In a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas almost gave fans one of the most unexpected twists in Star Wars history. New revelations from ‘Star Wars‘ concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig have surfaced revealing a shocking change.
A change that nearly altered the course of the entire saga. In an interview with StarWars.com to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ‘The Phantom Menace‘, McCaig explained that George Lucas initially envisioned an entirely different dynamic between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn.
The Alternate Version Had A Really Unbelievable End For Obi-Wan Kenobi
In this early version, Obi-Wan would have died, leaving his name and legacy to the younger. Had Lucas stuck with this original plan, ‘The Phantom Menace‘ would have delivered a storyline bombshell that would forever change how fans see Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Related: Steven Spielberg Was Behind The Iconic “High-Ground” Scene In ‘Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith’
Moreover, the choice to swap roles ultimately led to the beloved versions of these characters that we know today. However, the thought of Neeson’s Obi-Wan meeting an untimely end in the first movie brings a new sense of what could have been.
Originally, the iconic Jedi we’ve come to know as Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t supposed to be McGregor’s young apprentice. Instead, the older, wise Obi-Wan was intended to be played by Liam Neeson. In this alternate storyline, the final lightsaber duel against Darth Maul would have taken an even more heartbreaking turn.
Obi-Wan would have fallen in the battle, leaving Qui-Gon to avenge him. After his master’s passing, this younger Jedi would take up Obi-Wan’s name as a tribute to his fallen mentor and carry on his mission as “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
How This Alternate Plot Would Have Reshaped Star Wars
Iain McCaig elaborated and explained that Lucas wanted audiences to discover later that the name “Obi-Wan” was an inheritance, not a birthright. “It was very poignant that at the end, as Obi-Wan dies and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul, he not only takes on his Master’s quest, but he takes on his name. Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan,” McCaig said.
It’s a tantalizing idea, filled with layers of emotion and a sense of duty that would have added new dimensions to the Star Wars mythology. Obi-Wan’s death would have struck a devastating blow. If this twist had remained in the final script, the entire dynamic between characters would have shifted.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, as fans know him, might have become a symbol of something larger. Moreover, Lucas’ choice to flip the identities brought a different (but still powerful) dynamic, with McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan ultimately becoming one of the franchise’s most beloved portrayals.
The Legacy Of Obi-Wan And Ewan McGregor’s Desire to Return
Ewan McGregor has spoken frequently about his love for the role, most recently in an interview with British GQ. The actor expressed his hope for another season of Obi-Wan Kenobi. “I really hope we do another,” McGregor said, reflecting on the journey that has spanned decades and left an indelible mark on his career.
In case you missed it: Samuel L. Jackson Believes His ‘Star Wars’ Character Mace Windu Survived The Events Of ‘Revenge Of The Sith’
“If I could do one of these every now and again, I’d just be happy about it,” he added. Additionally, Lucas’ decision not to follow this path ultimately allowed McGregor to make the role his own. While it’s fun to imagine what might have been, Star Wars fans can celebrate that they still have the Obi-Wan they love.
