Did George Lucas originally plan to kill off Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Phantom Menace?

Yes, according to storyboard artist Iain McCaig, George Lucas initially considered a plot twist where Obi-Wan dies and Qui-Gon Jinn takes on his name. This concept was eventually abandoned.

Why did George Lucas change his mind about killing Obi-Wan?

Lucas likely realized that killing Obi-Wan and having Qui-Gon adopt his name would confuse the storyline, complicate character development, and undermine Obi-Wan’s legacy across the series.

How would Star Wars have been different if Lucas kept this plan?

This twist would have shifted Obi-Wan's role and impacted his connection with Anakin, potentially making the Jedi Master’s legacy and relationships in the saga far less meaningful.

What was the reason for the name switch idea?

The name change was intended to explain Obi-Wan’s line in A New Hope, “That’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time,” suggesting it was a title, not his original identity.

Did George Lucas ever revisit this idea in later Star Wars media?

No, Lucas decided against this storyline before production. Instead, the prequels developed Obi-Wan’s story arc, shaping his journey as a central part of Star Wars lore.

George Lucas Almost Killed Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace

Star Wars fans, prepare to have your minds blown! Remember 1999? The return of the Force with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace after 16 years was a massive event for fans and critics alike. But what if the movie you saw back then wasn’t the one George Lucas originally had in mind?

Yes, you read that right. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the beloved Jedi Master, was almost written off in The Phantom Menace—a twist so wild it would’ve reshaped the entire Star Wars universe. Let’s dive into this alternate story, the mind-bending identity switch, and how close we came to a Star Wars history that’s hard to believe.

Lucas’s Original Plan: Qui-Gon Jinn as Obi-Wan Kenobi?

According to concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig, George Lucas initially envisioned a completely different storyline for The Phantom Menace. In this version, the wise and reserved Jedi Master wasn’t Qui-Gon Jinn, but Obi-Wan Kenobi. Confused yet? Here’s how it was supposed to go down:

The Name Swap: Initially, the older Jedi Master was called Obi-Wan, and his young apprentice was named Qui-Gon. Imagine a younger Qui-Gon with all the youthful energy and spunk of the Obi-Wan we came to know.
The Twist Ending: The story would conclude with the death of the older Obi-Wan (or, as we know him, Qui-Gon Jinn). The young Jedi would then take on his master’s quest and his name—becoming Obi-Wan Kenobi.
What’s in a Name? This twist was meant to explain Alec Guinness’s line in A New Hope, where he says, “Now that’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time,” as if the name was something he took on as a mantle. So the Obi-Wan we know would actually have started life as Qui-Gon!

In this alternate universe, Qui-Gon Jinn would’ve grown into the character we know as Obi-Wan, and the entire Star Wars lore would’ve looked very different.

Why Obi-Wan’s Death (or Name Change) Didn’t Happen

So, why did George Lucas change his mind? This drastic plot twist would’ve fundamentally altered the storyline, but not necessarily for the better. Imagine Qui-Gon, in this scenario, taking on the name “Obi-Wan Kenobi” after his master’s death. Could he really adopt an identity like a pair of Jedi robes?

This concept likely raised a few eyebrows for Lucas and his team. Questions like, “Why would Qui-Gon take on his master’s name instead of honoring his own?” and “Does that really clarify anything about Alec Guinness’s line in A New Hope?” might’ve caused the team to reconsider. Ultimately, they decided to stick with Obi-Wan as a young Jedi who would grow into the iconic role, letting Qui-Gon’s character end with a heroic, self-sacrificing death.

What Would Have Changed in Star Wars Lore?

This plot twist, if carried out, would have sent the Star Wars timeline on a dramatically different path. Here’s what it could have changed:

The Mentor-Mentee Relationship: Instead of Qui-Gon being the wise, sacrificial Jedi, Obi-Wan would’ve filled that role. It would mean a shift in how we view Jedi teachings, as the stern mentorship would have come from “Obi-Wan” and not “Qui-Gon.”
Luke and Obi-Wan’s Connection: Luke Skywalker’s connection to Obi-Wan, which centers around Obi-Wan being a direct line to his father, would have been… well, complicated. How would Qui-Gon, who became Obi-Wan, relay those experiences?
The Legacy of Obi-Wan: The entire concept of Obi-Wan as an enduring Jedi figure might have felt more convoluted. The Obi-Wan we know became wise through his journey across the prequel trilogy, not just because he picked up his master’s name.
The Prequels’ Emotional Impact: Without Qui-Gon’s death, Obi-Wan’s loss, which pushes him to take Anakin under his wing, wouldn’t hit the same way. Qui-Gon’s death has major implications, setting Anakin on his fateful path. The switcheroo would have diluted this emotional moment.

Why Fans (and Probably George Lucas) Agree It Was the Right Call

Even as devoted fans, we have to admit that sometimes less is more, and Lucas might have realized that too. The name-switch twist, though intriguing, could have caused more confusion than anything else.

Star Wars fans have come to love the characters as they are, and the prequels gave us time to see Obi-Wan’s growth from padawan to Jedi Master. This storyline lets him evolve naturally and shows his bond with Anakin—something that would be lost if Qui-Gon had simply adopted the name “Obi-Wan” out of convenience. Besides, the mystical allure of Star Wars is built on these layered relationships and characters, not complex naming twists.

The Obi-Wan We Got: Stronger and More Memorable

Imagine if Ewan McGregor hadn’t played the scrappy, rule-following-but-still-sassy Obi-Wan we know today. His journey from young padawan under Qui-Gon’s wise guidance to the reluctant mentor for Anakin is central to the prequel trilogy’s emotional weight. It makes Obi-Wan’s arc through Revenge of the Sith and eventually into A New Hope all the more poignant.

In 2022, McGregor reprised his role in Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+, exploring an older, wiser, yet burdened Jedi haunted by his choices. The show might not have resonated as much with fans if the character’s history was murky.

Ultimately, Lucas’s decision to keep Obi-Wan’s identity intact preserved the consistency of the original trilogy’s message and gave fans a beloved character they could follow through thick and thin.

Conclusion: A “What If” That Adds More Depth to the Star Wars Universe

It’s fascinating to think of what could have been if Obi-Wan’s character had taken this strange, alternative path. Lucas’s original idea to kill off Obi-Wan and make Qui-Gon adopt his name is a Star Wars “what if” that offers us a glimpse into the creative risks that shaped the saga.

This twist didn’t make it to the big screen, and honestly, that’s probably for the best. We love the wise-cracking, patient, loyal Obi-Wan who grew under Qui-Gon’s guidance, faced the loss of his master, and took on the weight of mentoring Anakin. The character we know has left a permanent mark on the galaxy, one that a quick name switch just wouldn’t have captured.

So, while the “Obi-Wan twist” might be an interesting footnote, the Star Wars galaxy is better for the choice Lucas made. And now, with every line from Alec Guinness and every duel from Ewan McGregor, we can appreciate the thought that went into creating a character whose legacy truly resonates across generations. May the real Obi-Wan Kenobi always be with us!