Key Takeaways:
– Kylo Ren from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, played by Adam Driver, was initially conceptualized as ‘The Grave Robber’.
– Early concept art shows The Grave Robber with a cyborg arm and Darth Vader’s helmet.
– Fans responded positively to The Grave Robber concept, deeming it cooler than the final Kylo Ren character.
– The concept art was designed by Christian Alzmann, who also worked on other Lucasfilm projects like The Mandalorian.
As exciting as it is to look into the origins and conceptual design phases of popular blockbuster characters, it offers a glimpse of what could have been. This is certainly the case with a particular character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver. Once upon a time, this character had a different name and a whole different vibe.
Introducing The Grave Robber
Imagine your favorite Star Wars character, but with a twist. An interesting piece of information has popped up, leading us to an early design version of Kylo Ren, known as “The Grave Robber”. The reveal, originally stirred up by resurfaced concept art in 2021, showcases The Grave Robber with a cyborg arm, holding what appears to be Darth Vader’s helmet. Interestingly, this early iteration of the character didn’t make it to the silver screen.
The mastermind behind this intriguing depiction is none other than Christian Alzmann. This talented artist, also known for his work on The Mandalorian, designed the concept art for The Force Awakens way back in 2013. Alzmann didn’t stop there; he also depicted a ‘Jedi Killer’ version of Kylo Ren, which fans have agreed is a whole lot cooler than the final on-screen persona.
A Deeper Connection with Darth Vader
A significant element of Kylo Ren’s character is his connection with Darth Vader. This connection was meant to reflect how Anakin Skywalker was influenced by Darth Plagueis. The Star Wars fandom was excited to learn that this relationship and Kylo’s affinity for the Sith Lord was so strong, it was discussed even before the script was finalized. This even led to the inclusion of the melted helmet of Vader in Alzmann’s captivating concept art.
Fan Reactions to The Grave Robber
Star Wars enthusiasts have been vocal about their appreciation for the Grave Robber concept. The majority opinion is that The Grave Robber strikes as a more appealing and mystical character than the Kylo Ren we saw on the big screen. Many expressed their thoughts on social media, stating that the unused ideas and early concept drafts felt superior to the final product.
However, the storyline of Kylo Ren veers off from the initial concept, adding a unique touch to the Star Wars saga. While not everyone was pleased with how the portrayal turned out, there’s no denying that it carved its own niche in the film’s lore. Despite the allure of The Grave Robber avatar, it’s intriguing to ponder the direction the film took.
Reflecting on What Could Have Been
While there’s no going back and changing the cinematic past, diving into the concept art of characters like Kylo Ren serves as a delightful exploration into the creative journey. It reminds us that creating momentous characters is an intricate process filled with revisions and adaptations. Whether you prefer Kylo Ren as he was in the Star Wars sequel trilogy or feel a sense of longing for the mysterious Grave Robber, the intrigue and devotion to these characters stand as a testament to the enduring love for the galaxy far, far away. Now, fans can stream the Star Wars sequel trilogy on Disney+ and relive the journey once again.
