One of the most iconic moments in Star Wars happens in A New Hope, when the tiny Rebellion launches an attack against the massive Death Star in the desperate Battle of Yavin. It ends with – spoiler alert – Luke Skywalker making the shot to destroy the battle station, but with a key assist from Han Solo and Chewbacca aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Having left earlier after getting their payment, the heroic duo return at just the right moment to buy Luke enough time to make the shot. The way the film edits it is wonderful, as the Falcon arrives out of nowhere and saves the day. But have you ever wondered about that scene from Han’s perspective? Now you can see it!
In the latest Galaxy of Adventures short – all of which have been amazing – we see this iconic scene from the perspective of Han and Chewie, and it’s wonderful.
We see Han and Luke saying goodbye at the Massassi Temple on Yavin 4, and then we see Han and Chewie silently piloting the Falcon away. Han is clearly conflicted, and soon he and Chewie exchange a glance and smile as they turn the ship around. They arrive to see the battle taking place, and the Falcon flies right into the midst of it as Han and Chewie destroy some TIE Fighters. Han then sees Luke’s X-Wing being pursued by TIEs in the trench and exclaims, “Luke!” as he turns the ship around and heads toward the trench, taking out the TIEs – and picking up where the film does.
It’s a pretty great scene, and it’s cool to see it from Han’s perspective. I think the way the movie does it is clearly the best way in terms of drama and filmmaking, but for those who have seen that already this offers the same scene from a different perspective, which is great. I love seeing Han’s conflicted feelings, I love seeing Chewie subtly questioning Han’s decision to leave, and I love seeing the Falcon arrive at the battle and enter the fray. I’ve never considered it before, but I think it makes a lot of sense that they’d arrive and join the battle before then realizing Luke was in trouble.
Ultimately, it’s just cool seeing this from another perspective. I enjoyed it, and I’m sure you will too.
Star Wars Thoughts 