The Vision of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker vs. George Lucas’s Original Plan
While there is little direct evidence of George Lucas’s specific vision for Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, interviews and early storyboard concepts offer valuable insights. Here, we will explore the significant differences between Lucas's original plan and the final film, as well as the implications of these variations.
Rey’s Origin and Royalties
One of the most significant differences between Lucas’s original vision and the final film is the origin of Rey. According to early storyboard concepts, Lucy and Sam, the descendants of Anakin Skywalker, would have been introduced as key characters in Episode VII. These characters likely evolved into Rey and the dual character of Finn and Ben Solo. In Lucas’s original plan, Rey would not have been a descendant of Palpatine, but rather Han Solo’s daughter, adding a new layer of complexity to the character’s background and narrative.
Palpatine and the Protagonists' Fate
Another significant difference concerns the fate of Palpatine. In Lucas’s original plan, Palpatine would not have been resurrected. This omission changes the overarching narrative of Anakin Skywalker’s fall and redemption as presented in Episodes I–VI. Additionally, the resurrection of Palpatine in the final movie was considered lazy storytelling, possibly due to the hasty planning by Disney and Lucasfilm. The sudden and dramatic resurrection of Snoke in The Last Jedi (TLJ) left a significant plot hole that needed to be filled, leading to the resurrection of Palpatine. In Lucas's original plan, Snoke would have been revealed as a Whill, a powerful quasi-immortal being connected to the Force, further enriching the complexity of the narrative.
The Whills: A New Dimension
The concept of the Whills, first mentioned in early planning stages, provides a deeper understanding of the Force’s influence and the ancient powers in the Star Wars universe. According to Lucas, the Whills would have explored the depths of the Force and used individuals as “vehicles” to manipulate events. Early storyboard ideas suggested a shell-shocked Luke on an island, with the Jedi Temple guarding against the awakening of an ancient evil. This intricate narrative would have added a layer of mystique and depth to the trilogy, elevating the storytelling beyond the familiar tropes.
Lucas’s intention was to explore new and complex themes, rather than rehashing familiar elements from the original trilogy, which were already well-trodden terrain. The First Order and the Resistance, in the final film, were seen as lazy rehashes of the original trilogy, aimed at appealing to nostalgia rather than pushing the boundaries of the story.
Final Conception and Themes
The final film would have honored the established storylines of Episodes I–VI but would have radically changed the audience’s conception of these events in light of new insights from Episodes VII–IX and the concept of the Whills. This narrative would have provided a fresh perspective on the Jedi and the Republic, their flaws and their own downfalls, much like how the prequel trilogy provided a reimagined view of the Jedi and Republic.
Overall, George Lucas’s original vision for Episode IX would have offered a more complex, layered, and innovative narrative, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploring new dimensions of the Star Wars universe.