Find out why Lucas chose Coruscant for the final battle for ‘Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’ and how it changed the saga.

Imagine the climax of “Return of the Jedi” not on the moon of Endor, but on the vast landscape of Coruscant. This idea was not a figment of the imagination of an intrepid fan, but a reality conceived in the first drafts of the script, and Coruscant, then known as Had Abaddon, promised to be the scene of the final battle. But what made George Lucas and Richard Marquand abandon this vision, opting instead for the beauty of the woods and ancient Ewoks? The answer lies in budgetary constraints and a thematic perspective that seeks to contrast nature with the technological unnaturalness of empire.

Theme change: from Had Abaddon to Indore

Originally named Had Abaddon, this ecumenopolis, the capital of the Galactic Empire, is home to not one, but two Death Stars under construction, an epic tale of triumph for the Rebels. Although this vision was scrapped, the concept and name of Coruscant lived on, inspiring future Star Wars creators and being officially incorporated into the saga in 1997’s “Return of the Jedi” special edition. This change not only changed the location of the final battle, but also redefined the narrative of the Rebel victory, replacing the complexities of urban warfare with intimate combat in the jungles of Indore.

The transition from the galactic city to the forest moon is not only aesthetic, but also encapsulates the deep battle between simplicity and complexity, with Ewoks-like primitivism defeating the higher forces of empire. This paradigm shift highlighted the strength and cunning and advanced technology, a recurring theme in the saga.

The victory of the rebel was reconsidered

If the end were in Had Abaddon, the Rebel strategy would have to adapt to a dense urban environment and face two operational super weapons. This situation required a more complex and potentially destructive method of combat, where victory was less certain and probably more costly. The idea of ​​war on the streets of Coruscant offered a strikingly different narrative where the rebels’ ingenuity and determination faced greater challenges.

Although the Abaddon setting was scrapped for the end of “Return of the Jedi,” its spirit lives on in other areas of the Star Wars universe. From appearing in Legends-era comics to influencing the design of Palpatine’s throne in The Rise of Skywalker, Coruscant and its discarded concepts continue to inspire the creators of Star Wars, proving that even ill-conceived ideas can leave an indelible mark on a narrative. Saga.

The journey from Lucas’ first vision to what we know today as “Return of the Jedi” is a testament to the evolution of filmmaking and practical decisions. While we may never know the battle of Abaddon, Endor’s choice provided thematic and emotional closure that fans will appreciate, ensuring that the Star Wars saga will continue to capture the imaginations of generations.

In the original Star Wars trilogy, each planet plays an important role in the galactic epic. Tatooine, arid and Luke Skywalker’s home, is where the adventure begins. Snow-covered Hoth, scene of the dramatic battle with the Empire in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Dagobah, mysterious and swampy, where Luke receives his Jedi training from Yoda. and Bespin, with its cloud city, where secrets and betrayals are revealed. Each one brings a rich texture to the saga by showcasing the uniqueness of the Star Wars universe.