This one change in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithsaved Obi-Wan Kenobi's character from being so much darker. Revenge of the Sith is not only one of Star Wars' best movies but also one of the most important points in the Star Wars timeline. Among the most compelling aspects of Revenge of the Sith is the relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, especially in the time leading up to Anakin's fall. Anakin and Obi-Wan were truly brothers and made up one of Star Wars' best duos, which made the outcome of their friendship much more painful.
Yet, one deleted moment from Revenge of the Sith reveals how much more brutal this plot could have been. The 2005 book The Making of Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, written by J.W. Rinzler, reveals that, originally, as Anakin was lying injured on Mustafar, he was going to say, "Help me, Master," and Obi-Wan was going to deny him. This was ultimately removed from the final cut of Revenge of the Sith, but, had it been left in, it would have completely changed the dynamic between these two characters during their encounter on Mustafar.
What Anakin's Cry For Help Would've Meant For The Mustafar Duel
This Would Have Completely Changed How Sympathetic Each Character Was
Had Revenge of the Sith left this cry for help in, it would have made Anakin so much more sympathetic and Obi-Wan Kenobi so much less. In the final cut of the movie, by the time Anakin/Darth Vader is lying half-dead on Mustafar, he feels quite nearly irredeemable (even knowing how his story ends). He has slaughtered younglings, massacred the Neimoidians, and Force choked his pregnant wife. In his fight with Obi-Wan, he also came across as heartless and just a shell of the man and the Jedi Anakin had once been.
Anakin/Vader pleading for Obi-Wan's help would have changed things. This would have made Anakin seem much more like the young, scared boy he had once been on Tatooine and reinforced that Anakin felt lost and abandoned. This also would have fit in well with the clear sadness he displayed, particularly the tears he shed about Order 66. On the other end, Obi-Wan would have gone from a heartbroken man who had done all he could to someone seemingly much colder who could watch Anakin burn and not give him the help he was begging for.
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader's influence on Star Wars cannot be overstated, and this complete timeline represents all the key events in his story.
The Making of Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith also reveals that it would have been after Obi-Wan's refusal that Anakin's eyes would have changed from blue to yellow, the color of Sith eyes. This would have added a fascinating and devastating layer to the moment by suggesting it was ultimately Obi-Wan's rejection that fully turned Anakin. Of course, he had already committed egregious acts at that point, but it still would be uncharacteristically brutal for Obi-Wan to see and hear his former Padawan in so much pain and simply watch, take his lightsaber, and walk away.
Our Take On What This Change Meant For Star Wars
I Am So Relieved This Change Was Made
I'm personally very grateful Revenge of the Sith didn't keep this dialogue in. I am already crushed by Anakin's fall and his betrayal of everyone he knows and loves every time I watch the movie, and witnessing him reach out for Obi-Wan's help and be denied would simply be too much. Yes, I'm aware that the things Anakin did throughout Revenge of the Sith (and even before then) are absolutely horrifying, but to see Obi-Wan bear witness to Anakin's suffering and actively reject his cry for help would have made this so much worse.
It also would have done damage to Obi-Wan's character that just wasn't necessary. Obi-Wan certainly wasn't without his flaws, but seeing Anakin suffering to this degree and hearing him beg for help only to deny him would contradict the compassion and kindness Obi-Wan has shown time and again in Star Wars—not to mention the clear grief he had over Anakin and the fact that he still had a soft spot for him, even in Obi-Wan Kenobi. This Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith moment truly would have changed Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I'm so glad it was cut.
Source: The Making of Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
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Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is the sixth film in the Star Wars franchise and chronologically the third in the Skywalker Saga. Set three years after the events of Attack of the Clones, Anakin Skywalker is tasked with keeping an eye on Chancellor Palpatine while other Jedi battle across the galaxy. In the background, however, a mysterious Sith lord begins to make their move to destroy the Jedi once and for all.
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