George Lucas Had Different Plans For Luke Skwalker's Sister, But Not Princess Leia

There is little doubt that Return of the Jedi had one of the most surprising plot twists when it was revealed that Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa were actually twins. However, it has been revealed that George Lucas actually had different plans for Luke's sister. In addition to Leia originally not being related to Luke, the mysterious sister was set to become a Jedi Knight like her brother.

It seems like Return of the Jedi was supposed to end differently in Lucas' original plans. A report from ScreenRant reveals that The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz knew what was going to happen in the movie and how Luke's real sister was going to be introduced.

"His sister was someone else way over on the other side of the galaxy and she wasn't going to show up until the next episode," Kurtz stated.

If that's not enough, Kurtz also offered a timeline of how the nine Star Wars films were supposed to happen.

"Episode I was to focus on the origins of the Jedi Knights and how they are initiated and trained.

Episode II would introduce and develop Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Episode III was the introduction and life of Darth Vader.

Episode IV was Star Wars: A New Hope.

Episode V was The Empire Strikes Back, largely the final theatrical cut.

Episode VI would end with Luke confronting Vader and leaving to live a solitary life. Leia would be elected Queen of her people, leaving her isolated and alone, while Han would die.

Episode VII was to focus on Luke's life as a Jedi, with very little detail planned out.

Episode VIII would see Luke's sister appear from another part of the galaxy.

Episode IX would be the defeat of the Emperor, with Kurtz implying that Luke would have been a major part of this final battle."

There certainly have been a lot of changes to Lucas' original plans. But why did the Star Wars creator decide to reveal Leia as Luke's sister in Return of the Jedi? It had a lot to do with the contracts. The main stars were only signed on for three films and Lucas had no intention of recasting Luke or Obi-Wan Kenobi. With that in mind, Lucas was pressured to turn Jedi into the last movie and tied up loose ends as much as he can.

Do you think Lucas made a good call in changing the original storyline? Sound off in the comments below.