First Reference to Luke’s Father as Anakin in Star Wars

Return of the Jedi

In the iconic Return of the Jedi, the name Anakin Skywalker is first spoken, although it's in a context that may have initially seemed confusing to viewers. Obi-Wan Kenobi's ghost reveals to Luke: 'Your father was seduced by the Dark side of the Force. When that happened he ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader.' This moment starkly contrasts with the character's in-universe name changes and the mystery that surrounds his origins.

The Evolution of Character Names

Interestingly, the character of Anakin Skywalker, despite being a pivotal figure, did not actually carry this name in the original drafts and early releases of the first Star Wars films. In the early versions of the script, the character was presented as a separate entity from Darth Vader and was not known as Anakin Skywalker. Instead, the unnamed father character was known as 'Starkiller,' a term that also appeared in the sequel trilogy.

This change in naming reflects the evolving nature of the Star Wars narrative, where the initial story focused on Darth Vader rather than revealing the origins of the Jedi-turned-Dark Lord. The name 'Anakin Skywalker' was confirmed through dialogue in the DVD releases of The Empire Strikes Back, where Darth Sidious mentions the name. However, in the original theatrical release, the name was not spoken aloud.

Release Order vs. Internal Chronology

From a release-order perspective, the name 'Anakin Skywalker' appears in Return of the Jedi for the first time, although this is because of Ben Kenobi's Force ghost's revelation. Moving back to the internal chronology of the films, the name is technically first referenced in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, where Padmé Amidala gives birth to twin babies, referring to them as Anakin Skywalker and another child, now known as Leia Organa.

Empire Strikes Back

In The Empire Strikes Back, while the name 'Anakin Skywalker' doesn't appear on screen, the Emperor refers to the character in his manic tirades through hologram. This suggests that the name was manipulated and transformed into Darth Vader, adding to the complexity of the narrative.

Conclusion

The reference to Luke's father as Anakin Skywalker is a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, revealing a deep connection that has long been hidden. This evolution in naming and character development highlights the meticulous process of storytelling and the importance of names in establishing character identity and backstory.