The Mandalorian made its debut in 2019 as the first live-action series within the expansive Star Wars universe. While audiences widely praised the initial two seasons, the third season sparked considerable debate among fans. A notable point of contention arose from episode 3, titled “Chapter 19: The Convert, ”which shifts the narrative focus from Din Djarin to former Imperial officers Dr. Pershing and Elia Kane in Coruscant.
This episode has ignited controversy not necessarily due to its quality, but rather because it deviated from the primary storyline that fans had come to expect. The Mandalorian’s title implies a centered narrative around Din, making this shift both intriguing and perplexing. Interestingly, the episode hints at what could have been realized in George Lucas’ unrealized project, Star Wars: Underworld.
The Mandalorian’s Most Controversial Episode Gave Us Coruscant’s Underworld
Exploring New Dimensions within Coruscant
In episode 3 of season 3, set against the backdrop of the New Republic capital, viewers are taken on a tour of the vibrant Coruscant underworld. Dr. Pershing’s determination to continue his research, despite the New Republic’s constraints, leads him into the web of manipulation spun by Elia Kane, who works for the Imperial Remnant.
The episode delves deeper into the complexities of Coruscant, presenting a richer depiction than what audiences witnessed in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. With Dr. Pershing delivering a scientific lecture, characters traversing the streets, and explorations of decommissioned Star Destroyers, The Mandalorian brings a pulsating life to Coruscant that captures its essence.
A Vision of Coruscant by George Lucas
Exploring the Unseen Corners of Coruscant
The portrayal of Coruscant in The Mandalorian aligns closely with George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars: Underworld. Announced in 2005, this series was intended to be a groundbreaking live-action exploration of the Star Wars universe, situated between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It aimed to delve into the underbelly of Coruscant, focusing on distinct characters in each episode.
Lucas had ambitious plans, assembling a dynamic team of writers and even producing test footage that surfaced online in 2020. Early reports claimed he envisioned over 100 episodes, showcasing both original and fan-favorite characters, each crafted to mimic the cinematic quality of Star Wars feature films.
Despite numerous actors expressing interest in reprising their roles, the series ultimately faltered due to budget constraints and the technological limitations of the time. Lucas’ dream was sidelined in 2010, awaiting advancements that could replicate the cinematic feel necessary for such a production. With Disney acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, the project seemed relegated to the annals of forgotten ambitions.
The Future of George Lucas’ Underworld Vision
Scripts and Potential in the Star Wars Universe
Although the ambitious Underworld series never came to fruition, Lucas’ creative aspirations found a second chance in other forms. The Mandalorian, with its use of advanced film technology like the Volume, has successfully captured the richness of the Star Wars narrative. The production budget, while higher than Lucas originally hoped for Underworld, managed to create eight quality episodes at a fraction of standard film costs.
Fully convinced that this scene from The Mandalorian is exactly what George Lucas aesthetically wanted out of his proposed Star Wars Underworld live action series pic.twitter.com/dftppyr3wL — Dan Star Wars Centralized (@SCentralized) July 16, 2024
Moreover, episode 7 of season 3 also offers scenes reminiscent of the tone and aesthetics that encapsulated the test footage for Underworld. As Lucasfilm possesses the various scripts that were never brought to life, the possibility remains for them to be adapted into a new Star Wars project. While it may differ from Lucas’ original vision, The Mandalorian exemplifies the endless potential of the Star Wars saga.
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