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George Lucas launched theStar Warsfranchise with the 1977 space opera film that was later expanded into a trilogy of movies. The franchise’s second installmentThe Empire Strikes Backremains beloved because of its comparatively darker themes and subject material. It leaves its characters with devastating losses and delivers a twist that changes the trajectory of Luke Skywalker’s arc.
During an interview, Lucas discussed the film’s darker themes, particularly one motif connected to Luke’s character. While the filmmaker was worried the motif would be too dark, he still went ahead with it. Here is the symbolism Lucas intended with the scene where Luke loses his arm and why the iconicStar Warsmoment was a cause of concern.
George Lucas reflected on the darkestStar Warsmotif that had him concerned
George Lucasintroduced viewers to the galaxy far, far away with his 1977 sci-fi filmStar Wars: A New Hope. Its sequel arrived three years later in the form ofThe Empire Strikes Backarguably one of the best entriesin the franchise. However, it was much darker in tone compared to its predecessor.
During an interview withEmpire, Lucas admitted that while he did not intend for the movie to be darker he was happy how all three entries in the original trilogy had their own personality. However, Lucas revealed that Darth Vader cutting off Luke Skywalker’s hand was a visual he was worried about.
In mythology, it’s a key psychological motif between the father and the son: the son feeling that the father has got a bigger d**k. I was worried if that would have any effect on people.
Lucas made the above statement, explaining what Vader chopping Luke’s arm was supposed to symbolize in the movie.
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Given the dark nature of the visual motif, it is understandable why Lucas was concerned about it since the original trilogy is very much a story about a father and son. As a result, Lucas approached psychologists and only proceeded with the motif after learning that such an incident would not affect the father-son relationship.
George Lucas on keeping the biggestStar Warstwist a secret
Speaking of the father-son relationship, the severing of Luke’s arm is tied into one of the most shocking revelations of theStar Warsfranchise that is yet to be topped. In the film, Vader reveals that he is actually Luke’s father, leaving the young hero in turmoil.
In the same interview, Lucas discussed keeping the twist a secret and admitted that it would have been difficult to maintain such secrecy if the movie was made in today’s climate. He said:
Literally, I didn’t tell anybody. Even the producer didn’t know. It wasn’t until James Earl Jones came on during the finishing of the movie that it was revealed what he was actually saying there.
Lucas admitted that despite the secrecy, he expected the twist to leak during the sound mixing stage as the fans were extremely passionate and intense about the upcoming installment.
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While most fans experienced the shocking twist on the big screen, Darth Vader actorDavid Prowse allegedly spoiled it during a fan interactiona few years before the film’s release. Nonetheless, since the sequel wasn’t even written at that point not many took Prowse’s words seriously. However, it only reinforces the idea that such a twist would’ve been hard to keep a secret in the social media age.
TheStar Warsmovies and TV shows are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
