Star Wars revealed an alternative ending for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace this came very close to making it into the final version of the film and would have changed the past and future of the franchise. THE Star Wars the prequel trilogy had big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of the original Star Wars films in the trilogy, which many still consider Star Wars best films. Although the prequels had a bit of a rough reception at first, as there were many complaints about the Star Wars prequel trilogy, they are now generally loved.
Looks like the first of three Star Wars prequel trilogy films, The phantom menaceIt almost had a very different ending.however, which would have had interesting implications for its reception. Put starwars.com, Star Wars concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig explained:
“For a time, the oldest Jedi was called Obi-Wan, and the youngest Jedi was called Qui-Gon. It was very moving that in the end, when Obi-Wan dies and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul and stands with his Master as he dies, he not only takes on his Master’s mission, but also takes on his name. Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan. That’s why when you see Alec Guinness in A New Hopehe lowers his hood and says, ‘Obi-Wan? That’s a name I haven’t heard…’ Because he’s not Obi-Wan, he’s Qui-Gon. And right at the end, George changed that.”
This is a truly shocking twist that would have fundamentally changed the characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinnwhich would have important implications not only for the rest of the films in the prequel trilogy, but also for the past and future of Star Wars.
How TPM’s alternate ending would have changed Star Wars
Given how important Obi-Wan Kenobi became in Star Wars movies and TV shows, it’s hard to imagine this big change being made to its history. As McCaig indicates, at the very least, this would have shed new light on Obi-Wan’s strange response to hearing his name in A New Hope. Star Wars Since then, efforts have been made to explain this reaction, as recently as the Obi Wan Kenobi show, which revealed that Obi-Wan was isolated to train with his former master Qui-Gon Jinn (now a Force ghost) at the end of the show.
This would also have been interesting, given that Obi-Wan adopts another new name on Tatooine: Ben Kenobi. Much more intriguing, if The phantom menace ended with apprentice Qui-Gon Jinn taking on his fallen master’s name, would have reinforced how extensively this twist reshaped Obi-Wan’s fate. Not only did the death of Obi-Wan’s master mean that he became Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi Master, but also, this ending would mean that Obi-Wan would become completely dedicated to carrying on his master’s intentions and legacy.
Our opinion on TPM’s alternative ending
In the end, it’s much better that George Lucas changed this plot in The phantom menace. While it’s fascinating to think back, at the time, this would have added a layer of complication that simply wasn’t necessary. Even without Obi-Wan adopting his fallen master’s name, his dedication to his master was evident. For one thing, Obi-Wan ended up agreeing to train Anakin against his better judgment, just because it was his master’s last wish. Furthermore, it was clear that Obi-Wan never lost sight of his master’s memory or his training.
This ending would also call into question the notion of attachment. If Obi-Wan had adopted his fallen master’s name, it would have suggested a level of attachment that would have been incongruous with the prequels’ message and Obi-Wan’s character. Ultimately, it’s a good thing that Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace didn’t keep that ending, but it’s exciting to imagine how it would have changed Star Wars despite that.
Source: starwars.com