Readers beware: This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Recently, revelations have surfaced about the cameos made by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Additionally, we have insight into the circumstances surrounding R2-D2 and Luke Skywalker.
Initial Screenplay Insight
The initial story information became known thanks to an older draft, provided by screenwriter Michael Ardnt. As reported by EW:
• Originally, R2 and C-3PO were meant to appear together but it was suggested by Lawrence Kasdan to separate them.
• According to a 2012 script version, Rey was introduced to Luke Skywalker on Jakku after her home had been destroyed. Rey then proceeds to defeat the antagonist.
• A recurring plot centered around the search for Darth Vader’s remains.
• An alternative plot featured a mission to the underwater wreckage of the second Death Star, in search of critical information related to sacred Jedi areas in the galaxy.
The question arises: why didn’t Luke have a more significant role?
• The reason for Luke’s minimal presence in The Force Awakens was the fear of overshadowing new characters. Any scenes featuring Luke seemed to shift attention away from the newcomers.
Understanding R2-D2’s Unexpected Awakening
The sudden awakening of R2-D2 has sparked curiosity. Details about this are delivered from a Q&A session after a screening:
• R2-D2’s entrance had to serve a purpose – to keep the audience on their toes before the droid rolls out to communicate.
• The explanation behind R2-D2 accessing the Death Star information and locating the Jedi temples pertains to the robot’s impromptu download of the Empire’s archives, as suggested by Arndt.
• Kylo Ren confirmed this fact and referenced it in his dialogue with Abrams. The information proves useful in The Force Awakens once a new droid approaches R2.
• As Abrams puts it, “BB-8 comes up and asks R2 if he has the rest of the map piece. The dialogue prompts R2’s awakening.
• Octogenarian astromechs like R2 apparently need time to reboot and process information, hence the delay in action.
The J.J. Abrams directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released on December 18, 2015. The film boasts a star-studded cast including; John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie. These stars joined the original cast of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker.
