The original designs of Anakin Skywalker, a recognizable figure from the Star Wars saga and protagonist of the prequels, have their roots in concepts developed in the 1980s. These designs were considered and ultimately discarded during the making of Return of the Jedi, only to resurface as a source of inspiration for the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy. This phenomenon reveals how Lucasfilm manages a continuous process of discarding and recycling creative ideas, allowing for a visual coherence that, while not the result of strict planning, reflects a constant conversation through time and the different iterations of the franchise.
A character that has changed enormously over time
Ralph McQuarrie, the iconic concept designer, played a fundamental role in establishing the visual imagery of Star Wars, influencing both the original films and the prequels. His work, although in many cases unpublished in the final productions, becomes an invaluable resource that current designers frequently turn to, thus creating a “genetic bank” of the Star Wars universe. This approach of “visual archaeology” allows fragments of the past to come to life in new contexts, as seen in the evolution of Anakin’s design, which was meant to reflect his journey from young slave to corrupt Jedi knight.
Interestingly, the artists involved, including Doug Chiang and Iain McCaig, faced the challenge of visually representing Anakin’s complex transition without losing his essence as a tragic hero. However, many unsettling designs were discarded, including versions of Anakin with darker traits that would have prevented him from having a plausible redemption in Return of the Jedi. Through the history of his design, it is highlighted how aesthetic decisions impact the perception of the character and, therefore, the overall narrative of the saga.
