Summary
If theStar Warsoriginal trilogy was made in the 2010s instead of the 1970s, the most important characters in the galaxy far, far away would look very different. In the 47 years since the originalStar Warswas released, the original trilogy has only gotten better. Even as a slew ofStar WarsmoviesandStar Warsshowshave been released, the original trilogy remains special. It’s almost difficult to imagine a world without the original trilogy, or one where it was made in an entirely different decade.
Thecast of theStar Warsoriginal trilogywas absolutely instrumental in making the franchise as successful as it is. Some of the best actors of their day joined on to make the original trilogy, and they all brought something unique to their roles. If the originalStar Warswas made in the 2010s instead of 1977, they wouldn’t be able to perfectly match the original actors, but there are some great actors to choose from. Ten of the best actors of the 2010s may have even been able to replicate the magic of the original trilogy.
The 10 Best Scenes In The Star Wars Original Trilogy
The Star Wars original trilogy consists of three of the best movies ever made, but only 10 of its scenes can be considered the best of the trilogy.
10Andrew Garfield as Luke Skywalker
Mark Hamill Originally Played Luke Skywalker
The whole point of Luke Skywalker’s story in the original trilogy was that he went from an inexperienced farm boy who wanted to see the galaxy into the hero of the Rebellion and the continuation of the Jedi Order. That means that the actor who would hypothetically replace Mark Hamill in the 2010s would have to be capable of playing both a naive kid who was very far out of his element and a powerful and confident Jedi Knight. Luckily,Andrew Garfield has already proven he’s capable of playing all the sides of Luke Skywalker’s character.
Luke Skywalker
The son of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Luke was brought up on the desert planet Tatooine. Initially mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke fired the fateful shot that destroyed the Death Star, and he became a rebel hero. Despite the fears of Obi-Wan and Yoda, Luke’s faith in his father was proved well-founded when Vader returned to the light. With the Emperor defeated, Luke dedicated himself to bringing back the Jedi; his first attempt ended in tragedy due to Palpatine’s manipulations, but Luke’s legacy lives on in Rey.
Perhaps the role that best proves how well Garfield would do as Luke is Spider-Man. Garfield played Peter Parker inThe Amazing Spider-Man, a duology of movies that made him a very popular actor in the early 2010s.His time playing Peter Parker also proved that Garfield is more than believable as a dorky, naive teenager who has this immense power and responsibility thrust onto him. In many ways,The Amazing Spider-Manwas almost an audition to play Luke. Garfield also showed more than enough range to capture Luke’s rage and shame for Darth Vader inThe Social Networkin 2010.
9Emilia Clarke as Leia Organa
Carrie Fisher Originally Played Leia Organa
When Carrie Fisher was originally cast to play Leia Organa in the originalStar Wars, she went from an almost unheard of actor to a star seemingly overnight. There’s another actor whose career experienced a similar upward spike in the 2010s, and she has proven she can handle the complexities of Leia just as well as Fisher did.Emilia Clarke became a massive star in the 2010s thanks to her role as Daenerys Targaryen inGame of Thrones, a show that perfectly prepared her forStar Wars.
Leia Organa
The daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Leia inherited her mother’s political skills and her father’s Force power. She was raised on Alderaan as a member of the royal family, and followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a senator who secretly worked alongside the Rebel Alliance. Alderaan’s destruction changed everything, and Leia became a leader in both the Rebel Alliance and its successor government, the New Republic. She served there for decades, eventually leaving to found the First Order when she sensed its darkness growing. Leia gave much for her ideals, but eventually gave her life to redeem her son Ben.
Daenerys was a member of a royal family with a strong, independent side, just like Princess Leia. It was such a similar role that Clarke actually already made herStar Warsdebut, inSolo: A Star Wars Story. In that film, she played Qi’ra, a former love interest of Han Solo who became the heir to a massive criminal empire. In essence,Clarke would be perfect as Leia Organa because she can balance the grace and nobility of Leia’s royal side with the strength, smarts, and attitude of her more fiery side. Few actors other than Fisher could handle that balance, and Clarke is one of them.
8Tom Hardy as Han Solo
Harrison Ford Originally Played Han Solo
Some of Harrison Ford’s best movies came fromStar Wars, and Han Solo was one of his most iconic roles. It’s almost difficult to envision the character without Ford’s patented snarky, cool, and confident performance.While it would be difficult for anyone to fill the role of Han Solo, one of the 2010s' biggest stars, Tom Hardy, could do the job admirably. In the 2010s, Hardy made quite a name for himself in action movies likeInception,The Dark Knight Rises, andMad Max: Fury Road, among others. Those previous movies gave Hardy experience playing a rebellious gunslinger like Han Solo.
Han Solo
Hailing from Corellia, Han Solo deserted the Empire to become a smuggler, and he spent years working for the Hutts as a spice runner. Han’s life changed forever when he agreed to transport Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker to Alderaan from Tatooine, and he soon became an important member of the Rebel Alliance. Han’s romance with Leia Organa became the stuff of legend, and they married shortly after the Battle of Endor. Sadly, their relationship ended in tragedy when their son Ben fell to the dark side - eventually killing Han. Still, memories of Han helped bring Ben back to the light.
Hardy’s past roles have prepared him for the physical parts of Han’s role inStar Wars, like his piloting and shooting skills, but they also set him up to succeed in replicating Ford’s charm.Hardy has had to play several smooth, suave, and charming characters in his previous roles, like Reggie Kray inLegendor Eames inInception. Those roles showed that Hardy can handle both Han’s coolest moments - like telling Leia he knew she loved him - but they also showed Hardy can play both good and bad characters, which makes him perfect for Han’s redemption arc.
7Sir Ian McKellen as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Alec Guinness Originally Played Obi-Wan Kenobi
Before Yoda debuted inThe Empire Strikes Back, Obi-Wan Kenobi was the quintessential wise Jedi and mentor. Alec Guinness had a big hand in making Obi-Wan such a respected Jedi, and only one actor from the 2010s would be able to replicate his success: Sir Ian McKellen. He starred in some of the most popular movies of the 2000s and 2010s, like theLord of the Ringstrilogy and theX-Menfranchise.Those films helped McKellen cement himself as a master of playing wise, respectable characters, and he would easily be able to bring the same charm he had as Gandalf and Magneto to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master’s death. Obi-Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi Master became a key player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars, and was heartbroken when Anakin turned to the dark side; Obi-Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the shadows, watching over the young Luke and Leia for years. He sacrificed himself for his two charges, becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them.
Obi-Wan already shares quite a few attributes that McKellen has brought to life in his previous work.Obi-Wan was wise, kind, and gentle like Gandalf, he was cunning, smart, and sympathetic like Magneto, and he could become a truly devastating fighter if the situation arose like both of them. McKellen has essentially already played Obi-Wan, albeit spread across two characters. It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination at all to see him swap out a staff for a lightsaber and a helmet for a Jedi cloak.
6Keith David as Darth Vader
James Earl Jones Originally Voiced Darth Vader
Darth Vader is one of the most iconic parts ofStar Warsand one ofthe greatest villains in movie history.His dark armor, looming presence, and power over the Force helped make sure of that, but arguably the most important factor was James Earl Jones' work voicing Vader. Jones' take on Vader gave the character even more depth, and that gravelly growl turned him from an intimidating presence to a downright terrifying one. If any 2010s actor could bring the same depth of talent to Vader’s voice as Jones did, it would be Keith David.
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
Keith David is one of the most famous screen actors turned voice actors, and that fame came as a result of his incredibly deep and booming voice. For decades, David has voiced some iconic villains and dark characters, like Spawn, Dr. Facilier inThe Princess and the Frog, and more.While their voices are certainly different in many ways, Keith David may be the best alternative to James Earl Jones for Darth Vader’s voice. No one can perfectly replicate Jones, but David would be the best possible replacement.
5Jamie Foxx as Lando Calrissian
Billy Dee Williams Originally Played Lando Calrissian
Lando Calrissian and Han Solo are intertwined in many ways. They were friends within the context ofStar Wars, and they both went from criminals to heroes of the Rebellion, but they were also both known for the same thing: being very cool.Billy Dee Williams brought an undeniable presence to Lando, and the suave way he played the character helped make him a welcome addition to the trilogy inThe Empire Strikes Back. Lando’s charisma is a central part of his character, and Jamie Foxx is the perfect actor to replicate Williams' charm.
Lando Calrissian
The smooth-talking Lando Calrissian enjoyed a successful criminal career during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign. Winning the title of Baron-Administrator of Cloud City, he settled there for a time - until Han Solo came asking for favors, pursued by the Empire. Lando initially betrayed Han, fearful of Darth Vader’s power, but became an important asset in the Rebel Alliance - and helped rescue his old friend too. Although Lando tried to settle down, his family was targeted by the First Order, and his daughter was kidnapped. Lando returned to action toward the end of the Resistance-First Order war.
Jamie Foxx, especially in the 2010s, was basically the modern equivalent of Billy Dee Williams inStar Wars. Several of his roles, fromDjango: UnchainedtoThe Kingdom, allowed Foxx to play cool, confident, and extremely effective characters.He has exactly the same skills Billy Dee Williams used to make Lando Calrissian so memorable, and if anyone could pull off a cape as well as Williams did, it would be Jamie Foxx.
4Jim Rash as C-3PO
Anthony Daniels Originally Played C-3PO
Star Warshas always included comedic elements, and its droids are often used to deliver those punchlines. While C-3PO fills that role for much of the original trilogy, he doesn’t do it in a completely typical way.Many of the droids inStar Wars, like R2-D2, Chopper, and BB-8, are often troublemakers, but Threepio is a bit different. Anthony Daniels brought a unique brand of comedy to Threepio, one that made his character the butt of several jokes. Luckily, Jim Rash is the perfect comedian to give the hypothetical remake of the original trilogy its levity.
C-3PO
Created by Anakin Skywalker, C-3PO was originally supposed to help Anakin and his mother Shmi during the galactic adventures Anakin dreamed they would have together. Instead, C-3PO became a gift to Anakin’s beloved wife Padmé Amidala, and soon found himself thrust into galactic affairs for decades. Threepio has proved himself a key asset to both the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance.
Rash is perhaps best known for his role on the sitcomCommunity, where he played Dean Pelton.Communityalso serves as a perfect example of why Rash would be tremendous as C-3PO.Rash was wonderful at playing Pelton and making that brand of humor work: he had fantastic timing, he was great at physical comedy, and he madeCommunity’s jokes at his expense seem lighthearted when they could easily have come across as mean. Because of his time as Dean Pelton, it’s incredibly easy to see Jim Rash as C-3PO.
3Giancarlo Esposito as Grand Moff Tarkin
Peter Cushing Originally Played Grand Moff Tarkin
As the primary antagonist of the originalStar Wars, Grand Moff Tarkin had a very important role to play. He needed to be ruthless, intimidating, and scary, and he needed to accomplish all that while still appearing like a gentlemanly officer.Tarkin didn’t have a suit of black armor to make that job easier like Vader did, but Peter Cushing made it work tremendously well. He was cold, calculating, and fearsome, and one actor from the 2010s is more than capable of bringing the same traits to the role of Tarkin: Giancarlo Esposito.
Grand Moff Tarkin
An accomplished military officer during the Clone Wars, Tarkin caught Palpatine’s eye due to their similar philosophies. Tarkin swiftly ascended to a position of significance after the establishment of the Empire, and became governor of the entire Outer Rim, even taking over the entire Death Star project. He was the one responsible for the destruction of Alderaan, but himself died when the Death Star was destroyed.
Ever since he made his debut as Gustavo Fring inBreaking Bad, Esposito has become almost synonymous with the idea of a ruthlessly efficient villain. He brings a cold, calculating, and terrifying demeanor to his roles, which is exactly what Cushing brought to Tarkin. He’s such a good villain that Esposito hasn’t just appeared inStar Warsalready, he’s already played a Moff.His work inBreaking Bad,Better Call Saul, and as Moff Gideon inThe Mandalorianare more than enough proof that Giancarlo Esposito would make a tremendous Grand Moff Tarkin.
2Andy Serkis as Yoda
Frank Oz Originally Played Yoda
There’s a certain magical quality surrounding Yoda, especially in the original trilogy. Part of that quality is because of Yoda’s role as a wise old mentor and mysterious little creature, but Frank Oz’s voice work and puppeteering also lent quite a bit to his mystique.Oz was able to transform Yoda from a simple puppet into a lovable and endlessly interesting alien in a live-action movie, which is no easy feat. The actor who would replace him would have to be just as skilled at turning imaginative creations into compelling characters. There’s only one person from the 2010s who fits that bill: Andy Serkis.
Andy Serkis has had two separate roles inStar Warsmovies and shows. He provided the motion capture and voice for Supreme Leader Snoke in bothStar Wars: The Force AwakensandStar Wars: The Last Jedi, and he also portrayed Kino Loy in live-action inAndor.
Andy Serkis is one of the most prolific and talented motion capture actors of all time. He’s responsible for bringing some of the most iconic characters in film to life, like Gollum inThe Lord of the RingsandThe Hobbitas well as Caesar in thePlanet of the Apesreboot trilogy.In both of those cases, Serkis made computer-generated characters into absolute icons, and he would be able to do it again with Yoda. Like Oz, Serkis worked under unique conditions for those films, and he also brought unique voices to his characters that helped them stand out even more.
Yoda
The aged Jedi Master had trained Jedi for 800 years by the time he met Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. One of the most famed and revered Jedi, Yoda served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for centuries; he was powerful enough to duel Darth Sidious himself, although he was defeated. Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, where he learned how to become a Force Ghost and offered guidance to Luke Skywalker.
1Philip Seymour Hoffman as Emperor Palpatine
Ian McDiarmid Originally Played Palpatine
There are plenty of iconic performances and characters in the original trilogy, but only one was closest to being the absolute perfect casting. Ian McDiarmid’s take on Emperor Palpatine was very nearly flawless. He added complexity, intrigue, and over-the-top villainy to an antagonist who was already designed to be the embodiment of pure evil.McDiarmid’s performance was perfectly tailored to Palpatine, and he made the Emperor the icon ofStar Warsthat he now is. Only the best could come close to McDiarmid in the same role, and Philip Seymour Hoffman may well have been the best.
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
The senator for Naboo, Palpatine rose to power and influence during the dying days of the Republic. In reality, his public persona was just a mask; he was really Darth Sidious, greatest of the Sith Lords, and he used his political skills and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi. Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decades, until he was betrayed by his apprentice, Darth Vader. Even this wasn’t enough to stop the Emperor, however, as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again.
Though he would have had huge shoes to fill, Hoffman was the perfect pick to replace McDiarmid. Some of his biggest movies in the late 2000s and 2010s proved that.Hoffman starred in films likeThe Master,Charlie Wilson’s War, and more that put him in a role where he could be ostentatious, flamboyant, and deliciously evil, just as McDiarmid was as Palpatine. Also, like McDiarmid, Hoffman could quell that over-the-top performance to deliver truly terrifying moments. If a remake ofStar Warsdid happen in the 2010s, Hoffman would probably be the only actor who could have made Palpatine an icon of the franchise.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
