Note: This article contains spoilers for all of the previousStar Warsfilms.
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But heres the thing: Campbell was a mythologist, not a screenwriting guru.
The proliferation of Chosen Ones is the latest lazy manifestation of this, substituting plot for character.
Star Warsdoesnt fall into this trap.
The character-driven narrative and stakes which are as much personal as galactic are what make it outstanding.
The Call
Starting with one of the Heros Journeys most crucial components, The Call.
Luke definitely faces a Call, but Lucas doesnt take any shortcuts via a Chosen One route.
And this is capped off by his Aunt and Uncle being killed.
For my money, such thematic focus is the only way a Chosen One narrative can organically work.
Now, lets leave aside whatever you may think of Jake Lloyds acting inThe Phantom Menaceand analyze Anakins character.
Despite being ten years younger than Luke when he begins training, they reject Anakin as too old.
Indeed, the idea that Luke has a destiny to fulfil belongs chiefly to the villains.
But Luke insists he cant kill his father.
He also has two extremes of mentor, neither of which is really healthy.
Including those he loves.
Then theres the dream-visions both he and Luke have.
Anakin has nightmares of his mother in pain, tries to save her, and fails.
Anakin doesnt have anEmpire-style humbling to convince him that the pursuit of absolute power is wrong.
Hes supposed to be the Chosen One.
He did it all for his own purposes, no matter the original good intentions.
And with his christening as Darth Vader and Padmes death, the bitterest ironies are complete.
Do not want, indeed.
Atonement with the Father
Now for where the two heroes converge.
Thats just trying to beat the Sith at their own game.
To paraphrase Princess Leia, the more you tighten your grip, the more power slips through your fingers.
He wasnt an empty character, but the Prequels demonstrate how destiny blocks actual character rather than encourage it.
Thats where Luke comes in to save the day and his fathers soul.
Its not enough to use things like the Heros Journey just as a template.
you might identify elements, but they arent all there is to the Skywalker saga.
