Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (Scene Rewrite)

7/28/2019 Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (Scene Rewrite)

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

byGeorge Lucas

Revisions byRonnie Higgins


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The following rewrite of Star Wars: A New Hope is to show how asmall change in one scene can alter the feel and overall arch of ascreenplay and ultimately the film itself. After 2005 GeorgeLucas, the creator of Star Wars, completed his saga by releasingthe final of the 6 episode series, Star Wars Episode III: Revengeof the Sith.

With the prequels aligned with the original trilogy that spannedfrom episodes IV through VI we now have the entire picture, andmay questions were answered. I took on this project in the mindset that the films were released respectively I - VI.

In episodes I - III, we met and understand the character that isAnakin Skywalker, a childish and very immature young man who willsingle handedly turn the power over to the darkside and let theSith reign over the galaxy. By the time episode IV comes aroundthe title emphasizes exactly what will happen. In the demise of

the Jedi and the lightside of the force arises a new hope. In theform of Anakin's son, Luke Skywalker.

The original scene shows Obi-Wan allowing himself to be sacrificedin order to let the rebel forces and Luke himself escape theclutches of Darth Vader, the byproduct of Anakin Skywalker's turnto the darkside. While this showed great valence in Obi-WanKenobi, we failed to see the immature kid that Luke is, or shouldbe

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 thetree and the new hope might be a failed one. This story and

character arch is found in the last two episodes but never much ashinted in A New Hope. So what you are about to read is my rewriteof the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi as I see fit to give the entiresaga the glue that will help captivate audiences and make thisstory much more insightful to the hope that is needed to make thegood prevail.


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INT. DEATHSTAR - HALLWAY

Vader and Ben Kenobi continue their duel. As they hit theirlightsabers together, lightning flashes on impact. Trooperslook on in interest as the old Jedi and Dark Lord of the Sithfight.

INT. DEATHSTAR - DOCKING BAY

Suddenly Threepio notices the battle from the groupsposition.

THREEPIOLook! Over there!

As Threepio points, Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie look up andsee Ben and Vader emerging from the hallways on the far sideof the docking bay.

The troopers begin to run towards the duel. Luke quickly actsand begins to shoot at Vader with his blaster. One shotmisses and then another.

HANNows out chance! Go!

LUKENo! I have to save Ben.

Everyone starts for the Millennium Falcon. Under pressureLuke closes his eyes to feel the force. In the moment he

sees the target he pulls the trigger. The blast hits Vaderdead on, but Vader uses his lightsaber to deflect the shotand it enters Obi-Wans chest and he drops to the ground.

LUKE (CONT'D)No!

Luke jumps up to Obi-Wans rescue but is grabbed by Han.

HANNo kid, we need to leave.

Luke kicks and squirms, fighting with Han until Chewie comesto 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 inhand. Obi-Wan closes his eyes, and just as Vader delivers theblow all that remains is the cloak.


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Vader kicks the cloak in confusion. The storm troopers beginto 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 theship as Chewie adjusts his controls.

HANI hope the old man got that tractorbeam out if commission, or this isgoing 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 dockingbay, makes a spectacular turn and disappears into thevastness of space.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - CENTRAL HOLDING AREA

Luke holds his face in his hands, sniveling. Leia tries topry them and he retaliates by pushing her away.

LUKE

I cant believe I killed him.

LEIAYou did no such thing.

LUKEYes I did.

Luke stands up and punches the wall, then sinks back downonto the floor. Han rushes in with Chewie in tow.

HAN

Weve got company, come on kid. Youhave a chance to make this right.Were not out of this yet!

Chewy and Han run to the gunports. Leia follows but stops inthe doorway, Luke sits pondering his past actions and whatthe future actions he must take.

BENS VOICEHelp them.

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Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (Scene Rewrite)