Unused concept art forStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menacewould have improved one of the best scenes inReturn of the Jedi. It was not always clear what Jedi robes were supposed to look like in theStar Warsoriginal trilogy, since Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda wore simple robes while Luke Skywalker wore a black outfit as he became a trueJedi KnightinReturn of the Jedi. TheStar Warsprequels would reveal that Jedi robes were generally similar to those worn by Kenobi and Yoda – though there were, of course, plenty of color and stylistic variants.
Some viewers criticize the prequel trilogy’s choice to have most Jedi wear robes similar to Obi-Wan’s in the original trilogy, as it retroactively makes Kenobi seem as though he didn’t bother to disguise himself while hiding from theGalactic Empireon Tatooine. While a fair point to make, many Tatooine background characters inA New Hope(and, to a lesser degree, inReturn of the Jedi) wear similar attire to Kenobi, making his continued use of Jedi robes far less of an issue. Interestingly, concept art forThe Phantom Menaceenvisioned Jedi robes which take inspiration from a different character.
The Phantom Menace Concept Art Teases Black Jedi Robes
Earlyconcept artwork of Obi-Wan Kenobi inThe Phantom Menaceshows him wearing a black Jedi outfit that has far more in common with Luke Skywalker’sReturn of the Jediattirethan what he would later wear in hiding on Tatooine. Of course, this concept would not make it to the final film, but it would have been an entertaining connection toReturn of the Jedi, making Luke Skywalker’s black outfit more meaningful. It also would have strengthened one of Luke’s most powerful moments in the film.
Return of the Jediimplied that Obi-Wan’s robes were always meant to be standard Jedi robes by showing the ghost of Anakin Skywalker in an identical outfit to Kenobi.
Luke’s Clothing Would’ve Been Retconned To Underline His Argument
In the emotional and action-packed finale ofReturn of the Jedi,Luke Skywalker refuses to give in to the temptation of the dark side and kill his father, declaring himself a Jedi like his father before him. Although Anakin wore black Jedi robes inStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Luke’s line has more to do with referencing Anakin’s past as both a Jedi and a good man than something as shallow as his attire. However, if the prequels made all Jedi wear similar clothing to Luke, the line would have been that much more powerful.
Return of the Jedi’s Ending Was Originally On Coruscant: Why Lucas Changed It
Return of the Jedi’s finale originally took place on Coruscant, called “Had Abbadon” in the script, but why did Lucas change it to Endor?
The Phantom Menace’s concept art would have retroactively made Luke’sReturn of the Jedioutfit traditional Jedi attire,making his line liken him to not only the Jedi who Darth Vader used to be but also the rest of the Jedi he once stood alongside. Interestingly, in both the modern canon and even more so in originalStar WarsLegendscontinuities, Luke Skywalker continues to wear hisReturn of the Jedioutfit long after the original trilogy. In the Legends timeline, traditional prequel-style Jedi robes are rarely used by the New Jedi Order outside ceremonial purposes.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Cast
Return of the Jedi concludes George Lucas’s original Star Wars trilogy with Luke Skywalker and his allies seeking to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and facing a renewed threat as the Emperor attempts to obliterate the Rebellion through a second Death Star, broadening the epic battle between good and evil.
