The story of Biggs Darklighter is perhaps one of the most well known deleted stories in the original trilogy. Biggs, played by Garrick Hagon, was one of Luke’s closest friends on the planet Tatooine. He entered the Imperial Academy, but would later defect and join the Rebel Alliance and fight alongside Luke at the Battle of Yavin where he would sadly perish.



Biggs’ first time we were to meet Biggs was at a garage after he recently returned from the Imperial Academy. The scene was meant to take place right after R2-D2 and C-3PO escaped the Empire. The two speak briefly reminisce before Biggs tells Luke that he plans to leave the Empire and join the Rebellion. Afterwards the two part ways.

Later on in the film Luke and Biggs reunite at the Rebel’s base just before the assault on the first Death Star. Though their reunion is brief you can tell they are happy to see each other. Though this sequence was cut from the original theatrical version the scene was added back in the 1997 Special Edition. Though without the context of the previous scene with Biggs it makes little sense.

The final scenes with Biggs occur during the battle at the Death Star. Biggs under the code name Red Three, fought side by side with Luke. Sadly nearing the battle’s end he was shot down and killed by Darth Vader.



Biggs’ story was a tragic one. We see Luke’s connection with his childhood friend, wanting to make a difference in the Galaxy. But in Luke’s first major battle he witnesses his friend’s death at the hands of the man he would eventually find out is his own father. It was a major event that made Luke change from a young kid into a soldier. This wasn’t the backwater planet he grew up on, this was war. And in war you see your friends die.



So the question remains, why was this story left on the cutting room floor? According to Hagon himself, the scene at the beginning was cut because would have been too hard to cut into smaller segments.

Some fans also criticize some of the dialogue, highlighting George’s tendency to over elaborate on certain things. Which isn’t surprising.

Despite the full story not being included it is still one of the most famous deleted sequences from the original trilogy. The character of Biggs was also expanded upon in comic form leading a mutiny on an Imperial Star Destroyer before joining the Rebellion. (Eat your heart out Finn).



Actor Garrick Hagon has also expressed his appreciation from fans over the years for his role and also stated he had a great relationship with Mark Hamill while filming.

Biggs Darklighter is perhaps one of the most underrated characters from the Original Trilogy and it is a shame we don’t hear much of him or see that many action figures of him or even see him in any video games. It would have been cool to play as him in Star Wars Battlefront.

What do you think? Do you think Biggs’ story should have remained in the film? Or is it best that it remains on the cutting room floor?