George Lucas Explains why Luke Skywalker is Vader's Equal in Return of the Jedi

What if we could go back in time and watch George Lucas talk about the script to Return of the Jedi with his colleagues? In this video, I've put together the verbatim discussion between George Lucas, Kasdan, Marquand, and Kazanjian on Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the meaning behind Luke's new green lightsaber. The contents of this are from The Making of Star Wars Return of the Jedi (awesome book).

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edited by @StarWarsElseworlds
speech bubbles by me

[rickymtz]

I really love how creative George Lucas was (and still is) throughout his time in the films

[fattiger]

You can really apply the three major timeframes of a man's life to Luke throughout the OT. In New Hope, Luke is innocent like a child and doesn't really understand what's going on in the Galaxy. In Empire, Luke is impulsive and rebellious like a teenager, refusing to listen to Ben and Yoda and trust the Force. In Jedi, Luke is a man. He is confident and sure of himself and has a purity in his purpose. He really does have an amazing character arc that I think is underappreciated.

[raoulduke]

Actually, they did use the one guys idea to "explain it in a line of dialogue later", when Vader is holding the green lightsaber, and says "I see you have constructed a new lightsaber. Your skills are complete. Indeed you are powerful as the Emperor has... etc...".

[andrewbeaudin]

I feel like the voice Hayden is doing isn’t necessarily monotone, it’s more cold with certain subtle fluctuations and verbal rolls that are very similar to James earl Jones. Which really makes it feel like that is for sure the guy in the suit. I also feel like it adds to the fact of how he’s transitioning into this man who’s lost everything and feels rage but also doesn’t wish to feel anything. He’s numb, he’s been brutally traumatized and he wants to FORGET his old life. He wants to make the galaxy believe that there is no Anakin Skywalker anymore. It also shows just how dark he’s become towards the events of revenge of the sith and I really honestly feel like these are subtle things in the way he portrays anakin/Vader that get so overlooked

[jaspertheultimatequartz]

I never had a problem with the way Anakin was portrayed. It always made me think of an emotionally stunted child soldier who grew up in war and born from slavery. I think in that context, his portrayal is perfect.

[seanalexander]

Star Wars Theory should be a professor at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

[Captainkebbles]

I love that even Goarge still (as of 2004) still got goose bumps and emotional when the music kicks in when Luke briefly (at least according to one of the audio commentaries I listened to) succumbed to the dark side. I always love that Luke looked into the abyss, and decided "never" that isn't what he wanted.

[BenDowdy]

I like behind the scenes stuff with star wars 77-83. More plz.

[Charisamaeby]

I love how back then George would call the lightsabers "laser swords", and that's what Anakin calls Quigon's lightsaber in Phantom Menace. No idea if that's intentional but it's kind of fun.

[littlestsoul]

Wow, that was awesome! The line was also brilliant when Vader said: "I see you have constructed your own lightsaber. Indeed, you are powerful as the Emperor has forseen." That was all that needed to be said for the movie.

[natevano]

Why can’t I store school information in my brain like how Star Wars does.😐

[drew]

He didn’t sever the relationship with his son, at that point there was no relationship except bitter rivals. What Vader did was destroy the bond that Luke felt for his father by first ridding him of his lightsaber and then by revealing his father’s true fate.

Yet another reason why Rian Johnson throwing Luke’s saber over his shoulder is stupid.

[woody]

I don't believe it's right to say "he doesn't really care anymore." The whole point of Return of the Jedi is that Luke does care about his father, and he believes Darth Vader still has good in him, and he can turn him. The whole point is the fulfillment of the prophecy of bringing balance to the Force.

[Hetetsumi]

I always liked Hayden’s performance in the films. Never understood why others didn’t.

[jcadence]

Even as a kid I got this. The device worked perfectly with the new outfit and sword and hammered home with the 'i see you constructed your own light sabre' it's a recognition of great advancement. that plus the colour change and the dark outfit - it is just clear that a lot has happened and that luke has advanced dramatically when he reappears.

[stolasgoetia]

That's some deep metaphorical shit there. Luke building his own saber is symbolic of a boy growing into a man and becoming equal with his father in terms of being adults.

[magnusalexander]

I love the idea of Luke having his hand severed being the way that his relationship is severed with the idealized father that he had always had. The truth killed that innocence that he had about his father and who he had been. But in the end, Luke was the only one who saw and believed that Anakin still lived within Vader. I love their story so much!

[berjastkjuklingur]

Dueling is quality family time in the Skywalker family, it's the only time they get to chat.

[AssassinGTM]

George may have some issues with bringing his ideas to life with his directing, but the man sure does have brilliant ideas

[Mr-Tibbster]

*"You should because that's what everyone will ask"* - Lucas

And that right there is a person who cares about continuity issues and plot holes. I realise the PT is flawed of course, but, Lucas does at least 'care' about trying to make a universe consistant and retain logic and reason. Realising fans 'will' point out things that don't make sense. It wasn't just "some movie" or mindless entertainment to him to make money on a Saturday night.