George Lucas’ Star Wars became a worldwide phenomenon upon release. The sci-fi epic was set in a galaxy far, far away and followed Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo in their journey to vanquish the Empire led by Darth Vader. The original film released in 1977 was known for its groundbreaking special effects and experience.
Though the films were meant largely for children, the second film of the original trilogy Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was notably darker than the rest. The leading characters face significant losses, which is not traditional for an epic film of this scale. However, the makers reportedly felt one scene was too intense for their younger viewers and left it on the floor.
George Lucas Cut Out Han Solo’s Torture Scene From Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
One aspect of the Star Wars films that made them worldwide blockbusters was their accessibility. While the larger lore and political systems were aimed at adults, the tone and journeys of the characters were kid-friendly. George Lucas has always been adamant about the films being a tribute to the films and shows he saw as a kid in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Despite the kid-friendly nature of the films, the tone went significantly darker in the second film of the original trilogy. Irvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back was the middle to Lucas’ three-film story and saw the lead characters face tough challenges as they increased their attack on the Empire and Darth Vader. The famous twist also occurs in the film.
However, one scene was reportedly cut from the film as the makers feared that it would be too gory for the younger audiences. When Harrison Ford’s Han Solo is captured by Vader in the film, it is implied that he is tortured as it cuts away before any of the gore starts.
Director Irvin Kershner mentioned that he had actually shot more of the torture scenes (via Star Wars Insider)
I originally filmed more shots of Solo as he is being tortured. There were flashes of electricity everywhere. But it was cut out because we were afraid it might be too intense for children.
The film sees Luke Skywalker lose his hand and the opening Wampa attack scene is violent as it is.
George Lucas Always Meant To Make Star Wars For Kids
The one criticism that Star Wars has often received from fans is the tone of the films. From the original to the prequels, which came decades later, the tone of the films is often a bit silly and is aimed at children. Fans have had issues with the introduction of Ewoks, which many considered to be a move aimed at the kids in the audience.
However, George Lucas has often defended his vision and intention with the films. He has claimed that the films are primarily for children and for the adults who grew up with the series. He said in an interview with ABC News,
What happens is the older people that see the movie get very upset with this sort of younger — you know, I won’t say we’re on the ‘Barney’ level, but on the younger aspects of the movies, and they’re in all the movies. And in ‘Empire Strikes Back,’ the same thing happened to 3PO. They hated 3PO.
They said that that jabbering — if that robot talked anymore, it’s so irritating. And then I did the next film, which had Ewoks in it, and these older fans, and the older adults, all went berserk. And then in ‘Phantom’ it was about (the character) Jar Jar.
The filmmaker also mentioned that he could never make a film that satisfied all the fans as they all wanted different things.
All Star Wars films and shows are available to stream on Disney Plus.
