Revenge of the Sith: The Truth Behind Order 66 and the Survival of Plo Koon and Ki-Adi Mundi

Introduction

One of the most intriguing aspects of Revenge of the Sith is the Order 66 montage, which vividly depicts the execution of Republic commanders by their own clone troopers under the command of the Sith Lord, Darth Vader. This article delves into the original script for this scene, focusing on the survival (or lack thereof) of Jedi generals Plo Koon and Ki-Adi Mundi. By examining the illustrated screenplay, we can uncover the true fates intended for these two prominent clone command leaders.

The Original Script for Plo Koon

In the original script for Revenge of the Sith, Plo Koon’s segment in the Order 66 montage was quite different from what was ultimately seen in the final film. According to the illustrated screenplay, Plo Koon was originally intended to survive the shooting down of his starfighter and eject safely from his cockpit. However, as the bantha-skin-clad Anakin Vader neared, the clone pilots inevitably shot him, leading to his ultimate demise.

This alteration in the script meant that Plo Koon’s fate was delayed slightly. While the essence of his tragic end remained the same, the timing provided a more dramatic tension, building up the anticipation of his inevitable death and adding to the overall grim atmosphere of the scene. The original script could be seen as a testament to the meticulous planning and storytelling of the Skins team responsible for these illustrations.

Ki-Adi Mundi’s Fate

Similarly, Ki-Adi Mundi’s segment in the illustrated screenplay also differed from the final scene in Revenge of the Sith. According to the original script, Ki-Adi Mundi was intended to be blasted by Bacara and his troops. Before he even had the chance to defend himself, Mundi was struck down and met his demise. This rendered him a victim of the Republic’s own betrayal, adding to the complexity of the Order 66 sequence.

It is worth noting that while these original scripts were detailed and well-crafted, they were ultimately adapted for the visual impact of the film. The illustrated screenplay provides a valuable insight into the thoughts and intentions behind the original creative vision for the movie. These details help to paint a more comprehensive picture of the dark events that transpired on the Galactic Senate Courtyard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original script for Revenge of the Sith painted strikingly different fates for Plo Koon and Ki-Adi Mundi in the Order 66 montage. While Plo Koon was meant to survive the initial attack and meet his fate later, Ki-Adi Mundi faced a swift and lethal end. These original details add a layer of complexity to the beloved characters and the unforgettable sequence in Revenge of the Sith.