George Lucas’ Bold Plan for Star Wars: Leia as the New Chosen One!

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In the expansive universe of Star Wars, many fans find themselves contemplating ‘what if’ scenarios regarding the sequel trilogy. Before Disney took over Lucasfilm and produced “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” George Lucas had a clear vision for the progression of the Skywalker Saga. Although this vision was never fully materialized on screen, it provided an intriguing peek into a possible future that diverged significantly from the storyline that eventually unfolded. This hypothetical sequel trilogy was set to bring about a contentious change in focus, transitioning away from the usual spotlight on Luke Skywalker and instead placing the narrative firmly on the character of Princess Leia Organa, who is deeply ingrained in Star Wars lore and adored by many fans.

In a twist that might come as a surprise to some, Lucas’ creative decision for Leia’s storyline was deeply grounded in his broader thematic goals for the saga. He intended this part of her journey to reach a crucial turning point, emphasizing her distinctive power and significant influence on shaping the galaxy’s fate.

A New Hope for the New Republic

George Lucas initially envisioned the sequel Star Wars saga to focus less on Jedi combat and lightsaber fights, instead highlighting the complex political maneuvers of a developing New Republic. This insight is shared in the book, “The Star Wars Archives – Episode I-III, 1999-2005.

In my interpretation of the Star Wars saga’s third trilogy, after the Rebels emerged victorious, there were no longer any stormtroopers. Initially, I envisioned the first trilogy as a tale of the father, the second as a tale of the son, and the third as a tale of the daughter and grandchildren. In these films, Leia, who would naturally take the lead, is depicted trying to establish the Republic. Although they possess the infrastructure of the Republic, they must regain control from criminal elements. This was the central narrative.

Instead of depicting Leia as a general leading a struggling rebellion, this concept presents her as a political strategist, working tirelessly to establish peace and order in a galaxy still recovering from Imperial oppression. The reference to “gangsters” is tied to an unrealized aspect of Lucas’ vision: the return of Darth Maul as the main adversary.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, I’d say: “In this epic saga, we witness Darth Maul mentoring a young protégée named Darth Talon, who was previously seen in the comics. She emerges as the series’ primary antagonist, surpassing even the iconic Darth Vader in action sequences. Thus, these two formidable characters stand at the forefront of the trilogy’s villainy. As the Empire crumbles, Maul leverages the chaos to establish himself as the crime lord of the universe.

Emphasizing political reconstruction and the complexities of governing while a powerful crime empire headed by Darth Maul rose, could have provided a mature, multi-layered portrayal of the Star Wars universe. This perspective would have highlighted Leia’s leadership abilities, diplomatic skills, and her steadfast dedication to justice in a more realistic, less militarily-focused setting. The possibility for intrigue, negotiations, and ethical dilemmas within this political landscape could have delved into themes of corruption, compromises, and the delicate dance needed to preserve peace, much like how Star Wars: Andor on Disney+ recently did for the era preceding the Galactic Civil War.

This method could have provided a more in-depth exploration of the societal impacts of the war, delving not only into the initial conflict but also the long-term efforts towards establishing a genuinely effective government. Additionally, it would have emphasized Leia’s less apparent qualities that were sometimes eclipsed by the action-packed scenes of the original trilogy – her intelligence, tenacity, and her comprehensive grasp of politics, molded during her early years on Alderaan.

Leia’s Journey Builds to Her Being the Chosen One

One key and possibly debatable element of Lucas’ proposed sequel trilogy was the role he intended for Leia. He aimed for her to do more than just lead the New Republic; instead, he positioned her in a prestigious role similar to that of her father and brother, as described in the book The Star Wars Archives.

At the conclusion of the trilogy, Luke will have largely reconstructed the Jedi Order, leading to a revitalization of the New Republic. In this renewed system, Leia, Senator Organa, ascends to the position of Supreme Chancellor, overseeing everything. Consequently, she emerges as the Chosen One.

In this new perspective, the idea of the “Chosen One” undergoes a significant transformation, broadening its meaning far beyond the conventional understanding of a Force-user foretold to restore balance by vanquishing evil. Instead, Leia’s role as the “Chosen One” is rooted in her capacity for unity, leadership, and diplomacy – skills she uses to mend a broken galaxy and establish lasting peace through her political acumen and resolute determination. This fresh take on the character would have been a daring choice, pushing boundaries about who can be a hero in the Star Wars universe and emphasizing that the power of negotiation, empathy, and governance are equally crucial as the supernatural powers of the Force. It would have offered an intriguing contrast to Luke Skywalker and his Jedi journey, showing that heroism can take various shapes and that leadership, particularly in times of societal strife, is a heroic act in its own right.

In this scenario, Luke and Leia’s relationship might have evolved differently, with Leia taking the lead as the ultimate galactic leader, whereas Luke would focus on rebuilding the Jedi Order. This shift would allow Leia to confront the intricate challenges of creating a fair and stable government for countless beings, while Luke would grapple with the equally crucial task of restoring the Jedi Order.

This narrative underscores Lucas’s long-standing fascination with democracy and its role in governance, themes that have been central to Star Wars since its inception. By portraying Leia as the “Chosen One” due to her political accomplishments, Lucas would have sent a potent message about the significance of civic duty, the strength of hope, and the role of diplomacy in fostering lasting peace.

This method would further establish Leia as an exceptional and unique character within Star Wars lore, highlighting her intellectual prowess, resilience, and far-reaching influence in the galaxy, not just due to her Force abilities. It would broaden the concept of heroism in the Star Wars universe, encompassing leadership qualities beyond traditional Jedi traits. This expansion could lead to compelling discussions about fate versus free will within the series; while Anakin’s destiny was linked to the Force, Leia’s “chosen” status would be a product of her decisions, determination, and innate abilities, implying that genuine heroism can be shaped by effort and belief, not solely by predetermined power.

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2025-06-15 05:40