“Beyond the Galaxy: 10 Mythical Star Wars Moments Now Forgotten” explores the intricacies and overlooked facets of the iconic Star Wars universe. As we journey through the cinematic saga that has captivated millions, we delve into a series of memorable moments now eclipsed by time or modifications. This article peels back the layers of the galaxy far, far away, unearthing the original gems and distinctive character developments that once sparkled in their purest form.
From the gritty portrayal of Han Solo to the ethereal sounds of ‘Yub Nub’, we spotlight ten such instances that have undergone change, for better or worse, in the annals of Star Wars lore. Engage your hyperdrives as we embark on this captivating quest through a galaxy of timeless narratives and cherished memories, now hidden under the stardust of edits and modifications.
Engaging in the First Skirmish
One of the most unforgettable plot twists in the timeless Star Wars saga is the controversial termination of Greedo, which was conducted by none other than Han Solo. In the original version of the cinematic masterpiece, Han Solo, played impeccably by Harrison Ford, is depicted as being the initial aggressor, discharging his weapon at the green-skinned Rodian before he has a chance to react. This instigation painted Solo as a ruthless, undeterred maverick, a character trait that appealed to many viewers.
However, the 1997 Special Edition saw a significant alteration to this sequence. The creator of the franchise, George Lucas, tweaked the narrative by having Greedo fire his weapon first, forcing Han to return fire in self-defense. According to Lucas, he never intended for Han Solo to come across as a heartless murderer, although there’s a section of the fanbase that argues that this modification dulled the intensity of Solo’s character, transforming his persona in a way that wasn’t quite as impactful.
The Alteration of Boba Fett’s Original Voice
Moving on to a film many consider the crown jewel of the Star Wars saga, there is another alteration that might slip under the radar unless you’re familiar with the unmodified version. The alteration pertains to the character Boba Fett, an infamous bounty hunter who first entered the Star Wars universe—ignoring his appearance in the Christmas Special—in “The Empire Strikes Back”. In this original release, the character’s voice was supplied by Jason Wingreen, who brought a distinctive vocal quality to this menacing figure.
Yet, in 2004, George Lucas made the decision to override Wingreen’s voice with that of Temuera Morrison. The reason behind this was to align with the narrative that Boba Fett is actually a clone of Jango Fett, who was also voiced by Morrison. However, many long-standing fans of the franchise found this change less than pleasing. They argue that despite Wingreen’s voice acting tenure for Boba Fett being brief, his interpretation was exceptional and added a unique depth to the character. Thus, Lucas’s choice to change this was met with a fair amount of criticism from the fandom.
The Birthplace of Malice and CGI Experimentation
We proceed with our journey into the realm of computer-generated imagery (CGI), this time focusing on the original trilogy. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” offered George Lucas the ideal playground to test and refine his CGI expertise—Mos Eisley, a hub of galactic villainy and intrigue.
When Luke Skywalker, Ben Kenobi, and the pair of droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, first set foot in the bustling spaceport of Tatooine in the original release, the city’s atmosphere was notably calmer, less populated with extraterrestrial creatures.
However, the Special Edition saw Lucas giving Mos Eisley a substantial CGI facelift, populating the spaceport’s streets with a plethora of unique and diverse creatures, among them a creature called ronto, whose inclusion was met with considerable criticism. While there were certain enhancements that were appreciated, many fans felt that Lucas’s overzealous application of CGI to the reimagined Mos Eisley tipped the balance and became overwhelming.
The Evolution of ‘Lapti Nek’ and Sy Snootles
Our adventure through the Star Wars galaxy takes us next to “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi”, a film notorious for boasting the most significant alterations among all the Star Wars movies. Among the numerous tweaks made, a handful stand out as particularly noteworthy, and they occur within the confines of Jabba the Hutt’s palace.
In the original cut of the movie, Jabba the Hutt’s court is enlivened by a lively performance by Max Rebo and his band, serenading the intergalactic mob boss with a catchy tune titled ‘Lapti Nek’. However, in a later revision, this memorable song was replaced with a considerably more discordant number, ‘Jedi Rocks’.
The changes didn’t stop at the music, though. The character Sy Snootles was given a digital makeover, and the once-simple Max Rebo was graced with additional limbs. These modifications are further testament to the wonders—and sometimes controversies—of digital technology in the film industry.
The Genesis of Emperor Palpatine
When “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” made its cinematic debut in 1980, the sinister character of Emperor Palpatine was not yet embodied by actor Ian McDiarmid. Rather, the inaugural appearance of the imposing Emperor came in the form of a holographic image projected aboard Darth Vader’s command ship, a role that was filled by actress Marjorie Eaton and voiced by actor Clive Revill.
In 2004, however, the film was re-released with significant revisions, one of which included the substitution of Eaton and Revill with McDiarmid, thereby achieving greater continuity with the later Star Wars episodes where McDiarmid plays Palpatine. Along with McDiarmid’s inclusion, certain lines of dialogue were also modified. While this change aimed for consistency, it was met with resistance by some fans who felt that the alteration was a slight to the original actors’ contributions.
The Transformation of Sebastian Shaw’s Anakin
In the original version of “Return of the Jedi”, the face concealed beneath Darth Vader’s formidable mask was revealed to be Sebastian Shaw’s, even though David Prowse primarily portrayed the character. Subsequently, Shaw appeared as a Force ghost alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi, portrayed by Alec Guinness, and Yoda.
However, this entire dynamic underwent a shift with the advent of Hayden Christensen as young Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogy. When George Lucas was finalizing the re-edited version of “Return of the Jedi”, he chose to replace Shaw’s Force ghost with that of a younger Anakin, embodied by Christensen, for the scene that transpires on Endor.
Nevertheless, he did not make a similar adjustment for Obi-Wan’s ghost, choosing to retain Alec Guinness’s portrayal instead of replacing it with Ewan McGregor, who played the younger Obi-Wan in the prequels. This inconsistency left some fans perplexed and questioning the logic of the Force—why would Anakin’s ghost be young, while Obi-Wan’s retained his older appearance? As powerful as the Force may be, it also proved to be rather confusing at times.
Yoda’s Transformation in the Era of CGI
While much of our discussion has revolved around the films from the original trilogy, it’s worth noting that the prequels also underwent some significant alterations that will surely resonate with avid Star Wars fans. A notable change occurred in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” released in 1999. In this film, the beloved character of Yoda was initially brought back to life using the traditional method of puppetry, reminiscent of his original design.
However, both Lucas and a significant portion of the fan base were less than satisfied with how the puppet-version of Yoda appeared, especially within the context of the digitally-rendered Jedi Council chamber. Almost a decade after the film’s original release, Lucas seized the opportunity of the Blu-ray edition to replace puppet-Yoda with a CGI version.
While this decision sparked discontent among some sections of the fandom, it’s fair to say that the switch enhanced the consistency between this film and the subsequent installments in the prequel trilogy. Furthermore, it’s widely accepted that the original puppet design of Yoda appeared somewhat out of place in the inaugural release of “The Phantom Menace.”
A Less Mysterious Sarlacc
Much of the charm and allure of the Star Wars saga rests upon the shroud of mystery that envelops its many masked characters, unseen creatures, and undiscovered locations. The sarlacc of Tatooine was a classic example of such enigmatic entities that kept the audiences intrigued, its full form left largely to the imagination.
However, this mystery was dispelled in the Special Edition when George Lucas decided to bestow upon the sarlacc a more organic, tangible appearance, complete with a discernible mouth. This alteration resulted in a creature that was more visible and, as per Lucas’s own assertion, more ‘alive’. However, by providing a concrete representation of the sarlacc, it arguably lost a measure of its initial intrigue, demonstrating that sometimes, less is indeed more.
The Silent Betrayal of Darth Vader
Those who grew up watching versions of “Return of the Jedi” prior to the 2011 Blu-ray release would remember an iconic scene where Darth Vader silently observes Emperor Palpatine tormenting his son, Luke Skywalker. At a pivotal moment, a surge of emotion propels Vader to seize his master, hurling him to a deathly fall—all executed without uttering a single word.
However, the revised version disrupted the intense quietude of this crucial scene by introducing a repeated cry of “No”—an echo of a similar exclamation in “Revenge of the Sith”. For many fans, this addition tainted the climax of the scene, altering its original tone and impact.
An Altered Celebration: From Gungans to ‘Yub Nub’
The festive sequence unfolding on Endor is home to a couple of notable alterations, although there are others. Firstly, the celebratory montage traverses several planets, including Naboo. In this version, Lucas could not resist adding a few Gungans into the mix, ensuring a connection with the prequel trilogy.
The second adjustment—arguably more heart-wrenching for fans of the original—is the replacement of the original Ewok song, ‘Yub Nub’. This beloved melody was supplanted by John Williams’ majestic, albeit unfamiliar, ‘Victory Celebration’. If you spent your childhood in the 80s and 90s with the original Star Wars trilogy, this change in soundtrack might still seem a tad peculiar.
Indeed, while time may not have been the kindest to the original editions of the classic Star Wars trilogy, it remains a topic of heated debate whether many of George Lucas’s modifications actually enhanced the saga or detracted from its original glory.