One of the most memorable scenes in the Star Wars saga occurs in The Empire Strikes Back, when Princess Leia plants a passionate kiss on Luke Skywalker. The reveal that they are actually siblings in Return of the Jedi makes this moment even more cringe-worthy. So, why did Leia kiss her brother?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why did Leia kiss her brother? | The kiss was intended to be a gesture of gratitude and relief, as Luke had just risked his life to rescue Leia and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. The revelation that Luke and Leia are siblings in Return of the Jedi makes the kiss more awkward in hindsight, but it was not intended to be romantic or sexual. The kiss serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and emotions that drive the characters in the Star Wars saga. |
The Context
The kiss occurs after Luke, Leia, and Han Solo escape from the Empire by fleeing to the planet Hoth. While they are hiding out in a cave, Han and Leia share a tender moment. However, before they can take things any further, they are interrupted by the arrival of Luke. Leia is overjoyed to see Luke, and the two share an emotional reunion. It is at this point that Leia kisses Luke.
The Explanation
The kiss was not intended to be romantic or sexual. According to George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, Leia’s kiss was meant to be a gesture of gratitude and relief. After all, Luke had just risked his life to rescue her and the rest of the Rebel Alliance.
The Retcon
The revelation that Luke and Leia are siblings in Return of the Jedi makes the kiss a lot more awkward in hindsight. However, it’s worth noting that the decision to make them siblings was not made until after The Empire Strikes Back was released. In fact, the kiss was originally intended to be a setup for a love triangle between Han, Leia, and Luke in the third film.
The Short Answer
Leia’s kiss with Luke in The Empire Strikes Back was meant to be a gesture of gratitude and relief, not a romantic or sexual act. While the revelation that they are siblings makes the scene more cringe-worthy in hindsight, it remains a memorable moment in the Star Wars saga. Ultimately, the kiss serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and emotions that drive the characters in the story.
Image: Star Wars
