George Lucas’s journey to creating the iconic Star Wars saga has been extensively documented, with numerous drafts and iterations of the story emerging over the years. However, one early version of the Star Wars story treatment, unearthed by reporter Franklin O’Donnell in 1983, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Lucas’s vision.
This 13-page treatment, predating even the first script, presents a narrative that differs significantly from the final 1977 film. Based loosely on Akira Kurosawa’s “Hidden Fortress,” the story follows a rebel princess named Leia as she embarks on a journey across enemy territory to join her allied forces on another planet. Along the way, she is abducted by the Empire, leading a young man named Skywalker to team up with a group of temple-dwelling teenagers to rescue her.
What sets this early treatment apart is the introduction of Luke Skywalker’s brother, Deak, a master Jedi captured by the Empire. This character provides the motivation for Luke to embrace his own Jedi destiny. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed as a family man, living with a wife and daughter named Leia.
The narrative delves into themes of the Force, introducing the concept of the “Force of Others,” with Luke grappling with the decision of whether to wield this power. The story culminates in a rebel attack on the Death Star, with Luke making contact with his father, referred to as “The Starkiller,” who prophesizes the downfall of the Empire.
While some aspects of this early treatment may seem familiar to fans who have explored Lucas’s other drafts, the inclusion of Luke’s brother adds a new dimension to the story. Interestingly, Deak is essentially a gender-swapped version of Leia, serving as a sibling figure to Luke.
The revelation of this early draft raises intriguing questions about the potential for future storytelling within the Star Wars universe. Could we see the introduction of Luke’s brother in future projects? The idea of Deak fighting alongside Darth Vader for the Empire opens up a world of possibilities for new adventures in the galaxy far, far away. Who knows? Maybe one day Disney will explore this untapped narrative thread, offering fans fresh insights into the epic saga of Star Wars.
