These Cut Revenge of the Sith Scenes Would Have Transformed Andor’s Mon Mothma Forever

As a devoted fan, I’m excited that in 2025, “Revenge of the Sith” will celebrate its 20th anniversary. However, it’s more popular now than when it was first released. This epic trilogy-closer not only enhances all the finest aspects of its preceding two movies but also stands out as one of the best contributions to the Skywalker Saga. It’s packed with thrilling action scenes, heartrending plot twists, and memorable dialogue that will live on in Star Wars history. In many ways, “Revenge of the Sith” set a new benchmark for the Star Wars franchise.

There’s a persistent buzz among Star Wars enthusiasts about a supposed 4-hour extended version that could have delved deeper into Anakin Skywalker’s tragic descent. Whether this speculation holds water or not, it’s clear that George Lucas trimmed a lot of scenes from Episode III. Some of these omitted sequences are accessible in full, and some should arguably have remained intact. One such significant plotline involves a beloved Star Wars character from the Disney era, whose story is integral to the saga.

Genevieve O’Reilly Was Cut From Revenge of the Sith

Mon Mothma Originally Had an Important Storyline in Episode III

In the expanded version of “Revenge of the Sith,” Genevieve O’Reilly portrays a young Mon Mothma, who is not present in the theatrical release of the film. These additional scenes, accessible on digital platforms and DVDs, highlight the increasing unrest in the Republic Senate as Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine seizes more power during the Clone Wars. Worried that he might refuse to relinquish his emergency powers post-war, a clandestine alliance of Senators, including Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, emerges, aiming to prevent the Chancellor from becoming an autocrat. The group, which also includes Padmé Amidala, endeavors to rally their fellow Senators to this cause. Despite her initial hesitation due to Palpatine’s friendship with her, Padmé eventually recognizes the danger he poses to democracy and joins the effort. Ultimately, a council of 2,000 Senators is formed to confront Palpatine about his constitutional amendments. Although he agrees to their terms temporarily, he later manipulates the Republic into becoming the first Galactic Empire, assuming the title of Emperor himself.

In my humble opinion, as a movie reviewer, it’s worth noting that a significant part of Mon Mothma’s story was unfortunately trimmed from the theatrical release of “Revenge of the Sith.” While vestiges of her struggle remain, such as Bail Organa’s growing discontent with the Chancellor, characters like Mon Mothma herself were conspicuously absent from the film. However, the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” would later reintroduce Mothma as a pivotal Senator in the galaxy at this point in the saga’s timeline. The episode “Senate Murders,” in particular, emphasizes her alliance with Bail Organa and Padmé Amidala, hinting that the excised scenes from “Revenge of the Sith” could still be considered part of the franchise’s canon. Whether these scenes are eventually recognized as such or not, Mon Mothma’s deleted subplot in “Revenge of the Sith” skillfully sets the stage for one of the most compelling arcs in the entire Star Wars universe.

Revenge of the Sith’s Deleted Scenes Set Up Mon Mothma’s Storyline In Andor

Star Wars Has Been Building Up Mon Mothma’s Storyline for Decades

Although Mon Mothma initially made a rocky entrance in the franchise, her significant portrayal in the Disney+ series Andor has proven otherwise. The show focuses on various characters as the Rebellion gains momentum across the galaxy, just prior to the events of the Original Trilogy. Mon Mothma plays a pivotal role throughout the series, developing her character from her truncated appearance in Revenge of the Sith. At this juncture in the timeline, Mon Mothma remains a senator within the Imperial Senate, where she grapples with the Empire’s expanding power. She gradually tests the waters of rebellion, edging closer to the figure who would eventually lead the Rebel Alliance. If her scenes had not been cut, Revenge of the Sith could have laid the groundwork for Mothma’s storyline in Andor, depicting the senator as she starts to consider resistance against Palpatine and his regime.

As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I’ve always appreciated the political subtleties that have been woven into the films, but Mon Mothma’s storyline has undeniably stood out as the most captivating aspect for me. This Chandrillan Senator, known for her diplomatic skills and grace, finds herself in a precarious situation where she must maintain the façade of loyalty among her friends and colleagues while covertly stirring rebellion across the galaxy.

The tension between her public life and her secret activities intensifies significantly when it becomes apparent that her husband and daughter are not as disillusioned with the Empire as she is. The complexity of Mon Mothma’s character is truly astonishing, given how limited her screen time was prior to the release of Andor on Disney+. In just a single series, Mon Mothma has emerged as one of the most intriguing characters in the entire Star Wars universe for me.

Mon Mothma Became One of Star Wars’ Best Characters

Against All Odds, Mon Mothma Became a Fan-Favorite

Initially, when Mon Mothma made her screen debut in 1983, it would have been hard for Star Wars fans to foresee her significant role within the saga. Caroline Blakiston initially played the Rebel leader, making a single appearance. Although Legends expanded her character, naming her the first head of the New Republic post-Original Trilogy, Mon Mothma was frequently overlooked by the Star Wars franchise following her initial appearance. Genevieve O’Reilly’s unseen scenes from Revenge of the Sith underscore this unfortunate reality, with the character absent from live-action media for over three decades. However, in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, O’Reilly got another chance to embody her character for a brief cameo, rekindling interest in Mon Mothma. The following year, she voiced Mon Mothma in a crucial episode of Star Wars: Rebels. Shortly after, she was chosen as a key figure in the 2022 series Andor, where she finally became the beloved character that she truly deserved to be.

As a cinephile, I must say that Andor masterfully elevated Mon Mothma from a marginal figure to a central player in the galaxy’s political landscape. The captivating political machinations portrayed in the series have positioned Senator Mothma as a pivotal character in the evolution of the Rebel Alliance.

The intrigue surrounding O’Reilly’s character sparked such enthusiasm that her brief appearance in the 2023 Disney+ series Ahsoka was eagerly anticipated, and it confirmed that she indeed assumed the role after the fall of the Empire. Notably, this cameo marked O’Reilly’s debut as Mon Mothma following the events of Return of the Jedi, thereby solidifying her interpretation of the character as the definitive one, despite not having originated the role.

Over the course of many years, Mon Mothma has ascended to become one of the most renowned characters within the Star Wars universe. The narrative surrounding her is further explored in the second and concluding season of Andor, offering insights into how she rose to lead the Rebel Alliance and played a pivotal role in the collapse of the Empire.

2025-05-01 16:06