TheStar Warssequel trilogy ignored one of creatorGeorge Lucas’most interesting narrative rules. The sequel movies split theStar Warsfandom right down the middle. Some loved this generation’s new trio and the bold choices made inStar Wars: The Last Jedi, while others felt the sequel films tarnished Lucas’ legacy and the characters that had madeStar Warsso beloved.
Interestingly, even thoughStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas essentially structured as a retelling of the firstStar Warsmovie,A New Hope, the sequel films ignored one of George Lucas’ biggest plot points. This narrative device had a major impact on the leading characters in theoriginalStar Warstrilogyand the prequel trilogy, though in very different ways. So why not use it in the sequels, as well?
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The Main Characters Of The OT & Prequels Both Lose A Hand
The original and prequel trilogies include a trio of leading characters;Luke Skywalker and his father, Anakin Skywalker, are, however, the clear protagonists of their respective films. As such, it’s no surprise that Lucas highlighted several parallels in their developmental arcs, though none are as obvious and intriguing as each losing a hand during a pivotal duel. Those moments acted as turning points in their stories.
“It’s Like Poetry”: The 11 Biggest Ways Luke Skywalker’s Story Mirrors Anakin’s
Luke Skywalker and Anakin Skywalker’s 11 biggest story similarities beautifully showcase what George Lucas has described as Star Wars' rhymes.
Luke Skywalker loses his handwhile fighting Darth Vader in Cloud City inThe Empire Strikes Back. It happens just before Vader reveals that he is his father. Luke is downtrodden and in pain, and Vader uses that moment to his advantage, manipulating Luke’s emotions. Anakin, meanwhile, loses his hand – nearly his whole arm – during a duel with Count Dooku inStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, foreshadowing their deadly reunion inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
Only Supreme Leader Snoke Technically Loses His Hands In The Last Jedi
One surprising figure did, technically, lose their hand in the sequels, though not in the same way or with nearly as much significance. InThe Last Jedi,Supreme Leader Snokeis killed by Kylo Ren. Kylo uses the Force to maneuver his grandfather’s lightsaber into the right position, and strikes when the time is right, impaling Snoke on his throne. The bright blue blade goes straight through Snoke’s waist and pierces both his wrists, too. It’s an easily missed detail, though, and not one that holds much meaning for the story itself.
Surely, if any character was destined to have their hand cut off in theStar Warssequel trilogy, it should have been Rey. She was not only the sequels’ primary protagonist and Jedi character but also became an honorary Skywalker by the end ofStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. That didn’t happen, however, breaking that classic George Lucas rule. What might have happened if Rey had lost her hand in theStar Warssequel trilogy?
The Mandalorian and Grogu
TBD
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
