Surprising Facts About the Original Star Wars Trilogy That You Might Not Know

When the original Star Wars trilogy was being developed, there were many surprising and lesser-known facts that might surprise even the most devoted fans. From the original name of the series to the behind-the-scenes secrets, these facts shed light on the unique journey that made the Star Wars universe so captivating for generations.

The Original Name and Some Crazy Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The original name of the Star Wars trilogy wasn't the one we all know and love. It was going to be called "Captain Starkiller’s Amazing Space Fracas with Special Guest Laser Swords McGee." However, this name got rejected because Laser Swords McGee, an important character in the original concept, had to back out due to schedule conflicts. This is just one of the many surprising facts that have been overshadowed by the franchise's immense success.

Another fascinating behind-the-scenes story involves the iconic "I am your father" line in The Empire Strikes Back. Actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader, was not aware that this was the line; he read another dialogue instead. Only after the scene was shot, they dubbed in the line from James Earl Jones. These hidden details add an extra layer of intrigue to the films.

In addition, the Yoda character was once planned to be played by a monkey in a mask rather than the puppet we know today. It's incredible how much time and innovation went into making the creatures and characters so lifelike and memorable.

Design and Influence

Artist Ralph McQuarrie was responsible for the entire design of the first Star Wars trilogy, from setting the scene to designing the creatures and spaceships. This level of creativity and attention to detail set the stage for the iconic visual style we now associate with the series.

While George Lucas later cites Kurosawa’s films as his main influence, there have been interesting contradictions. Early interviews between the first two films suggest that Lucas had studied a wide range of space opera literature, from John Carter and Gullivar Jones to other sources. This shows the breadth of inspiration behind the creation of the Star Wars universe.

Unexpected Contracts and Production Details

The comic book spin-offs for the original trilogy were the primary reason why Marvel did not suffer a financial meltdown like their competitors in the late 70s. But getting this contract was no easy feat. Marvel only won it because both DC and Warren Corp (which was briefly considered) turned it down. This highlights the strategic partnerships that helped cement the Star Wars franchise's popularity in the nineties.

A lesser-known production detail is that the reason Mark Hammill grew a beard on set was due to the contractual restrictions in his agreement with George Lucas. According to the contract, every time Hammill looked in a mirror, he had to pay George Lucas twenty dollars. This forced him to stop shaving, leading to the iconic look of Han Solo during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back.

Interesting Production Details and Special Moments

A fact that you might not know is that in the original screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back, Han Solo shot first when he greeted the bounty hunter Greedo. This was changed for the final cut, but the original version exists as a separate short film. Additionally, there were no actual Jabba the Hutt creature in the original script. The concept was that Jabba appeared as a guy, which, while interesting, would've required a lot more special effects work.

Another fun fact is that Koo Stark, the girlfriend of Prince Andrew, had a role in the original trilogy that was ultimately cut. This role tied into the concept of the Kingdom of Tatooine, initially envisioned as a major storyline.

The Death Star's target was also not Yavin 4 during the Battle of Yavin as originally depicted. This sequence required careful editing by Marcia Lucas to create a more dramatic and critical situation for the battle, making the victory even more memorable.

These unexpected and mysterious facts enrich the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. From quirky behind-the-scenes secrets to production details, they remind us of the ingenuity and dedication that went into creating one of the most beloved and influential film series in cinema history.