Disneyland has long been a place where magic is made, offering guests a world of excitement, adventure, and, of course, beloved characters. From the moment you walk down Main Street, USA, you’re immersed in a realm of imagination where the impossible becomes possible.
But, sometimes, even the most magical moments can be met with unexpected reactions, as was the case during a recent character meet and greet at Disneyland.
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On March 28, 2025, Disneyland introduced a new Star Wars-themed experience as part of their Season of the Force celebration. Fans were eager to meet none other than the iconic Jedi, Luke Skywalker, in Galaxy's Edge. The Star Wars universe has always been a key part of the park's immersive experiences, and Luke’s addition to the roster was highly anticipated.
However, the introduction of the legendary Jedi didn’t go quite as planned. Instead of receiving the warm reception they expected, Luke Skywalker’s portrayal in the park quickly became the subject of widespread discussion and some unexpected humor.
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Many fans were quick to point out that the actor portraying Luke looked surprisingly like someone else — a far cry from the heroic figure portrayed by Mark Hamill in the films. In fact, the resemblance was so striking that Disney fans began to joke that Luke Skywalker looked more like Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, Amy Poehler.
It all started when Elisabeth Rappe took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts. “I honestly thought this was Amy Poehler,” she tweeted, posting a photo of the new Luke Skywalker meet-and-greet character.
I honestly thought this was Amy Poehler https://t.co/q6CYsLJuQL
— Elisabeth Rappe (@ElisabethRappe) April 13, 2025
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The tweet quickly went viral, with fans flocking to share their own opinions. One X user jokingly asked, “Is this the Parks and Rec version of Luke Skywalker?” while another chimed in, saying, “Honestly, I can’t unsee it. It’s Amy Poehler as Luke.”
The conversation exploded as more fans weighed in, and the memes began to flow. This unexpected comparison between Luke Skywalker and Poehler quickly became a highlight of Disney park-related discourse, with people playfully suggesting that the “Parks and Rec” version of Luke could be a hilarious SNL skit.
But as fans continued to laugh and joke about the resemblance, some voices of criticism began to emerge.
Many fans were disappointed by the portrayal, especially considering the high expectations surrounding such an iconic figure. “This is not the Luke Skywalker I remember,” one fan said. “It’s a parody version of him. Honestly, this whole thing feels like an SNL skit.”
For some fans, the portrayal didn’t align with their perception of the character, and it felt out of place in the Star Wars universe. While some were entertained by the unexpected humor, others couldn’t help but feel that the character didn’t live up to the legendary hero they had hoped to see.
Still, the humorous side of the situation wasn’t lost on everyone. “I honestly thought I was watching an SNL sketch live at Disneyland,” one user posted, making light of the situation.
For others, the unexpected likeness to Amy Poehler was enough to turn what was supposed to be a serious moment into an unforgettable, comedic one. “It was unexpected, but I’m still here for it,” another fan shared.
While this particular meet and greet may not have been what some fans envisioned, the response has certainly sparked an interesting conversation about the authenticity of character portrayals at Disney parks.
Season of the Force runs through May 11 at The Happiest Place on Earth — so lock in your theme park reservations now! Indulge in can’t-miss bites like the Fried Falumpaset Cheese Skewer from Ronto Roasters and the Wookie Cookie from the Grand Californian’s Great Hall Cart. And don’t leave without blasting off on Hyperspace Mountain!
What did you think of the new Luke Skywalker meet and greet? Were you surprised by the resemblance to Amy Poehler? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
