Legendary Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill revealed how different Luke Skywalker’s ending is The Empire Strikes Back it almost was, and it would have been a huge tonal shift for Star Wars. The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered one of the Star Wars best films, if not the best. Not only did it include the shocking twist that Darth Vader was actually Luke Skywalker’s father – one of the key ways The Empire Strikes Back changed Hollywood forever – but also introduced characters that became iconic in Star Wars movies and TV shows, including Master Yoda and Palpatine.
The Empire Strikes Back it also had some of the darkest moments of the entire original trilogy, including Han Solo being placed in carbonite and Luke Skywalker losing his hand (and lightsaber) to Darth Vader. It was unclear whether the heroes would ultimately triumph or whether beloved character Han Solo would survive. The only saving grace was the final scene, which concluded The Empire Strikes Back with a glimmer of hope – but according to Mark Hamill, this ending originally felt very different.
The original Empire Strikes Back ending was even darker
The Empire Strikes Back’s Moment of Hope Wasn’t Originally in the Film
After the devastating scenes of Luke Skywalker losing his hand to Darth Vader after discovering Vader is his father and Han Solo being placed in carbonite after he and Leia finally acknowledged their feelings for each other, The Empire Strikes Back still ends with a feeling of hope. In the film’s final scene, Luke receives a new hand, and Luke, Leia, C-3PO, and R2-D2 stand together in front of a window, looking into space. While that scene didn’t guarantee that everything would end well, it was a reminder that not all hope was lost.
According to Mark Hamill, that glimmer of hope was all but absent The Empire Strikes Back. On Account X by Mark Hamillhe revealed:
Filmed 4 months after we wrapped principal photography at #ESB, it wasn’t a ‘reshoot’, it was an additional scene. Concerned about the downbeat ending and the complete defeat of the protagonists, they wanted to add an uplifting moment of hope and rejuvenation to reassure the audience.
Evidently, The Empire Strikes Back almost ended with the heroes being defeated without any feeling of hope or indication that things would improve, greatly changing the tone of the film.
Was Star Wars Right to Change the Ending of Empire Strikes Back?
This single change made a huge difference
It’s hard to even imagine The Empire Strikes Back without this scene added. While Star Wars certainly not afraid of darker elements, It is a hallmark of the franchise that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. Without this scene showing Luke and Leia ready to continue fighting, especially with Luke’s new hand symbolizing a new beginning after this loss, it would have been a much sadder and more disheartening ending.
Adding this scene was absolutely the right decision. This ending is much truer for Star Wars message of hope and perseverance even in the face of impossible odds. While that would still be the overarching message in light of everything happening around Return of the Jediending The Empire Strikes Back on a more uplifting note, it ended up making the film much better.
Source: Mark Hamill