Darth Vader's relationship with Luke Skywalker might have been one of the biggest secrets in the Star Wars trilogy (and the biggest twists in the history of pop culture), however, there was a time that George Lucas actually had different plans for the two.
Express just happened upon the rediscovered first draft of writer Leigh Brackett's script for Star Wars: Episode VI – The Empire Strikes Back, and in it, fans get to see the write-up pointing to some major changes in the franchise. Not only is Yoda called "Minch," but Luke's sister isn't Leia, instead of taking on the name "Nelith."
More importantly, the script also reveals a force-ghost named "Skywalker," someone who actually turns out to be Luke's father. Only thing, this character is very much different from Darth Vader.
Here's the conversation Luke has with Ben Kenobi in the script:
Another half-ghostly form emerges from the mists; a tall fine-looking man who approaches Luke slowly, looking at him.
BEN: "Your father."
LUKE: "My father."
Even with his new-found maturity, Luke finds this an awesome, not to say shattering, moment. They look at each other.
SKYWALKER: "You've grown well, Luke. I'm proud of you." (Luke, not knowing what to say, says nothing) "Proud, and afraid for you. You're going into battle untried. Did your uncle ever speak to you about Nellith?
LUKE: "Nellith? No. Who is she?"
SKYWALKER: "Your sister."
LUKE: "My sister? I have a sister? But why didn't Uncle Owen…"
SKYWALKER: "It was my request. When I saw the Empire closing in, I sent you both away for your own safety, far apart from each other."
LUKE: "Where is she? What's her name?"
SKYWALKER: "If I were to tell you, Darth Vader could get that information from your mind and use her as a hostage. Not yet, Luke. When it's time…"
Things would have been so much different if George Lucas had used this script for the original trilogy. Not only would we not have Leia, but we wouldn't have the familial drama that made the original trilogy so compelling for its time. Not to mention the iconic scene we'd miss out on – the moment where Vader reveals that he's actually Luke's father.
Lucasfilm's next Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Episode IX, premieres December 20, 2019.
Read: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Almost Introduced Han Solo Differently