Mark Hamill has recently made some comments about theStar Warssequel trilogy, which makes me think that even he would not have liked George Lucas' plans for the story. Concerning the ninemovies ofStar Wars’Skywalker Saga, it is safe to say that every single one of them has faced controversy at one point or another.A New Hopeis undoubtedly one of the most universally likedStar Warsmovies, but even that production faced doubts from the filmmakers involved over whether it would become a success.
The Empire Strikes Back, despite now being regarded as thebestStar Warsmovie, was criticized upon its release in 1980. The same can be said forReturn of the Jedi, which even now faces some critiques for its slower pace and distracting Ewok subplot. George Lucas' prequel trilogy then proved even more divisive than those that came before it, with Disney’s sequel trilogy somehow surpassing those for controversy. AsupcomingStar Warsmovieslook to be more beloved, Mark Hamill’s lighthearted comments have me thinking that George Lucas' original sequel plans would not have fared any better than Disney’s.
Mark Hamill Still Has Some (Lighthearted) Gripes About The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
As Do Many Star Wars Fans
Hamill’s recent comments on theStar Warssequelsreiterate a complaint the Luke Skywalker actor has voiced before. This gripe centers around the fates of the “Big Three"Star Warscharacters: Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo.Star Wars: The Force Awakenssaw Han meet his end, whileStar Wars: The Last JediandStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerdepicted Luke and Leia, respectively, becoming one with the Force. Hamill commented that he often questioned George Lucas on whyReturn of the Jedi, after the darker ending ofThe Empire Strikes Back, did not focus more on Luke’s turmoil.
Hamill went on to say that Lucas' retort of “Mark. It’s for children,” indicates why theStar Warscreator never killed off any main characters in the original trilogy.This led to Hamill’s lighthearted jab at Disney’s sequel trilogy with the actor stating"In the new ones, they pop us off one at a time.“While Hamill cannot be labeled incorrect in this take, it makes me wonder about how he would have reacted to the original sequel plans by George Lucas.
Lucas' Ending For Luke Was Not So Different
George Lucas' sequel trilogy scriptshave been an interesting thing to study over the years. Seeing the ideas the franchise’s creator had for the story will always be intriguing, yet the reaction he received after the prequels forced Lucas to sell Lucasfilm to Disney to live a more peaceful life. Interestingly, Lucas' plans may have irked Hamill too, much like the sequels under Disney did.
Lucas was also going to kill off the hero of the originalStar Warstrilogy…
In an interview withIGNat the time ofThe Last Jedi’s release, Hamill revealed what Lucas had planned for Luke Skywalker. As it turns out, Lucas was also going to kill off the hero of the originalStar Warstrilogy, only at the end ofEpisode IX, notEpisode VIIIlike in Disney’s sequels. With Hamill continuing to reiterate his distaste for how Disney killed off the original trilogy characters, surely he would hold the same energy for George Lucas too.
I Think George Lucas' Sequels Would’ve Been Just As Controversial As Disney’s
Lucas Was Not Stranger To Divisive Choices
With this in mind, it is safe to say that Lucas' sequels may have been just as divisive as Disney’s. Of course, many look back on Lucas’Star Warsmovies now with more reverence, partly due to the overall sense of dislike aimed at Disney’s sequel trilogy. This has led many to have short memories, however, as many of Lucas' ideas forStar Warswere criticized so harshly that he felt he had to sell the franchise to escape such vitriol. The prequel trilogy was a testament to this, and I have no doubt Lucas’s sequels would have been the same.
After all, Lucas was planning to double down on the prequels' most controversial plot point. Lucas wanted his own sequels to focus more intently onStar Wars’Midi-chlorian concept, the microscopic life forms that are in communion with the Force. Lucas would have created a microscopic universe, delving deeper into the biological elements of the Force.
Moreover, Lucas intended to make Leia Organa the trueChosen One of the Force inStar Wars, removing this title from Anakin Skywalker. Based on the reaction to shows likeThe Acolyte- which was wrongfully criticized for diminishing Anakin’s importance - Lucas' story may have faced a similar kind of outrage. Overall, Lucas has proven that he is not afraid to ruffle feathers whereStar Warsstories are concerned and, if he had his way, I believe both Mark Hamill and the wider audiences would still have had their issues.
