A Guide to Star Wars' Secret Working Titles
In the realm of Star Wars filmmaking, "working titles" act as temporary aliases for films during production, shielding precious cinematic secrets from prying eyes. More than placeholders, they become the film's identity within the bustling world of moviemaking, setting the tone, evoking a mood, or even throwing off those who seek to uncover the magic too soon.
Practically, they help filmmakers maintain focus on set and blend into public locations, capturing authentic moments without unwanted attention. Particularly prevalent in big-budget blockbusters, working titles provide a cloak of secrecy, allowing filmmakers to polish their masterpiece without the constant glare of the spotlight... and everyone likes a cool code name.
The 'Blue Harvest' Legacy
One of the most famous examples of a working title is "Blue Harvest," which was used during the production of "Return of the Jedi" in 1983. "Blue Harvest" was a fake horror movie title, complete with the tagline "Horror beyond imagination," used to disguise the production of the third installment in the Star Wars trilogy. The working title helped to keep the production under wraps, as fans and paparazzi would not have been interested in a fake horror movie.
"Blue Harvest" was also used as a way to control costs. The crew and cast members were given "Blue Harvest" hats and T-shirts, and the catering trucks were labeled with "Blue Harvest" logos. By using a fake title and pretending to be filming a smaller horror movie, the production team was able to negotiate lower rates with suppliers and avoid the price-gouging often associated with a major blockbuster production. The name became so legendary that the Family Guy Star Wars parody was named for it.
Film Working Titles
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)Working Title: The Star Wars
The original working title was simple and direct. The final title, "A New Hope," was added years later with the 1981 theatrical re-release to reframe the film as the fourth chapter in a larger saga, referring to Luke Skywalker as the galaxy's new hope against the Empire.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)Working Title: The Empire Strikes
A slight variation on the final title, this working name was used during production. The final title is more poetic and impactful, perfectly capturing the film's theme of the emboldened Galactic Empire launching a devastating counterattack against the fledgling Rebel Alliance.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)Working Title: Blue Harvest
The film famously used "Blue Harvest" for secrecy. Its initial official title was "Revenge of the Jedi," but George Lucas ultimately felt that revenge was not a Jedi trait. The final title, "Return of the Jedi," better reflects the dual meaning of Luke completing his journey and Anakin Skywalker returning to the light.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)Working Title: The Beginning
The working title was straightforward, signifying the start of the Skywalker Saga. The final title is more poetic, referring to the hidden threat of the Sith, specifically Darth Sidious, who operates as a "phantom menace" manipulating galactic events from the shadows.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)Working Title: From the Darkness
"From the Darkness" evoked the movie's grim tone. The final title, a nod to classic sci-fi serials, refers to the dramatic reveal of the clone army on Kamino and their first deployment, marking the official start of the devastating Clone Wars.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)Working Title: The Creeping Fear
The working title reflected the growing sense of dread as the Jedi are slowly enveloped by Palpatine's plot. The final title is a direct mirror of the original plan for Episode VI, but here it is thematically appropriate, signifying the culmination of the Sith's ancient plan for revenge against the Jedi Order.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)Working Title: AVCO
The working title "AVCO" was a tribute to the AVCO Center Theatre in Los Angeles, one of the first theaters to play "A New Hope" in 1977. The final title refers to the re-emergence of the Force's power in a new generation, specifically in Rey and Kylo Ren.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)Working Title: Dark Times
"Dark Times" aptly described the bleak period under Imperial rule. The final title has a dual meaning: it is the callsign of Jyn Erso's shuttle, and it also refers to her team's status as a "rogue" unit undertaking an unsanctioned mission vital to the Rebellion's survival.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)Working Title: Space Bear
"Space Bear" was a humorous, nonsensical title for secrecy. The final title is deliberately ambiguous, referring to Luke Skywalker's status as the last master of the old Jedi Order, while also hinting at Rey's potential to become the last Jedi of a new kind.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)Working Title: Red Cup
The working title was a simple visual pun on the popular red "Solo" brand plastic cups. The final title clearly brands the film as an origin story for the iconic smuggler, Han Solo.
Television Series Working Titles
The MandalorianWorking Title: Huckleberry
This title evokes the classic American adventures of Huckleberry Finn, hinting at the series' core theme of a lone figure traveling through untamed territory with a young ward.
The Book of Boba FettWorking Title: Serape
A serape is a colorful, blanket-like shawl often associated with Mexico, which connects to the show's "western" themes and Boba Fett's poncho-like garments.
AndorWorking Title: Pilgrim
This title suggests a long, arduous journey with a specific purpose, reflecting Cassian Andor's path from a cynical survivor to a committed spy on a pilgrimage towards rebellion.
Obi-Wan KenobiWorking Title: Pilgrim 2
Initially just "Pilgrim," it was changed to avoid confusion with Andor. It reflects Obi-Wan's lonely exile on Tatooine, a solemn, spiritual journey of watching over Luke from afar.
AhsokaWorking Title: Stormcrow
"Stormcrow" is one of Gandalf's nicknames in The Lord of the Rings, often used when he appears as a harbinger of turbulent events, fitting Ahsoka's role in hunting Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Kenobi was actually called Joshua Tree
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