Star Wars: The Force Awakens Reveals Unused Concept Art of Darth Vader’s Terrifying Transformation

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has recently unveiled surprising details, sparking renewed interest among its audience. Unearthed concept art for the film has unveiled a stunning transformation of Darth Vader that was originally considered but never materialized on screen.

The recent Star Wars trilogy’s concept art presents an unconventional look at Darth Vader. The idea, more intricate than what was eventually chosen, suggested a depiction of Vader’s melted helmet. For Kylo Ren, a key character in the trilogy, the helmet symbolizes his loyalty to the Force’s darker aspect. However, Vader himself does not play a direct role in Kylo Ren’s emotionally charged redemption narrative. This newly discovered concept art could have woven a deeper, more organic connection between Vader and Kylo Ren.

A Tumblr blog, Consumed By Star Wars Feelings, shared images from The Art of The Force Awakens, featuring this fascinating Vader concept art. The images present a spectral version of Vader, transitioning between Anakin Skywalker and the iconic Sith Lord, symbolizing his internal struggle. The artwork progresses from a haunting hybrid of Anakin and machine to a final amalgamation with the Vader mask. A particularly striking piece shows Anakin’s Force ghost confronting Darth Vader, with an older Luke Skywalker observing, hinting at a more complex redemption arc than initially presented.

Anakin’s Ghost: A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Storytelling in Kylo Ren’s Arc

This alternative vision of Anakin’s ghost could have significantly impacted Kylo Ren’s storyline. Artist Iain McCaig, inspired by a quote from Ursula LeGuin, “When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow,” embedded a deep, symbolic meaning in the artwork. This metaphor captures the essence of Kylo Ren’s character journey in the sequel trilogy, as he grapples with his family legacy, veering towards a darker path while overlooking his grandfather Anakin’s ultimate redemption.

Incorporating Anakin’s ghost, which reflects both his Jedi and Sith identities, could have added a nuanced layer to Kylo Ren’s fixation with becoming the next Vader. The influence of Vader on Kylo Ren was a major focus in The Force Awakens, though it arguably didn’t achieve its full storytelling promise. While the trilogy eventually used Kylo Ren’s familial connections to guide him back to the light, the focus shifted to his father, Han Solo, rather than Anakin.

The revelation of this unused concept art invites speculation about what might have been. It suggests an alternate storytelling avenue where Anakin’s dual legacy could have served as a more direct guide and cautionary tale for Kylo Ren. Using this tactic, there might have been a more comprehensive exploration of the Star Wars universe’s themes of legacy, redemption, and identity.

The creative behind-the-scenes look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens underscores the potential richness and complexity of the story. In Star Wars, we learn that each character, decision, and creative choice has a lasting impact on the galaxy and its historical trajectory.