Star Wars icon takes on new 'ultimate villain' role alongside James Bond's Pierce Brosnan

Mark Hamill, famed for his iconic role as Luke Skywalker in , is starring in a new film alongside former actor in an animated release just in time for Easter.

The King of Kings, which has hit the screens ahead of celebrations, features a dazzling array of talent including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Oscar Isaac, and Roman Griffin Davis.

In this unique take on the life of Jesus, narrated through the lens of Charles Dickens, Hamill steps into the shoes of the nefarious King Herod.

Brosnan accompanies him in the role of another infamous biblical antagonist, Pontius Pilate, known for overseeing Jesus's trial and sanctioning his crucifixion.

King Herod, as depicted in the Bible, is the ruthless monarch who commands the massacre of Bethlehem's infants to eliminate the threat posed by the newborn Jesus, reports .

Speaking about the film, which premiered in theatres today (April 11), Hamill delved into his portrayal of what he considers his most diabolical character yet.

In a snippet from an interview distributed to Reach, he remarked: "King Herod is obviously the ultimate villain: imperious, self-absorbed, threatened by anyone not acknowledging him as the one and only king.

"He's amoral, obviously. He's willing to slaughter all these children under the age of two so, it's rich..."

Hamill went on to express his enthusiasm for animation, saying: "One thing I love about animation is that you get to play parts you would never get to play on camera. I'd have to gain, what, 300 pounds to play this part? And that's what's so thrilling.

"Character actors are described as actors who disappear into the character and don't see the actor... Well animation does that for you. You see a visual created by someone else.

"It's so liberating to not be seen and you're emboldened by your choices because the camera's not right up in your face."

Mark continued to laud the "sterling" cast, sharing his sense of honour at working with such esteemed colleagues.

The synopsis for The King of Kings reads: "A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey.

"Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.

"The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child."

The King of Kings is in cinemas now.