Twenty-five years later and The Phantom Menace has an interesting revelation uncovered.
According to IGN, a recent interview with concept and storyboard artist Iain McCaig in honor of the 25-year anniversary of The Phantom Menace at the official Star Wars website. He revealed that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan initially had their names swapped.
McCaig explained that Obi-Wan was the older Jedi and Qui-Gon was the younger one. He then elaborated that it was originally a poignant ending, as Obi-Wan dies with Qui-Gon defeating Darth Maul while sharing his last moments with his master as he dies. Not only does Qui-Gon take on Obi-Wan’s quest, he also takes on his Master’s name. Hence, Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan.
McCaig also said that when watching Alec Guinness in A New Hope, he pulls his hood down and says “Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I’ve not heard…” He explained the reason for that line is because it wasn’t Obi-Wan, but Qui-Gon himself. However, George Lucas changed the names at the end to the current version Star Wars fans know of.
Other interesting tidbits detailed during the interview included McCaig’s creation of the iconic and devilish-looking Sith lord, Darth Maul, alongside Lucas’ humorous way of introducing the villain to the concept artist.
