Unveiling the Lesser-Known Star Wars: What Would Have Been Luke’s Sister’s Name?

When crafting the iconic franchise that is Star Wars, George Lucas went through numerous iterations and revisions. While many changes and deletions are well-documented, one lesser-known aspect of the pre-production phase involves the existence of a potential sister for Luke Skywalker. If Lucas hadn’t merged Leia’s character with Luke's sister, her name would likely have been Nellith. Let's delve into the details behind this revelation.

Character Evolution: Nellith to Leia

In the earliest drafts of the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker had a sister named Nellith. This character was introduced in Leigh Brackett’s original screenplay for A New Hope (which later became Empire Strikes Back). However, as the franchise evolved, Nellith’s role as Luke’s sister was merged with Leia’s, a move that added romantic tension between Han Solo and Leia.

The Origin of Nellith

Nellith was a character introduced in Leigh Brackett’s original screenplay for A New Hope. Although her role was later cut, her name and character fascinated many fans. The name "Nellith" would have added a unique element to the story, reflecting the creative decisions made during the development of the original trilogy.

Character Flaws and Strengths

Interestingly, George Lucas had considered other potential names and roles for Luke’s sister. Some early drafts suggested her name could have been Pzus or even something as whimsical as Anne or Madame Latroichka III. Naming characters in the Star Wars universe is no trivial matter, given the outlandish nature of many character names as the series progressed.

Comparing Original and Adapted Scripts

The differences between Brackett’s original script and Lawrence Kasdan’s screenplay that was ultimately used in the films (Empire Strikes Back) are significant. Here’s a rundown of the major discrepancies:

Ice Planet Hoth: Originally, Hoth was an ice castle, not an ice-covered base hidden under snow.

Wampa: In Brackett’s script, ice monsters were described as "ice monsters that vanish in a burst of vapor," making them more ethereal than the later, hulking Wampa.

Imperial Crawlers: The Empire’s invasion force was initially “tank-type crawlers” as opposed to the later AT-ATs.

Family Dynamics: Darth Vader and Luke’s father were originally two different individuals, not a father-son relationship.

Yoda: Yoda was initially named Minch, who was a 3,400-year-old fossil.

Lando’s Background: Lando Calrissian had a different last name (Kadar) and his backstory was quite different, involving the Cloud People of Hoth.

These differences highlight how the story continued to evolve, with some features being lost or drastically altered in favor of a more cohesive narrative.

The Romantic Triangle

Another interesting aspect of Brackett’s original script is the more pronounced romantic triangle between Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa. In this version, Leia falls into a more traditional damsel role, with Han and Luke vying for her attention. The dynamic between these characters is quite different from Kasdan’s version, where there is more mutual attraction and bickering, facilitated by Leia’s secret knowledge that Han and Luke are her brothers.

In Brackett’s script, Leia falls into Luke's arms and engages in multiple trysts, which makes her a more carefree character compared to the later, more responsible and independent version of Leia.

Conclusion

The character of Luke’s sister, Nellith, is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Star Wars development. Although her character was ultimately combined with Leia’s, the concept of a sister for Luke Skywalker adds depth and complexity to the original trilogy. Regardless of her name, Nellith’s existence would have marked a significant deviation from the final story we all know and love.

For fans of the original scripts and those interested in the behind-the-scenes creation of Star Wars, it’s exciting to explore these lesser-known elements. Reading Leigh Brackett’s original script offers insight into how the universe might have been different had certain changes not been made.