Movies - TV
Luke And Vader’s Star Wars Duel Got Some Blunt Guidance From George Lucas
By MICHAEL BOYLE
The original draft of “The Empire Strikes Back” saw Luke confronting Darth Vader and The Emperor. The plan was for them to have an extraordinary rematch in the sequel.
The actual conclusion is far from a flashy, action-packed showdown between Luke, Darth Vader, and The Emperor. The credit for the change belongs to George Lucas.
In “The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” the film’s director Richard Marquand shared, “George said that it doesn’t have to be bigger, because basically it can’t be.”
He added, “George is very blunt. He said, ‘It’s just a couple of guys banging sticks against each other. [...] It is bigger because of what is going on in their heads.’”
The scene is all about Luke and Vader’s internal battles and the young Jedi’s transformation throughout the fight, as the director pointed out.
Marquand said, “Luke goes through sort of three changes during the fight. One is just straightforward anger. The next is not wanting to fight and withdrawing.”
The director continued, “The next one is, you son of a b**ch, okay, I’m going to kill you. So it’s three different fights.” Luke’s fight isn’t just a physical one but also a spiritual one.
He added, “If he gives in to the dark side he will become like his father, and if he doesn’t give in he will probably be killed.”