Redesigns of popular characters happen all of the time, and Star Wars’ treasure trove of iconic heroes and villains is no exception. While these can range from minor tweaks to major overhauls, for the most part, they’re done in good faith with the hope that fans will enjoy the changes. Of course, that doesn’t always happen, with certain redesigns upsetting dogmatic fans, but the risk of ruffling a few feathers is worth the push for innovation, change, and novelty.

The most recent Star Wars character to be redesigned is Luke Skywalker, who is, naturally, the most iconic character in the entire series. Luke has had his fair share of wardrobe changes, but his latest redesign is perhaps his most drastic, as it features a fun major twist that fans may not have seen coming. While some fans may not be best pleased, this change is unlikely to affect anything too significant, and is more designed to showcase an interesting quirk of the character’s storied history.

Luke Skywalker is getting a brand-new redesign in the popular mobile game, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. As part of the game’s latest Myths and Legends update, which also sees the introduction of Darth Jar Jar, a brand-new collectible character, Luke Starkiller, has been added. Officially called Starkiller (Luke Concept), the character design takes the iconic look of Luke Skywalker and gives him a whole new outfit, including an armored chestplate, goggles, and a gas mask.

Of course, fans familiar with Star Wars’ deep lore will instantly recognize this look as the original design for Luke. Star Wars’ most famous hero was originally going to be called Luke Starkiller, and, as seen in concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, would have worn this outfit, goggles and gas mask included. It’s certainly a drastically different look for the Tatooine farm boy, but nevertheless still adheres to the general aesthetic of the Star Wars universe.

This outfit has actually appeared before in video game form, as it was introduced to LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga as a free update. However, this is perhaps the most detailed version of it yet, outside of that original concept art. It is great to see unused characters and concepts brought over into the game, and designed so thoughtfully to work alongside the current roster. Several other surprising Star Wars characters were added to Galaxy of Heroes alongside Starkiller, although he is absolutely the star of the show.

One can hope that the inclusion of lesser-known Star Wars characters plucked deep from the hallowed halls of its rich lore and the addition of concept characters will lead to projects devoted entirely to this side of the iconic series. However, should that never happen, it is still rather special that fans get to enjoy playing as Darth Jar Jar and Luke Starkiller in an official Star Wars property.

TV Show(s)

The Mandalorian, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lando, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Resistance, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Star Wars: Visions

Cast

Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Ian McDiarmid, Ewan McGregor, Rosario Dawson, Lars Mikkelsen, Rupert Friend, Moses Ingram, Frank Oz, Pedro Pascal

Movie(s)

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Star Wars: New Jedi Order