25 years later, I’m still shocked that people hated George Lucas' bestAnakin Skywalker/Darth Vaderstory decision. Anakin Skywalker is undoubtedly one ofStar Wars’best characters, if not the single best, and that’s been true since he was introduced in the originalStar Warstrilogy. Years later, though, the prequel trilogy fleshed outAnakin Skywalker’sStar Warstimelineconsiderably more by revealing the details of his backstory, from his upbringing in slavery on Tatooine to the defining moments of his fall to the dark side.
While the prequels were therefore a pivotal addition toStar Warsmovies and TV shows, there were also manycomplaints about the prequel trilogy. These complaints included things like the dialogue and the performances, but they also extended to many of George Lucas' decisions regarding the narrative and the changes to the largerStar Warsgalaxy.One of the single most controversial moments in theStar Warsprequel trilogy specifically pertained to a key Anakin Skywalker plot point, but I believe this was a brilliant choice.
The Phantom Menace Established The Chosen One Prophecy
This Brought An Entirely New Light To Anakin’s Role In Star Wars
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menaceshocked audiences by introducing Anakin Skywalker not as an already evil, burgeoning Sith Lord or even as a violent, angry teenager (which he eventually became), but rather as an innocent, adorable young boy. Anakin was kind, thoughtful, and compassionate, constantly looking for ways to support his mother, such as by building C-3PO to help her around their home. This alone became a complaint from some viewers, but there was something even more controversial about Anakin inThe Phantom Menace.
Namely,The Phantom MenaceintroducedAnakin Skywalker’s Chosen One prophecyas a storyline, and many were extremely resistant to it. Although the exact language of the prophecy took time to be clarified, it was immediately clear thatthis prophesied being was destined to bring balance to the Force. The Jedi interpreted this as meaning destroying the Sith, but the actual prophecy didn’t indicate that.
Rather,Claudia Gray’s canon novelMaster & Apprenticeidentified the exact language of the Chosen One prophecyfor the very first time. The text read:
“A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored.”
Again, the Jedi interpreted (or, seemingly, misinterpreted) this to mean bringing an end to the Sith, although that was evidently just their viewpoint on what balance would mean. In either case, it’s clear that this is referring to Anakin, given his mother, Shmi, herself confirmed that there was no father when speaking to Qui-Gon Jinn inThe Phantom Menace.It was this, combined with the notion of there being a Chosen One at all, that audiences didn’t like.
This Prophecy Was Highly Criticized By Audiences
Many Found This Decision Changed The Nature Of Star Wars
The biggest issue most viewers had with the Chosen One prophecy was the way that it theoretically madeStar Warsmore mystical. Yes, the original trilogy introduced concepts like the Force, but the issue in this case seemed to be audiences viewing this as a shift from something otherworldly to something almost messianic. In fact, this directly ties into the trouble with Anakin having no father; many saw this as giving Anakin an immaculate conception, which they found not in keeping with the galaxy of the original trilogy.
Many saw this as giving Anakin an immaculate conception, which they found not in keeping with the galaxy of the original trilogy.
Some also felt this broke the Everyman Hero focus ofStar Warsintroduced in the original trilogy, particularly with Luke Skywalker. What was in part so incredible about Luke was all he managed to become and accomplish despite his humble beginnings. Luke had been a seeming nobody, as he came from a desert planet with very little connection to the galaxy beyond (including a true understanding of the evils of the Empire).
This story with Anakin certainly changed that by making him a galaxy-defining being. Arguably, though,Star Warshad already undone this Everyman Hero story inThe Empire Strikes Backby revealing Luke’s biological relation to Darth Vader. Whether this is a valid criticism or not, though,I fully believe that giving Anakin this legacy inStar Warswas the right decision, as it was something his character arc demanded.
Anakin’s Status As The Chosen One Was The Right Call
Anakin/Vader’s Story Needed This Mystical Element
Luke certainly worked well as an Everyman Hero, and that story arc was compelling in the original trilogy. Yet,Anakin Skywalker’s story needed this massive legacy and mythical component. Without the Chosen One prophecy, Anakin’s ability to become one ofStar Wars’most powerful Jedi, have such an influence on the fate of the galaxy, and then turn around and become one ofStar Wars’most powerful Sithas Darth Vader would feel unbelievable.
It would simply be too much power and influence for an otherwise ordinary character to possess had there been no deeper legacy such as the Chosen One prophecy tied to Anakin Skywalker’s story. This background also made Anakin/Vader’s storyline in the original trilogy make so much more sense and have an even greater impact.What this Chosen One prophecy provided was the sense that Anakin had just fulfilled his destiny inStar Warsby bringing balance to the Force.
It would simply be too much power and influence for an otherwise ordinary character to possess had there been no deeper legacy such as the Chosen One prophecy tied to Anakin Skywalker’s story.
Star Wars May Not Be Done With Anakin’s Role As The Chosen One Yet
A Thrilling Ahsoka Season 2 Theory Suggests This Story May Not Be Over Yet
What has me all the more convinced this Chosen One prophecy was the right decision is one thrillingAhsokaseason 2 theory regarding the Mortis Gods. Specifically, this theory suggests thatAnakin Skywalker (now as a Force Ghost), his former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, and dark-sider Baylan Skoll could form the Father, Daughter, and Son comprising the Mortis Gods. This would especially make sense given the Daughter embodied the light side of the Force, the Son embodied the dark, and the Father represented balance in the Force itself.
These are also roles that need to be filled, as the Mortis Gods all died inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, following Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan Kenobi crash landing on the planet. The connection to the Chosen One prophecy in this scenario is what excites me most. Some have argued thatPalpatine’s resurrectioninStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerruined Anakin’s fulfillment of the prophecy, as balance was arguably not restored after all. Yet,if Anakin became the Father, it would cement him bringing balance in the most poetic way.
This would also mean Anakin’s legacy would live on in a whole new way, even if he’s never seen again on theStar Warsscreen. All of this is only possible because George Lucas decided to take this risk and introduce the Chosen One prophecy in the prequel trilogy. There will always be some who hate George Lucas' Chosen One prophecy story arc, but, in my view, this was the perfect addition toAnakin Skywalker/Darth Vader’sStar Warsstory.
