forever. 'It's more than just a football journey. This is something that will have a lasting effect on people.' Hamill is an experienced coach, as she has worked with the Scotland women's under-17s between 2010 and 2017 before moving up to the under-19s for six years. In 2003 she made history as she became the first ever female coach at Rangers, being appointed to a youth development role at the Ibrox club, while still playing football herself. In 2023 she was named head coach of the Saudi Arabia women's under-20s, which was also a first for the country.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Scotland striker named first-ever manager of Afghan women's refugee team
They previously played Celtic, Hibs and Kilmarnock - and once coached at Rangers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Scotland striker has been appointed head coach of the newly-formed Afghan women's refugee football team. Afghan women have been banned from playing sport in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Girls of the Afghan National Development Squad - all of whom are refugees Credit: The Times 2 Pauline Hamill during her days as a Scotland international Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow Back in May, Fifa gave the green light to set up a new team for female players of Afghan nationality who had obtained refugee status abroad, allowing them to play in official matches. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been leading the process, which will now see players gather for three "talent identification camps" in order to populate a squad. These training camps will not only decide who makes the team but they will offer players psychological care, safeguarding and better access to nutrition and physical preparation. Ex-Scotland, Hibs and Celtic striker Pauline Hamill has been chosen by Fifa to be the first-ever manager of the team. Hamill, 53, earned 141 caps for the Scotland women's national team and scored 29 goals during an illustrious international career. She played for Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Doncaster Rovers ad Celtic among others at club level before retiring in 2011. An experienced coach, she worked with the Scotland women's under-17s between 2010 and 2017 before moving up to the under-19s for six years. In 2023 she was named head coach of the Saudi Arabia women's under-20s (a first for the country). Hamill holds a Uefa Pro Licence and headed up the SFA Women's National Academy at the University of Stirling before moving to the Middle East. She made history way back in 2003 too, when she was still a player, when she became the first ever female coach at Rangers, being appointed to a youth development role at the Ibrox club. Nicolas Kuhn poses for selfies with Celtic fans as he greets team-mates and Brendan Rodgers at Como Cup Hamill described the job as a "no-brainer" and a "privilege" and that she hopes the initiative will have a long-lasting impact. She said: "I was super excited, honestly, as soon as I was offered the role. "From the very start, something about the job was really pulling me in. "So, when I had the opportunity to lead the team, for me it was an absolute no-brainer. It's a privilege to be invited into this project. "This is going to be something really special, and I think it's something that they'll remember forever. "It's more than just a football journey. This is something that will have a lasting effect on people." Infantino said upon announcing Hamill's new role: "We're proud to have Pauline Hamill guiding this team on such a meaningful journey. "Her experience, empathy and dedication will be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for these courageous players. "Fifa stands firmly with Afghan women - at home and in exile - and remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can pursue their football dreams and be seen, heard and supported on the international stage." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Geek Tyrant
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Mark Hamill Shares His Super Dark Pitch For Luke Skywalker's Backstory in STAR WARS — GeekTyrant
Mark Hamill recently opened up about an he had for Luke Skywalker's tragic backstory, but it was, perhaps, too dark for a franchise built around hope, redemption, and family-friendly adventure. In an appearance on the Bullseye with Jesse Thorn podcast, Hamill shared a pitch he had for Luke's past, one that never made it to the big screen. While Hamill respects The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson and his storytelling, he didn't quite agree with the choice to make Luke a depressed hermit, hiding away on the isolated planet Ahch-To. Hamill felt that Luke's descent into exile would have been more compelling if it had been fueled by a personal loss so devastating that it shattered his connection to the Jedi. Hamill shared: 'I thought, 'What could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi?' Well, the love of a woman. So [Luke] falls in love with a woman, he gives up being a Jedi, they have a child together. 'At some point, the child, as a toddler, picks up an unattended lightsaber, pushes the button, and is killed instantly. The wife is so full of grief, she kills herself … but [Rian Johnson] didn't have the time to tell a backstory like that, I'm guessing. He just wanted a brief thing to explain it.' Whoa… this backstory is certainly tragic, but it veers into territory that might be hard for some Star Wars fans to swallow. Yes, the franchise has grappled with heavy themes, from the fall of Anakin Skywalker to the death of children like the younglings in Revenge of the Sith , but the added layer of a grieving mother taking her own life after the accidental death of her child feels almost too dark for the franchise. Hamill's proposed backstory would have introduced grief and loss at a level that's borderline unbearable, pushing the limits of what's acceptable within the Star Wars universe. But, Andor pushed hard with these themes, but the franchise wasn't ready for that kind of thing when Lucasfilm was developing The Last Jedi . The Last Jedi tells a different story. Instead of focusing on a personal tragedy involving love and loss, Luke's exile is driven by his shame and guilt over a momentary lapse in judgment regarding his nephew, Ben Solo. When Luke sensed the darkness growing within Ben, he briefly considered ending his life to prevent the galaxy from suffering under the rise of another Sith Lord. But Ben woke up just in time to destroy Luke's Jedi temple, leading to Luke's retreat to Ahch-To. He isn't just abandoning the Jedi Order; he's abandoning the trust of his best friends, Han and Leia, by failing their son. His exile isn't born out of a simple failure; it's a failure with emotional weight. The guilt of having failed his nephew and having watched another Jedi Order collapse weighs heavily on Luke. As much as some fans criticize Luke's actions in The Last Jedi , there's a layer of emotional complexity here that makes sense, even if it feels jarring at first. Some fans were upset by the portrayal of Luke as a broken man who gave up on everything he once believed in, but others saw it as a profound, humanizing arc, a man struggling with faith, guilt, and redemption. Johnson's approach is emotionally resonant, focusing on Luke's growth as a character rather than trying to justify his actions with a darker, more complex backstory. Had Hamill's tragic backstory made it into The Last Jedi , it might have changed the tone of the entire film. The concept of a tragic love story ending in death and despair is undeniably powerful, but it's hard to imagine The Last Jedi taking that plunge into such grim territory without losing some of its balance. While both versions of Luke's backstory exlore deep emotional wounds, Johnson's choice allows for growth and redemption in the end. What do you think about Hamill's pitch?
Business Wire
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
LP Building Solutions Names Tony Hamill as Chief Operating Officer
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, today announced the appointment of Tony Hamill as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, effective June 30, 2025. "With over 30 years of leadership experience in engineering and manufacturing—much of it within our own organization—Tony brings comprehensive expertise across our North and South American operations." Share 'As we execute our long-term growth strategy, I am pleased to appoint Tony to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer,' said LP President Jason Ringblom. 'With over 30 years of leadership experience in engineering and manufacturing—much of it within our own organization—Tony brings comprehensive expertise across our North and South American operations. Tony's ability to challenge conventional approaches while fostering collaboration and team alignment will be critical as we continue to scale and optimize our business. I am confident that his leadership will enhance our performance and support sustained value creation.' In this role, Hamill will oversee LP's North American manufacturing footprint, which includes 18 facilities and a workforce of over 3,000 team members. He will be responsible for the production and operational efficiency of all product lines, including LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, LP® Structural Solutions, and LP® Oriented Strand Board. A registered professional engineer, Hamill joined LP in 2013 and has held progressively senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Siding Manufacturing. He has led major initiatives to increase LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding capacity, including four strategic mill conversions and the growth of the company's ExpertFinish® operations. These projects have significantly strengthened LP's production capabilities and competitive positioning. Prior to joining LP, Hamill held leadership roles at Stantec, a global engineering firm, and served as Chief Operations Officer at Roseburg Forest Products, where he directed manufacturing operations, engineering, and sales and marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. About LP Building Solutions As a leader in high-performance building solutions, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX) manufactures engineered wood products that meet the demands of builders, remodelers and homeowners worldwide. LP's extensive portfolio of innovative and dependable products includes Siding Solutions (LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding, LP BuilderSeries® Lap Siding and LP® Outdoor Building Solutions®), LP® Structural Solutions (LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier, LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier, LP Legacy® Premium Sub-Flooring, LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP NovaCore® Thermal Insulated Sheathing and LP® TopNotch® 350 Durable Sub-Flooring) and LP® Oriented Strand Board (OSB). In addition to product solutions, LP provides industry-leading customer service and warranties. Since its founding in 1972, LP has been Building a Better World™ by helping customers construct beautiful, durable homes while shareholders build lasting value. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP operates 21 plants across the U.S., Canada, Chile and Brazil. For more information, visit
