The Evolution of Star Wars: From A New Hope to The Force Awakens

The original Star Wars storyline began with A New Hope. However, the story as we know it did not exist from the start. At one point, it was titled ‘The Star Wars’ and more closely resembled a campy sci-fi flick like Flash Gordon. Characters and plot details evolved as the movie series developed, with changes to the heroes, villains, and even fundamental relationships throughout the saga.

Origins and Development

Originally, A New Hope was the only part of the series, but later it was given its status as Episode IV. The original plan had a more lighthearted, adventure-focused tone. For instance, Han Solo was originally a lizard-man, and Luke Skywalker was named Annikin Starkiller. Darth Vader had a different backstory and relationship with The Emperor, with not just Darth, but Starkiller himself as a component of the character's name. It was only after several iterations and major restructuring that the iconic characters and storyline took shape.

Perhaps the most intriguing change is the revelation that Luke Skywalker was not originally related to Darth Vader. Leia Organa was not his sister, and Darth Vader was not revealed to be his father. All these changes reflect the significant evolution of the Star Wars franchise.

The Force Awakens: A New Beginning

The release of The Force Awakens (TFA) marked a new chapter in the saga. Unlike the original trilogy, TFA was primarily a creation of Disney (previously owned by Lucasfilm), rather than George Lucas himself. George initially had no intention of producing another saga and saw the original series as the perfect ending to the tragic story of Darth Vader.

However, Lucas eventually relented and began drafting new ideas. These notes were passed onto Disney, who ultimately chose not to use George's specific ideas. Instead, they crafted a story that appeared more targeted at younger audiences, likely a repeat of The Phantom Menace. Fortunately for fans, Disney created a new story that did not rehash previous formulas but instead set the stage for a new trilogy.

While TFA borrowed heavily from the original trilogy in terms of plot and character elements, its primary purpose was to introduce a fresh group of characters and plot threads. This allowed for greater creativity and originality in the later films of the new trilogy, including The Last Jedi and Episode IX.

Conclusion

The Star Wars saga is a remarkable journey of storytelling evolution. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the series has continuously adapted and redefined itself. While not every change is universally loved—some may prefer the more traditional stories—each iteration is an essential part of the franchise's rich tapestry.

Ultimately, whether you like the new additions to the saga or not, they are integral to the overall story. It is crucial to recognize that The Force Awakens is as much a part of the Star Wars universe as any other episode, contributing to the ongoing narrative and offering new perspectives and themes to explore.