Original 'Star Wars' Storyboards Reveal Lost Obi-Wan Kenobi Scene, Early Leia Look

"Star Wars" Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean May is leaving a galaxy far, far away. Out on May 13 via Abrams Books comes "Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy," a new book from Lucasfilm executive editor Jonathan Rinzler and original trilogy storyboard artist Joe Johnston. From the book's press release:

For the first time ever, Lucasfilm has opened its archives to present the best of the storyboards for the original 'Star Wars' trilogy -– the world changing 'A New Hope' and its operatic sequels 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' -- as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes. Featuring more than 1,000 boards and sketches, 'Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy' is a visually stunning, must-have piece of memorabilia.

Below, here are 15 photos from the book, including the original storyboards for what was supposed to happen to Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi in "Episode IV - A New Hope" and early looks at the concepts for Princess Leia and Emperor Palpatine.

For more on "Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy," head here.

The Cover

R2-D2 & C-3P0

"'Construction robots' (per the second draft) R2-D2 and C-3P0 are rocked by an explosion, as rebels prepare to expel the invaders." -- Alex Tavoularis

Princess Leia

"My inspiration for Leia's look, if I remember correctly, was Alex Raymond's women in his 'Flash Gordon' comic book strip." - Alex Tavoularis

Obi-Wan Kenobi

"These storyboards were drawn by Ivor Beddoes at Elstree Studios in England, before George Lucas had decided that Ben would sacrifice himself in his duel with Darth Vader. Here, Ben survives – as he did in the script at that time – until the end of the movie."

Death Star Attack

"A later iteration of the rebel attack of the Death Star begins." -- Joe Johnston

Hoth

"I was experimenting with a new soft plastic brush pen.. .hated it. This might be the only board I drew with it." - Joe Johnston

"I was experimenting with a new soft plastic brush pen.. .hated it. This might be the only board I drew with it." - Joe Johnston

The Emperor

As drawn by Joe Johnston.

Han Solo Returns

"Han Solo emerges from carbon freeze." – Dave Carson

The Rancor

"In a later iteration, Johnston storyboarded the rancor's entrance." - Joe Johnston

It's A Trap

"Aboard the rebel 'headquarters frigate,' Mon Mothma, General Nadine, and Admiral Ackbar explain their strategy for destroying the second Death Star." -- Joe Johnston

Endor

"An early iteration of the tussle between our heroes and numerous biker scouts had the latter blasting away at Luke and Leia, who loses her blaster as a result." -- Dave Carson

Ewoks

"Paploo" – Nilo Rodis-Jamero

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