A recent Twitter post reveals that there was actually a completely different turn on the ending of the blockbuster movie Return of the Jedi that features a surprising plotline of resurrecting some of the characters.
Phil Szostak, Lucasfilm creative art manager, uploaded photos on his Twitter account on what appears to be early concepts for the aforementioned movie. Surely, fans were intrigued by this as it reveals some script pages that take on the concepts of the "Force Ghosts."
Shown in the photo is a draft written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas for the movie back in February 1981. It appears that amidst the final battle between Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine, Obi-Wan and Yoda helped him get through the fight.
The two served as "invisible shields" for Luke as "images" of them "appear momentarily" whenever Palpatine strikes lightning bolts towards Luke.
The script followed with Emperor Palpatine's line saying that Luke's "friends from the netherworld" won't be able to protect him for long.
What strikes the most is the fact that the writers have considered resurrecting Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Vader after the fight occurred. This is evident in the draft posted by Szostak.
The draft points out to Ben "moving out of the darkness" as Luke sits on a log while the celebration at Endor village (which in this case is named Ewak) ensued.
He was "but real flesh and blood" as Ben proceeds to state the line, "My need to stay in the netherworld has been resolved". This was followed by Ben introducing Luke to his father. Both of them embraced each other as Yoda appears, as well.
Obviously, this draft wasn't followed through as seen in the movie itself. The ending only shows the aforementioned characters returning as bluish and sort of ghost-like figures. In contrast with the draft, they only waved goodbye to Luke whilst hiding behind the shadows.
There aren't any reports or information with regards to the netherworld and fans aren't exactly sure what the afterlife is like in the Star Wars universe. In line with this, fans would have a better understanding of the concept of the "Force Ghosts" that might appear in the Rise of Skywalker. Considering the fact that there are returning characters such as Mark Hamill to appear in the upcoming film.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.
Also Read: Star Wars: Episode IX's First Full Trailer To Be The Most Violent In Sequel Trilogy
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Star Wars