Star Wars: A New Hope (Rewriting and Revisiting Obi-Wan's Death) by George Lucas

Revisions by Ronnie Higgins

The following rewrite of Star Wars: A New Hope is to show how a small change in one scene can alter the feel and overall arch of a screenplay and ultimately the film itself. After 2005 George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, completed his saga by releasing the final of the 6 episode series, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. With the prequels aligned with the original trilogy that spanned from episodes IV through VI we now have the entire picture, and may questions were answered. I took on this project in the mind set that the films were released respectively I - VI. In episodes I - III, we met and understand the character that is Anakin Skywalker, a childish and very immature young man who will single handedly turn the power over to the darkside and let the Sith reign over the galaxy. By the time episode IV comes around the title emphasizes exactly what will happen. In the demise of the Jedi and the lightside of the force arises a new hope. In the form of Anakin's son, Luke Skywalker. The original scene shows Obi-Wan allowing himself to be sacrificed in order to let the rebel forces and Luke himself escape the clutches of Darth Vader, the byproduct of Anakin Skywalker's turn to the darkside. While this showed great valence in Obi-Wan Kenobi, we failed to see the immature kid that Luke is, or should be By showing this in the character it gives us a shadow of a doubt. Making us believe that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree and the new hope might be a failed one. This story and character arch is found in the last two episodes but never much as hinted in A New Hope. So what you are about to read is my rewrite of the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi as I see fit to give the entire saga the glue that will help captivate audiences and make this story much more insightful to the hope that is needed to make the good prevail.

INT. DEATHSTAR - HALLWAY Vader and Ben Kenobi continue their duel. As they hit their lightsabers together, lightning flashes on impact. Troopers look on in interest as the old Jedi and Dark Lord of the Sith fight. INT. DEATHSTAR - DOCKING BAY Suddenly Threepio notices the battle from the groups position. THREEPIO Look! Over there! As Threepio points, Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie look up and see Ben and Vader emerging from the hallways on the far side of the docking bay. The troopers begin to run towards the duel. Luke quickly acts and begins to shoot at Vader with his blaster. One shot misses and then another. HAN Nows out chance! Go! LUKE No! I have to save Ben. Everyone starts for the Millennium Falcon. Under pressure Luke closes his eyes to feel the force. In the moment he sees the target he pulls the trigger. The blast hits Vader dead on, but Vader uses his lightsaber to deflect the shot and it enters Obi-Wans chest and he drops to the ground. No! LUKE (CONT'D)

Luke jumps up to Obi-Wans rescue but is grabbed by Han. HAN No kid, we need to leave. Luke kicks and squirms, fighting with Han until Chewie comes to help and Luke is dragged inside the Falcon. INT. DEATH STAR - HALLWAY Meanwhile Vader stands over the wounded and beaten Obi-Wan. Vader reaches back for his finishing strike, lightsaber in hand. Obi-Wan closes his eyes, and just as Vader delivers the blow all that remains is the cloak.

2. Vader kicks the cloak in confusion. The storm troopers begin to blast at the Falcon as it starts up. INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT Han pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to move. The dull thud of laser bolts bouncing off the outside of the ship as Chewie adjusts his controls. HAN I hope the old man got that tractor beam out if commission, or this is going to be a real short trip. Okay, hit it! Chewbacca growls in agreement. EXT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT The Millennium Falcon powers away from the Death Star docking bay, makes a spectacular turn and disappears into the vastness of space. INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - CENTRAL HOLDING AREA Luke holds his face in his hands, sniveling. Leia tries to pry them and he retaliates by pushing her away. LUKE I cant believe I killed him. LEIA You did no such thing. Yes I did. LUKE

Luke stands up and punches the wall, then sinks back down onto the floor. Han rushes in with Chewie in tow. HAN Weve got company, come on kid. You have a chance to make this right. Were not out of this yet! Chewy and Han run to the gunports. Leia follows but stops in the doorway, Luke sits pondering his past actions and what the future actions he must take. Help them. BENS VOICE

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Luke becomes startled without a clue what he just heard. Leia comes back and helps him to his feet. LEIA Hed want you to snap out of this and help get us out of here. LUKE I dont know why, but ... I think youre right. LEIA I know Im right. Luke and Leia head to their gunports to fight off the oncoming Tie-Fighters.