MOVIE NEWS – We missed a wedding, but we got Darth Vader instead, which is a pretty good exchange and did a lot for the success of Rogue One…
Rogue One is undoubtedly one of the brightest movie stars in the Star Wars galaxy. Released in 2016, the film carved out a special place for itself in the hearts of Star Wars fans by accomplishing something incredibly difficult: uniting almost the entire fandom unanimously that the film is excellent. The work is loved so much for, among other things, the ending, the dramatic fate of the heroes and the spectacular appearance of Darth Vader. However, it was initially intended to have a different ending: the typical Hollywood “Happy End”…
From the beginning, the creators intended to present a dark and powerful ending that distanced itself from the optimism of other films directed by George Lucas. The film is a prequel that takes place right before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, focusing on a group of rebels who risk their lives to steal the plans for the dreaded Death Star. The final self-sacrifice of the heroes, with the death of the main characters, seemed a risky but necessary twist to give the necessary dramatic effect. Now we can all agree, can’t we? But this ending almost came to nothing.
A wise but risky decision
As the filmmakers have explained since the film’s release, Rogue One was a complex project from its initial concept to shortly before its release. According to director Gareth Edwards and screenwriter Gary Whitta, the film’s original ending was significantly different and much lighter. The script’s first version included an ending in which some of the main characters survived. In this alternate ending penned by Whitta, Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor fled the surface of Scarif with the plans for the Death Star, escaping the planet’s destruction and being rescued by a Rebel ship that took them to safety. But who needs a happy ending?
This twist was designed amidst fears that Disney and Lucasfilm would just accept a more upbeat ending. Whitta and Edwards were concerned that their preferred ending, in which all the main characters would die during the suicide mission, would be considered too dark and risqué for a Star Wars film. Early in development, a wedding ending was even considered. This was an unexpectedly happy twist and a stark contrast to the ending that was eventually shown in theatres.
However, as confirmed by screenwriter Chris Weitz, the wedding ending was quickly scrapped thanks to the Force…
According to Edwards, as production progressed, the creative team, realizing that Disney and Lucasfilm were willing to allow a more bleak ending, decided that character sacrifice should be an integral part of the film’s message. Edwards and Whitta argued that it was the characters’ noble sacrifices that really gave the story power. As a result, they kept perfecting the ending, where all the heroes died. In doing so, they created one of the most memorable endings to the saga while mildly traumatizing fans.
Darth Vader appears in Rogue One
The theatrical Rogue One ending features a breathtaking action sequence in which Darth Vader transforms into a laser-powered human meat grinder. The climactic scene showcases Darth Vader’s destructive power on screen in a way we’ve never seen before. It’s the triumphant return of the saga’s iconic villain as the Rebels desperately struggle to get secret Imperial information to Princess Leia. The intensity of the climax and the sense of desolation that accompanies the deaths of the main characters provide an emotional depth that many fans consider one of the highlights of the series.
Diego Luna, who plays Cassian Andor, expressed several times that he was excitedly waiting for the tragic end of his character. In interviews, he noted that he knew his character’s fate from the beginning, and that this was one of the aspects that most attracted him to the role. Luna defended the decision to keep the dark ending, noting that it adds a layer of realism and seriousness to the story, making the characters’ sacrifices even more meaningful.
The impact of Rogue One’s ending is undeniable. Not only does the film expand the Star Wars mythology with stories of sacrifice and bravery, but it also excels at providing a bittersweet ending that resonates deeply with viewers and is a welcome change of tone for the franchise, much like Andor in other Star Wars franchises. Remember, you can watch Rogue One, Andor, and the rest of the Star Wars saga on Disney+.
Leave a Reply