Remember what it felt like when you saw the major plot twist in The Empire Strikes Back? Nobody expected Darth Vader to reveal that he is actually Anakin Skywalker, father of Luke Skywalker. Not even George Lucas, as the first draft of the film's screenplay confirms the Star Wars creator had a different backstory in mind for the villain.
Lucas had famously stated that he knew all along that Vader would be revealed as Luke's father. However, ScreenRant reports that the first draft for Empire written by the late Leigh Brackett revealed that Anakin was already dead and even appeared as a Force ghost to Luke. Interestingly, the script confirmed that Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi were the ones who reached out to Luke while he was on Dagobah.
An excerpt from the script reads as follows:
"Anakin: You've grown well, Luke, I'm proud of you. Did your uncle ever speak to you about your sister?
Luke: My sister? I have a sister? But why didn't Uncle Owen..?
Anakin: It was my request. When I saw the Empire closing in, I sent you both away for your own safety, far apart from each other.
Luke: Where is she? What's her name?
Anakin: If I were to tell you, Darth Vader could get that information from your mind and use her as a hostage. Not yet, Luke. When it's time... Luke. Will you take, from me, the oath of a Jedi Knight?"
This is certainly an interesting revelation. However, it's still possible that Lucas hasn't told Brackett about his plans for Darth Vader just yet. Even in 1977, Lucas was already very secretive. Unfortunately, Brackett never got to learn the truth about Anakin. She passed away in 1978 shortly after giving the draft to Lucas.
What do you think about Anakin and Darth Vader being two different people? Let us know in the comments below.
Related: George Lucas' Original Star Wars Script Reveals Luke And Leia Weren't Supposed To Be Twins
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