George Lucas Almost Included a Twist in ‘The Phantom Menace’ That Would Have Changed the Course of ‘Star Wars’ History
While The Phantom Menace was largely derided upon its initial release in 1999, the film, along with the rest of the prequel trilogy, has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years as the children who grew up with the movie have reached adulthood.
With the benefit of nostalgia, the prequel trilogy has been fully embraced by this new generation of fans, with stars such as Hayden Christensen, Ahmad Best, and Ewan McGregor greeted as conquering heroes upon their return to the franchise.
Photo: MetaCritic
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace, Star Wars concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig revealed a bombshell change that George Lucas made that would have altered the course of Star Wars history.
Liam Neeson Was Originally Going to be the Original Obi-Wan Kenobi
According to McCaig, The Phantom Menace was originally going to have the older Jedi Master, played by Liam Neeson, be named Obi-Wan Kenobi. Ewan McGregor’s padawan, then, would have been named Qui-Gon Jinn.
Photo: Star Wars
“For a time, the older Jedi was named Obi-Wan and the younger Jedi was named Qui-Gon,” McCaig said. “It was very poignant that at the end, as Obi-Wan dies and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul and stays with his Master as he passes away. He not only takes on his Master’s quest, but he takes on his name. Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan.”
According to the Star Wars artist, having McGregor’s character assume the name Obi-Wan Kenobi from his late Master would have explained an iconic Star Wars line.
Photo: Lucasfilm
“That’s why when you see Alec Guinness in ‘A New Hope,’ he puts his hood down and goes, ‘Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I’ve not heard…’” McCaig added. “Because he’s not Obi-Wan, he’s Qui-Gon. And right at the end, George changed it.”
A Great “What If?”
Lucas eventually revised his plans before filming was started. Had he gone through with his original ideas, however, he would have drastically changed the course of Star Wars history.
George Lucas. Photo: LucasFilm
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is streaming now on Disney+.
