As any true Star Wars fan knows by now, George Lucas’s first draft of “Star Wars” was radically different than what we eventually saw on screen. And I mean radically different! I think it’s the perfect example of why you don’t shoot your first draft and serves as a lesson to all writers that the real writing begins with the rewrite.
Dark Horse Comics recently released a comic book adaptation of Lucas’s first draft of his “Star Wars” screenplay. The story centers on Jedi Kane Starkiller and his son Annikin. Luke Skywalker does exist, but he’s an older, wiser Jedi General. We do have a Princess Leia and a Han Solo (who is still a smuggler only now portrayed as a green monster). And let’s not forget Darth Vader. Only this version of Vader is not a Sith Lord. He is just an Imperial General. Oh, and I almost forgot; R2 doesn’t beep ; he actually speaks. Ummmm… okay… first draft.
This is certainly an interesting experiment. I’ve read the first three issues myself. Though I do find it quite fascinating, I think that if this was the “Star Wars” that was released in 1977, it would have been a standalone film – no trilogy, no expanded universe, no Disney. The story is too bogged down with serious bureaucratic nonsense (think Star Wars prequels) and lacks the fun goofy roller coaster ride that we got to enjoy in the final released version. Some of the parts are there and the basic ideas are scattered about, but this version of the screenplay hasn’t matured into a relatable coherent story yet, or at least one that would excite audiences for generations to come.
So I’m obviously not going to post the first few issues of the comic book as I would think that the Star Wars powers that be would not take too kindly to that. So instead, I’m posting Lucas’s First Draft of his screenplay which is what the comic is entirely based on. I’ve also added Lucas’s second draft entitled “Adventures of the Starkiller.” And for good measure, I’m adding his original 13 page (not including the cover) treatment, dated May 1973.
And I don’t stop there. I’ve added a copy of the original Press Book for “Star Wars.” This is not a Press Kit. This is something that was sent to exhibitors and newspapers. I’ve also embedded the trailer for the comic book adaptation. Plus a little slide show consisting of some of Peter Mayhew’s never-released archived photos that he has been posting on his Twitter feed. I suggest you check it out. Below is just a sampling of some of those photos.
And just as a little side note – Is it me or does the comic book adaptation of Annikin Starkiller bear an uncanny resemblance to Jason Mewes from “Jay and Silent Bob” fame? I keep expecting the character to pull out a blunt and say “Snooch to the Nooch.” As a matter of fact, I think this calls for some modifications.
CLICK ANY OF THE PHOTOS BELOW TO ACCESS THE SCRIPTS.
“The Star Wars” First Draft (Dated May, 1974)
“The Star Wars” Second Draft (Dated January 28, 1975)
“The Star Wars” Movie Treatment (Dated May, 1973)
“Star Wars” Press Book
“The Star Wars” Comic Trailer
And finally… Pictures from Peter Mayhew’s personal “Star Wars” archive. Click HERE to visit his Twitter account.
