I'm currently reading the Secret History of Star Wars and I came across a point where he discusses the fact that Alan Dean Foster was originally suppose to write two books following Star Wars that would encompase a low budget trilogy in the event that Star Wars didn't do well. But when Star Wars became a hit this idea was scraped and we only got the first of these books, Splinter of the Minds Eye.
I've always been curious what this 3rd part might have consisted of had it ever been made but nobody every seems to talk about it. Does anybody know if there is some information out there regarding what the last book would have entailed?
"George, we hate you for making more Star Wars movies. Please make more Star Wars movies."
-The Internet
As the author of Secret History, I can tell you that my research gave me nothing beyond what is stated in the book. Vader confrontation, with his past confronted, Empire defeated, etc., but nothing too specific. The fact that he entered the ESB story conferences in late 1977 with screenwriter Leigh Brackett shows that he didn't really have very many specific ideas for the sequels.
The Kaiburr crystal was in book two already. If I remember correctly, Luke ends up with it after defeating Vader so I guess it could come back in book three, a sort of secret power to defeat Vader for good or something.
Didn't Splinter also end with Vader falling down a bottomless pit. I haven't read the book itself yet but I know that's the last you see of him in the comic adaptation, shouting "Nooooooooooo."
I also find it interesting that the words "Star Wars" don't actually appear anywhere on the cover of the original edition of the books but does mention the "Adventures of Luke Skywalker." I think you mentioned that in Secret History as I recall though.
BTW, I'm only up to the Empire section at this point but it's an amazing read so far.
"George, we hate you for making more Star Wars movies. Please make more Star Wars movies."
-The Internet
Vader takes the fall, but Luke can sense he survives in the novel.
Even without the SW title on the cover, I don't think any fan would fail to notice the Star Wars "font", not to mention Vader on the cover. And no self respecting bookstore was going to put copies on the bottom shelf, either. ;)
Where were you in '77?
Yeah, Foster makes a point of making sure it's mentioned that Vader is alive at the end of the story. I assume he left it so Vader could make an appearance in the third story\film.
Luke and Leia use the crystal to heal their wounds at the end of the story and then give it to Halla before they leave. I forgot what happened to the splinter. Seems like they lose it early in the story after the're first captured. I think Grammel keeps it.
I have the book sitting on the desk in front of me now, ready for a summer read. Probably start in a month or so. Been over a year since I read it.
Lucas wasn't about to pull a Darth Maul back then. ;)
I'm surprised there's never been a fan film adaptation of the book. I still wonder if there's any pre-production artwork in the vault for Splinter we have yet to see.
Did Foster have an early script draft to work from?
Where were you in '77?
Darth Bizarro said:
I also find it interesting that the words "Star Wars" don't actually appear anywhere on the cover of the original edition of the books but does mention the "Adventures of Luke Skywalker." I think you mentioned that in Secret History as I recall though.
Well that makes sense. Until ESB came out, no one knew that the whole series was titled "Star Wars". "Star Wars" was a movie that came out in 1977, and "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" was its book-sequel.
Disclaimer: Haven't read Secret History
timdiggerm said:
...
Disclaimer: Haven't read Secret History
Shun the unreader!!!
^Works so well with your current avatar.
Exterminate!
As much as i like Foster he writing is not very star wars.
The novel is like a different take on the film.
Splinter is almost fan fiction it is so bad, yet i have a soft spot for these books because of nostalgia.
The euphoria, rollicking adventure of the 77 film is just not there on the printed page.
Even the radio drama which i fiend preferable to the novel, does not capture the film in its essence due to the extreme length and slowness of much unnecessary exposition.
“Always loved Vader’s wordless self sacrifice. Another shitty, clueless, revision like Greedo and young Anakin’s ghost. What a fucking shame.” -Simon Pegg.