One of the most iconic moments in Star Wars that fans will never forget is Princess Leia's plea to Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope. This was the first time the Jedi Master has heard from her after what happened to her father and his best friend Anakin Skywalker. This was also where Luke learns about her existence. But before George Lucas arrived at the iconic speech that has been memorized by millions of fans, he had a few different ideas.
The original script dated July 6, 1976, was recently shared on Reddit for fans to see. It shows the first version along with the revisions that Lucas made that led to the final version that ended up on the film.
Apart from word changes that captured the situation better, the last part, "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope" was actually longer. At the start, it has "you must," but ended up being omitted.
The change probably wasn't much, but a shorter version seems to be more catchy and more memorable. After all, this line went on to become one of the most memorable and most quoted Star Wars lines by the late Carrie Fisher's character.
The original Star Wars: A New Hope speech reads:
General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now, he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret I am unable to present my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack, and fear my mission to return with you to Alderaan has failed. I have fed information vital to the survival of all free planets into the memory of systems of this R-2 unit...my father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour ... You must help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are my only hope.
Check out the Reddit post below. Do you think Lucas made the right call?
The original Leia hologram speech, complete with George Lucas’s final edits.
from
r/StarWars