The Force Awakens will be out in the world in just a few days, and I am eating, sleeping, and breathing Star Wars. This is sort-of scary but mostly exciting time to be a fan of the original trilogy, and even the most cynical hold outs are hoping that The Force Awakens will recapture some of the magic of Episodes IV, V, and VI. Sure, the success of the original three films are in part due to the era in which they were created. The world was a different place in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, and people consumed movies differently then too. But if any film can make children out of all of us again, it’ll be a well-executed Star Wars movie — especially if The Force Awakens calls back to some iconic classic trilogy moments in a creative way.
I hope that The Force Awakens takes risks and has a strong vision not directly culled from its source material. But I also hope that director JJ Abrams took advantage of the 38-year history behind it. If they occur somewhat organically, easter eggs and callbacks are a great way to pay homage to the original Star Wars trilogy, and I’ve thought long and hard about the throwback allusions that would make an old school fan like me beyond giddy. These are the 13 classic Star Wars lines and scenes that I’d love to see referenced in The Force Awakens.
1. A Jedi Mind Trick
Seeing as Luke grew up assuming that Ben Kenobi was a wacky but harmless hermit, it's sweet justice to see Obi-Wan show off his control of the Force in front of some stuffy Imperial Stormtroopers.
2. An Intergalactic Bar Scene
This one's a gimme, since a cantina scene has already been confirmed. The Force Awakens might even do A New Hope one better in this department, since the music will be provided by Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda instead of "Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes." (They're pretty underground. Doubt you've ever heard of them.)
3. An Awards Ceremony
A New Hope ends with a farmboy and a wanted smuggler receiving royal awards from the Princess of Alderaan. Star Wars is a home for unlikely heroes, so here's hoping this new crop will be recognized too.
4. "I Love You." "I Know"
But only if these lines come out of the mouths of Han Solo and General Leia. No one else. No one else.
5. Princess Leia Strangling Jabba
Leia's never hesitant to jump into the fray, but man is it cathartic to watch her choke the life out of the vile creature who put her in that uncomfortable bikini. I'm just looking for Leia to throttle something again, is the point.
6. A Shot Like The End Of Empire
Things are pretty messed up at the end of The Empire Strikes Back, but there's something comforting about that final shot of Luke, Leia, and their droids watching the galaxy go by.
7. "I've Got A Bad Feeling About This"
I better hear this at least thrice before the closing credits or I'm asking for my money back.
8. Wookiee Jokes
If Chewbacca isn't still openly mocking Han to his face, then what's even the point?
9. An Homage To This Perfectly Executed Kick
Strides in filmmaking, blah blah blah. This is art.
10. "It's A Trap!"
So simple. So perfect.
11. Walking Over Bodies Like It Ain't No Thing
Darth Vader's A New Hope entrance is badass, especially the part where he stoically takes in the Empire peon casualties. Can't you just see Gwendoline Christie's Captain Phasma pulling this off?
12. "Never Tell Me The Odds"
With C-3PO on the scene, somebody is getting the odds of something. And for my sake (not his), I hope it's Han.
13. A Punch To Hyperspace
Because even in 1977 effects, it looks cool. And because she's still the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy."
Callbacks like these will make The Force Awakens feel just like home.
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