How an Alternate Twist in The Empire Strikes Back Could Have Altered Star Wars
Exploring the Unseen Side of the Original Star Wars Script
The iconic revelation of Darth Vader’s “I am your father” to Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back is etched into the annals of cinematic history. Yet, there was an alternative twist in the original script that could have transformed the entire Star Wars universe. In this lesser-known version, Obi-Wan Kenobi was portrayed as the one who had killed Luke’s father, rather than Darth Vader being his father.
The Concealed Twists of The Empire Strikes Back
Intriguingly, the plot was shrouded in secrecy to ensure the shocking twist remained confidential. Only a select few, such as George Lucas and director Irvin Kershner, were privy to this vital revelation. The cast, except for Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, was left in the dark, learning about Vader’s true identity only when the film premiered.
The unexposed fake script held a revelation of its own, one that would have had profound implications for the Star Wars saga.
The Unearthed Twist: Obi-Wan’s Dark Secret
In this alternative script, the famous “I am your father” line of Darth Vader was replaced with “Obi-Wan killed your father.” Rather than the audience discovering that Vader is Luke’s father, they would have suspected Obi-Wan of a sinister deed. This twist would have led fans to reevaluate Obi-Wan’s character, particularly his comments about Luke’s father in A New Hope. The infamous scene where Luke talks to himself about Ben not telling him would have taken on an entirely different meaning, focusing on Obi-Wan’s betrayal rather than Vader’s true identity.
This change in the script also introduced a profound alteration to the Star Wars universe. In this version, Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader were distinct individuals, eliminating Anakin’s fall to the dark side, a central theme in the Star Wars prequels. He might never have left the Jedi Order or the Republic and could have met a heroic end while protecting his family.
Remarkably, this alternative revelation about Obi-Wan killing Luke’s father can still be reconciled with Star Wars canon, particularly in the Star Wars Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Both Ahsoka and Obi-Wan believed that Anakin had perished. From a certain point of view, Darth Vader might have held Obi-Wan responsible for Anakin’s “death” in Revenge of the Sith, using this misperception to sow seeds of doubt in Luke’s mind.
If Obi-Wan Were the True Villain
If the alternate script had been used, leading to the revelation that Obi-Wan was responsible for Anakin Skywalker’s death, it would have necessitated a significant shift in the Star Wars narrative. Instead of explaining Anakin’s demise as a tragic accident, George Lucas may have chosen a more unexpected path, portraying Obi-Wan as the central antagonist.
In this alternate reality, Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader would have been distinct individuals. Despite Obi-Wan’s mentorship, Vader would have remained friends with Anakin, and their relationship would have taken a darker turn due to an undisclosed conflict that led to Anakin’s death. Both Obi-Wan and Yoda, out of fear of the Jedi Order’s extinction, would have vied for Luke’s allegiance. The Jedi Order’s decline, as seen in the prequels, would have intensified, and Anakin might have attempted to reform it, either through peaceful means or force. However, Obi-Wan’s actions would have led to Anakin’s demise.
By the time of the original trilogy, Obi-Wan and Yoda would still cling to the remnants of the Jedi Order, trying to persuade Luke to continue their flawed system.
An Altered Alliance: Luke and Vader
If the fabricated twist about Obi-Wan’s culpability for Anakin’s death were actualized, it would have radically altered the Star Wars saga. In this scenario, Vader would not be seeking to recruit Luke for his power but to awaken him to the underlying issues within the Jedi Order. When the Emperor revealed that the son of Skywalker lived in The Empire Strikes Back, Vader recognized Luke as the offspring of his old comrade, Anakin. Fearing that Luke’s path would parallel Anakin’s destructive one, Vader would not want him to become a Jedi.
In this alternate storyline, Vader’s injuries might still have been the result of a confrontation with Obi-Wan during the time of Anakin Skywalker. Despite this, Luke would likely have rejected Vader’s offer. However, the climax of the Star Wars saga would have seen Luke come to terms with Obi-Wan’s deception. The story’s conclusion would see Luke and Vader uniting to overthrow the Emperor, and instead of perpetuating the flawed Jedi Order, Luke would establish a new generation of Force-sensitive individuals who would avoid repeating the Jedi’s past mistakes.
A Glimpse into an Alternate Universe
The unused fake twist from The Empire Strikes Back may not have made it to the screen, but it’s fascinating to imagine how it would have reshaped the Star Wars saga. This alternative narrative would have turned Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader into separate characters, delving into their complex relationship with Obi-Wan. It would have added layers of intrigue and complexity to the characters, and led to a dramatically different outcome for the Jedi Order.
Ultimately, George Lucas chose the iconic “I am your father” revelation, solidifying its place as one of the greatest twists in cinematic history.
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