“Star Wars”, a series that has fascinated people all over the world for many years, is famous for its big stories, unforgettable characters, and complex plots.
But what if some important events in the Star Wars story had happened differently? What if Darth Maul had lived after his fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi, or if Anakin Skywalker had never become evil?
In this article, we look at these possible situations and more, studying a group of different endings to various Star Wars movies suggested by fans.
These different endings, suggested by creative and dedicated fans, give new views on the well-loved story and start interesting talks about the characters we thought we knew so well.
Table of Contents
- Darth Maul’s Survival
- Vader’s Deception: The Unseen Emperor
- Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Who Never Fell
- The Empire Strikes Back Early
- Han and Leia’s Unbroken Bond
- The End of the Skywalker Saga
- Luke Skywalker, the Prepared Jedi
- The Immortal Luke Skywalker
- The Death of Rey and Survival of Ben Solo
- The Survivor of Rogue One
Darth Maul’s Survival
In the original storyline of “The Phantom Menace”, Darth Maul, the fearsome Sith Lord, meets his end at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi during the climactic lightsaber duel.
However, consider a scenario where Maul survives this encounter.
As Obi-Wan leaps over Maul to deliver what we know as the killing blow, Maul anticipates this move.
He uses his superior agility to evade Obi-Wan’s attack, leaving the Jedi Knight off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Maul disarms Obi-Wan and makes his escape.
Maul’s survival drastically alters the course of the Star Wars saga. With Maul still in the picture, the Sith maintain a more prominent and menacing presence throughout the series.
Maul’s personal vendetta against Obi-Wan continues to fuel his actions, leading to more direct confrontations between the Jedi and the Sith.
Maul’s survival also impacts Anakin Skywalker’s journey. Maul becomes a constant reminder of the Sith’s power and the threat they pose, potentially causing Anakin to question his allegiance sooner.
Vader’s Deception: The Unseen Emperor
Think about the end of “Return of the Jedi”. The Death Star is falling apart, the Emperor is beaten, and Darth Vader, after saving his son, Luke, takes his last breath. Or does he?
In a surprising turn, Vader lives. He pretends to be dead, tricking his son and the Rebel Alliance. When it’s safe, he vanishes, making the galaxy think he died a hero.
But Vader has more plans. In secret, he finds a new student, Starkiller. Together, they build a new Empire from the old one’s ruins, with Vader leading.
This different ending keeps the fight going, making way for new Star Wars adventures. It also shows a new side of Vader, showing how clever and ambitious he is.
Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Who Never Fell
In the original Star Wars prequel trilogy, Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader is a pivotal plot point.
However, let’s envision an alternate reality where Anakin never succumbs to the dark side.
In this alternate storyline, Anakin’s strong will and moral compass guide him to resist the manipulations of Chancellor Palpatine.
Despite the Chancellor’s best efforts to exploit Anakin’s fears and insecurities, Anakin remains steadfast in his commitment to the Jedi Order and the light side of the Force.
Anakin’s decision to stay with the Jedi drastically changes the course of the Star Wars saga.
Without Anakin’s fall, the Jedi Order isn’t decimated, and the Galactic Republic doesn’t transform into the tyrannical Galactic Empire.
Anakin’s continued presence as a Jedi also means that he plays a more active role in his children’s lives, potentially guiding Luke and Leia in their Force training from an early age.
The Empire Strikes Back Early
Think of a galaxy where the Empire, always ahead, learns about the Rebel Alliance’s plan to destroy the Death Star.
In this different universe, the Empire doesn’t wait for the Rebels to act. It attacks the Rebel base on Yavin IV first, surprising the Rebels and stopping their plans before they start.
This surprise attack by the Empire shocks the galaxy. The Rebel Alliance, not ready, faces big losses. Important members are lost, resources run out, and hope is low.
The Rebels have to hide, their big plans of an attack replaced by a desperate hidden war.
With the Death Star still in space, the Empire’s rule of fear continues. The galaxy is darker, the air more heavy. The Rebel Alliance’s challenge has never been bigger.
Han and Leia’s Unbroken Bond
In an alternate Star Wars narrative, the love story of Han Solo and Princess Leia takes a different turn.
Instead of parting ways after the Battle of Endor, they continue to live together, their bond remaining unbroken despite the challenges of war.
Their enduring relationship becomes a beacon of hope and strength amidst the chaos and destruction of war.
This unbroken bond between Han and Leia adds a new layer to the Star Wars saga. It deepens their characters and provides a counterbalance to the main narrative of conflict and struggle.
Their love story evolves into a testament to enduring love and commitment, demonstrating the power of love to overcome hardship.
Most importantly, their strong connection has a profound impact on their son, Ben Solo. Growing up in a loving and stable home, Ben is shielded from the allure of the dark side.
This significant change in his upbringing could potentially alter the course of events in the next trilogy, offering a fascinating twist to the Star Wars narrative.
The End of the Skywalker Saga
What if the Skywalker saga had reached its conclusion earlier?
In this alternate timeline, the victory of the Rebel Alliance, the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, and the death of Emperor Palpatine in “Return of the Jedi” mark the end of the saga.
This premature conclusion changes the landscape of the Star Wars universe. The focus shifts from the Skywalkers to new characters and stories.
The galaxy far, far away expands, introducing us to new worlds, new conflicts, and new heroes.
Moreover, the early conclusion of the Skywalker saga gives a sense of finality to the original trilogy. The story of Anakin Skywalker comes full circle, his redemption marking the end of his journey.
Luke Skywalker, the Prepared Jedi
Envision a different introduction to Luke Skywalker in “The Force Awakens”
Instead of finding a broken man in self-imposed exile, Rey discovers Luke in the midst of intense training, preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Snoke and the First Order.
Luke’s preparedness changes the dynamics of the sequel trilogy.
Instead of a reluctant mentor, Luke becomes an active participant in the fight against the First Order. His wisdom and experience become invaluable assets to the Resistance.
Moreover, Luke’s preparedness could lead to earlier and more direct confrontations with the First Order.
This could escalate the conflict in the sequel trilogy, raising the stakes and intensifying the action.
In this version of events, Luke Skywalker embodies the qualities of a true Jedi: foresight, preparedness, and a steadfast commitment to peace and justice.
The Immortal Luke Skywalker
What if the narrative of “The Last Jedi” took an unexpected turn? Picture Luke Skywalker, not as a spectral figure fading into the Force, but as a living, breathing beacon of hope for the Resistance.
In this reimagined reality, the secluded island of Ahch-To doesn’t serve as Luke’s final resting place. Instead, it becomes the stage for his triumphant survival.
After a grueling Force projection duel with Kylo Ren, Luke stands tall, ready to continue the fight against the First Order.
This twist in Luke’s fate sends ripples through the sequel trilogy. No longer a posthumous inspiration, Luke becomes an active force in the Resistance.
His wisdom shapes their strategies, his experience guides their actions, and his power stands as a formidable counter to the First Order.
But the implications of Luke’s survival extend beyond the battlefield. It opens up opportunities for deeper connections with the new generation of characters.
His mentorship of Rey can evolve, and his personal confrontation with his nephew, Kylo Ren, can come to fruition.
The Death of Rey and Survival of Ben Solo
In the original “The Rise of Skywalker”, Rey defeats Emperor Palpatine at the cost of her own life, only to be revived by Ben Solo, who sacrifices his own life in the process. But what if their fates were reversed?
In an alternate Star Wars universe, during the final confrontation with Palpatine, it’s Rey who makes the ultimate sacrifice. She gives her life to destroy the Emperor once and for all.
Ben Solo, witnessing Rey’s sacrifice, is unable to save her in time.
Rey’s death and Ben’s survival drastically change the course of the Star Wars saga.
Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Ben fully embraces the light side of the Force, honoring Rey’s sacrifice by dedicating his life to restoring peace and justice to the galaxy.
Moreover, Ben’s survival allows for the continuation of the Skywalker lineage. He carries on the legacy of his family, not as Kylo Ren, but as Ben Solo, a Jedi Knight.
The Survivor of Rogue One
In the heart-wrenching climax of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, the entire crew sacrifices their lives to ensure the Death Star plans reach the Rebel Alliance. But what if one of them had survived?
Picture a lone figure escaping the chaos of Scarif, carrying with them the memory of their fallen comrades and the hope of the Rebellion.
This survivor, whether it’s the determined Jyn Erso, the brave Cassian Andor, or perhaps the reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO, becomes a living testament to the bravery of the Rogue One crew.
Their survival adds a new layer of depth to the Star Wars saga. They serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Rogue One crew, their story inspiring new heroes across the galaxy.
In this alternate ending, the survivor of Rogue One stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, their survival a testament to the power of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.