Star Wars fans have long held Emperor Palpatine as the mastermind behind the galaxy’s descent into darkness. From his manipulation of Anakin Skywalker to orchestrating the downfall of the Jedi, Palpatine’s shadow looms large over the iconic franchise. However, new revelations suggest that George Lucas originally had a different vision for the ultimate villain, and it’s stirring up conversations across the galaxy.
A Villainous Twist: The Rise of Tarkin
A recent discovery on Reddit has unearthed an early concept from George Lucas’s Star Wars notes, revealing that Grand Moff Tarkin, not Palpatine, was once envisioned as the central antagonist of the saga. In this iteration, Darth Vader was intended to serve as Tarkin’s enforcer, a fearsome presence but not the mastermind fans now know him as.
This revelation has sparked debate among fans. For many, Tarkin’s authoritative role in A New Hope supports this idea. Redditor zennim highlights a pivotal line from Princess Leia, who sneeringly refers to Tarkin as “holding Vader’s leash,” positioning the Grand Moff as the one in control.
Vader’s Evolution: From Henchman to Icon
While some fans agree with this interpretation, others push back, arguing that Vader’s prominence even in the original film suggests a deeper role. The iconic imagery of Vader—his towering figure, his ominous breathing—cemented him as a force of nature within the galaxy.
User Nimrod48 weighed in, noting, “It’s his image looming over the heroes on the posters, not Tarkin’s.” This visual dominance, paired with Vader’s menacing demeanor, may explain why Lucas shifted gears, elevating Vader and introducing Palpatine as the puppet master.
Yet, others point out that Tarkin’s power was clear in A New Hope. From commanding the Death Star to dismissing Vader’s mystical “ancient religion,” Tarkin operated as the face of the Empire’s tyranny. Would the franchise have been the same if Vader remained a subordinate figure?
What Fans Are Saying
This surprising twist has prompted a flurry of fan reactions. Some are embracing the idea of an alternate narrative, imagining how Tarkin might have shaped the saga. Others view this revelation as a piece of Star Wars lore that underscores the fluidity of Lucas’s creative process.
Here’s what fans are debating:
- Tarkin as the central villain: Several commenters point to the dialogue and power dynamics in A New Hope as evidence that Lucas initially intended Tarkin to take the spotlight.
- Vader’s iconic status: Many argue that Vader’s visual and thematic presence was too compelling to leave him as a mere henchman.
- The impact of Palpatine: Fans agree that Palpatine’s rise as the overarching villain added depth to the story, weaving the prequels and sequels into a cohesive narrative.
“Yeah, Palpatine began the story as a puppet. I’ve always felt the Vader as henchman idea gets overstated a tad,” said relapse_account on Reddit. Meanwhile, others like zennim suggest that Lucas’s initial drafts painted a very different picture, one that reflected Tarkin’s dominance in the first film.
What Could Have Been
Had Lucas stuck with Tarkin as the ultimate villain, the Star Wars saga might have taken a drastically different shape. With Vader as an enforcer rather than a tragic antihero, the emotional weight of his redemption in Return of the Jedi might have been diminished. Palpatine’s machinations, which tie together the prequel trilogy and the Skywalker saga, might never have come to light.
One fan summarized it perfectly: “Tarkin is clearly the main villain of the first movie, Vader only ‘barely’ following his orders. It is clear that Vader is untouchable, but he isn’t the one in command.”
What remains clear is that Lucas’s willingness to adapt his vision helped shape Star Wars into the beloved cultural phenomenon it is today. Fans may debate who was intended to be the true villain, but the layered storytelling and complex characters have ensured the saga’s lasting legacy.
