Star Wars Theories That Change The Original Trilogy
The Star Wars franchise has been around for over 40 years and the original trilogy of films— A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi — are beloved by a generation of moviegoers. With its expansive universe, rich mythology and strong characters, Star Wars has been studied and analyzed for decades, leading to a variety of fascinating theories about the series.
Here are some of the most interesting theories about the original trilogy that changes how we look at this iconic franchise.
- Darth Vader is Not Luke’s Father
One of the most pervasive theories about the original trilogy comes from this single line of dialogue in The Empire Strikes Back: “No, I am your father.” It is a plot twist that has been imprinted in fans minds since 1980. However, some theories argue that this line is actually a bait and switch, and Darth Vader is actually not Luke’s father.
According to this theory, Obi-Wan Kenobi knew who Luke’s real father was and lied to him on purpose. He wanted to protect Luke, who was a potential threat to Darth Vader and the Emperor as a powerful Jedi.
- The Emperor is a Force Projection
This theory suggests that the true power of the Emperor in Return of the Jedi is not physical but rather a projection of the dark side of the Force. It explains why the Emperor and his Royal Guard seem to have no physical presence on the Death Star but instead hover ominously above the scene.
This theory also explains why the Emperor could not Mount any physical attack on Luke. The Force projection power may have been what enabled the Emperor to stay alive for so long, despite being surrounded by the most powerful characters in the Star Wars universe.
- Luke Saved Anakin’s Soul
Despite the fact that Anakin Skywalker had turned to the dark side, this theory proposes that Luke saved his father’s soul. This is evidenced in the closing scene of Return of the Jedi, when Luke and Vader lock eyes and have a moment of understanding and recognition, and Vader then turns to the light side and destroys the Emperor, saving Luke in the process.
According to this theory, Luke was literally able to save his father’s soul by connecting with him in that pivotal moment before the destruction of the Death Star.
- Yoda is the Last of the Jedi
A popular fan theory suggests that Yoda is actually the last of the Jedi, despite the fact that he hears many voices at the end of Return of the Jedi. An interesting detail to note is that one of these voices is Darth Vader, who is not a Jedi, which may imply that Yoda is in fact the last of the Jedi.
This theory also explains why Yoda mentions Obi-Wan’s words of wisdom but not those of other Jedi, such as Mace Windu or Qui-Gon Jinn. It implies that Yoda is the only one left to remember the teachings of the old Jedi order, a fact that he is not willing to divulge to Luke until the very end of their last conversation.
- Leia is a Sith
This theory proposes that Leia is actually a Sith and has been sent to thwart the plans of the Empire. While this theory has not been canonized, Leia did display classic Sith abilities in Return of the Jedi when she was able to sense that Luke was in trouble on the Death Star. It’s also interesting to note that Leia was able to withstand torture by the Empire and her line of dialogue when she is reunited with Han Solo on Endor—“I love you” “I know” could be a secret nod to her powerful Sith heritage.
- The Rebel Alliance Is Financial-Based
In the original Star Wars trilogy, the Rebel Alliance is presented as a political and ideological organization, but this theory suggests that it is actually a financial-based group. This theory ties back to the finances of Alderaan and the Trade Federation, suggesting that the Rebellion is a capitalist endeavor that uses the political ideology of the Force as a way to construct a new government.
- Ewoks Are Mystical Creatures
This theory claims that the Ewoks are actually mystical creatures who possess a deep connection to the Force. This would explain why they were able to help the Rebels defeat the Empire in Return of the Jedi. It would also explain why they maintain their primitive lifestyle while living on Endor, despite the presence of highly advanced technology.
If this theory is true, then it suggests that the Force has a much greater importance in the Star Wars universe than meets the eye. It could also explain why the Ewoks were never featured in the sequels, suggesting that their connection to the Force was too powerful to be explored further.
The Star Wars franchise has been around for decades and its powerful source material has been studied by countless fans and analysts. These theories about the original trilogy challenge how we look at this beloved series and recommend that we view it from a new perspective. Whether or not these theories are true is for you to decide.
