‘Star Wars’ Had An Alternate Plot Twist That Could’ve Changed The Entire Franchise Forever

You’d never guess the original fate of history’s most beloved Jedi.

Jesse

• Published in Film & TV
• November 7, 2024

When it comes to shocking twists, Star Wars has given us a few jaw-droppers over the years—who can forget the iconic “I am your father” revelation? But what if we told you that one of the most beloved characters in the galaxy almost had an entirely different backstory? 

For decades, fans have known Obi-Wan as the mentor to Anakin Skywalker, the protector of Luke, and the embodiment of Jedi wisdom and restraint. However, according to an artist who worked on the prequel films, Director George Lucas originally had a much more startling plan for Obi-Wan's story in The Phantom Menace.

This was a plot twist so unexpected it would have rivaled anything the franchise had thrown at us before. It involved none other than Liam Neeson's character, Qui-Gon Jinn, who was set to play a role more shocking than any fan could have predicted.

Thanks to a recent interview with Star Wars concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig, fans have been given a glimpse into an alternate storyline that could have changed the galaxy far, far away forever.

With a casting swap involving Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor, Lucas nearly pulled off a narrative sleight of hand that would have rewritten Star Wars lore as we know it.

This Jedi duo had a mind-blowing secret even the most die-hard fans could’ve never cooked up

In the initial concept, Liam Neeson’s character, Qui-Gon Jinn, was set to be the real Obi-Wan Kenobi. Ewan McGregor’s character, who we’ve come to know as Obi-Wan, would have been his apprentice, adopting his mentor's name after his tragic death.

This twist would have cast McGregor as the young Qui-Gon, taking on the identity of "Obi-Wan Kenobi" after his mentor's heroic sacrifice. It’s a plotline that would’ve added an entirely new layer to the Star Wars mythology, giving Obi-Wan’s journey a bittersweet origin.

According to McCaig, this twist was designed to add a deeply emotional moment to the storyline. The idea was that Qui-Gon (the original Obi-Wan) would die at the hands of Darth Maul, and his apprentice would honor him by adopting his name and his quest. 

McCaig explained, “For a time, the older Jedi was named Obi-Wan, and the younger Jedi was named Qui-Gon. It was very poignant that at the end, as Obi-Wan dies, Qui-Gon not only takes on his Master’s quest but also his name.” 

This would’ve put a powerful new spin on Alec Guinness’s portrayal of the character in the original trilogy. His famous line in A New Hope —"Obi-Wan? Now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time"— would have been cast in a completely different light.

Lucas eventually changed his mind

George Lucas ultimately decided to stick to the more straightforward version of Obi-Wan's backstory. McGregor’s Obi-Wan remained the same character who would eventually mentor Luke Skywalker, while Qui-Gon Jinn was introduced as a separate, wise Jedi master destined for a tragic fate. 

This decision ultimately led to McGregor reprising his role as Obi-Wan in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, solidifying his place in the Star Wars universe. 

McGregor has since returned as Obi-Wan in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, bringing fans’ favorite Jedi master back to the screen. He also hinted that he’d be open to a second season.

Though the twist was scrapped before filming, it’s fascinating to imagine how it might have impacted the Star Wars legacy. Who knows what other secrets are still hidden in the galaxy's lore?

Jesse