Article Overview
Louis Leterrier pitched a Star Wars TV show idea about a lone wolf and cub, focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker.
Despite not adopting Leterrier's precise concept, the master and apprentice relationship as well as the "wolf and cub" motif are evident in the current Disney+ Star Wars shows. Rather than opting for an Obi-Wan and Luke series, Lucasfilm pleasantly surprised viewers by pairing Obi-Wan with a youthful Leia, a decision that has been positively received.
Louis Leterrier, renowned for his work on Now You See Me and Fast X, recently shared intriguing insights about his Star Wars pitches. In 2017, when Disney+ streaming service was about to be introduced, Lucasfilm welcomed proposals for different Star Wars TV shows. While Jon Favreau's concept ultimately became a hit with The Mandalorian, Leterrier was also among those who presented ideas involving a solitary protagonist and a youngling with Force abilities. During a live commentary on The Incredible Hulk, Leterrier disclosed his involvement with Lucasfilm's pitch process to Josh Horowitz.
"I had an idea for a Star Wars TV show long ago, which I pitched to them. It was centered around the concept of a 'lone wolf and cub' dynamic. However, they were unsure about its potential. The idea revolved around exploring the events before A New Hope, specifically when Obi-Wan takes Luke. Additionally, I was also intrigued by the possibility of a Boba Fett movie."
Leterrier's statement is a bit vague, but it seems like his intention was to create a show featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker in a "lone wolf and cub" scenario. However, this dynamic eventually became the central theme of The Mandalorian, while the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show surprised viewers by partnering the Jedi Master with a young Leia Organa instead of focusing on Obi-Wan and Luke.
Lucasfilm Played These Ideas In A Very Different Way
It's worth mentioning that, although Lucasfilm didn't exactly follow Leterrier's proposal, the Star Wars Disney+ TV shows actually incorporated elements from his ideas. As Ahsoka highlighted, the core of Star Wars lies in the relationship between a master and apprentice, and the "wolf and cub" concept naturally builds upon this theme. Since Disney+ primarily targets families, this approach becomes highly appealing. The dynamics between Din Djarin and Grogu, as well as Obi-Wan and Leia, align well with this thematic essence.
What is even more surprising is that Lucasfilm has chosen not to produce a show centered around Obi-Wan and Luke. One reason for this is the challenge of maintaining continuity, as Luke's knowledge of the Jedi in the original Star Wars movie is limited. There is a well-known meme that pokes fun at Luke for inspecting a lightsaber by looking down the blade emitter and playing with the trigger. However, another reason for this decision is the desire to explore a different perspective, which has pleasantly surprised viewers. Despite this, young Leia has been a standout character in the various Star Wars TV shows released so far.
Editor's P/S
As a Star Wars fan, I find it fascinating to learn about Louis Leterrier's pitch for a Star Wars TV show featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker as a "lone wolf and cub" duo. While Lucasfilm didn't directly adopt Leterrier's concept, it's intriguing to see how elements of his pitch have been incorporated into the current Disney+ Star Wars shows.
The idea of a master and apprentice relationship is central to Star Wars, and the "wolf and cub" motif adds an interesting twist to this dynamic. It's also interesting to note that Lucasfilm has chosen to explore this theme in different ways, such as the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu in The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi and young Leia in the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV show. While I would have loved to see Leterrier's original pitch come to fruition, I'm excited to see how Lucasfilm continues to explore the "lone wolf and cub" concept in future Star Wars projects.