RETURN
OF THE
JEDI
by
Lawrence Kasdan
&
George Lucas
From The Novel
by
George Lucas
Third Draft
Property of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Completion Date December 1, 1981
1 SPACE
The boundless heavens serve as a back-drop for the MAIN TITLE, followed
by a ROLL-UP, which crawls into infinity.
Episode VI
RETURN OF THE JEDI
Luke Skywalker has returned to his home planet of Tatooine in an
attempt to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of theÊvile
gangster Jabba the Hutt. Little does Luke know that the GALACTIC EMPIRE
has secretly begun construction on a new armored space station even
more powerful than the first dreaded d**h Star. When completed, this
ultimate weapon will spell certain doom for the small band of Rebels
struggling to restore freedom to the galaxy...
PAN DOWN to reveal a monstrous half-completed d**h Star, its ma**ive
superstructure curling away from the completed section like the arms of
a giant octopus. Beyond, in benevolent contrast, floats the small,
green moon of ENDOR.
An Imperial Star Destroyer moves overhead toward the ma**ive armored
space station, followed by two zipping TIE fighters. A small Imperial
shuttle rockets from the main bay of the ship and hustles toward the
d**h Star.
2 INT IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - co*kPIT
The shuttle captain makes contact with the d**h Star.
SHUTTLE CAPTAIN
Command station, this is ST 321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting
our approach. Deactivate the security shield.
DEATH STAR CONTROLLER (filtered VO)
The security deflector shield will be deactivated when we have
confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by... You are clear to
proceed.
SHUTTLE CAPTAIN
We're starting our approach.
3 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM
Operators move about among the control panels. A SHIELD OPERATOR hits
switches beside a large screen, on which is a display of the d**h
Star, the moon Endor, and a bright web delineating the invisible
deflector shield.
A control officer rushes over to the shield operator.
OFFICER
Inform the commander that Lord Vader's shuttle has arrived.
OPERATOR
Yes, sir.
The control officer moves to a view port and watches as the Imperial
shuttle lands in the ma**ive docking bay. A squad of Imperial
stormtroopers moves into formation before the craft.
4 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY
The DEATH STAR COMMANDER, MOFF JERJERROD, a tall, confident technocrat,
strides through the a**embled troops to the base of the shuttle ramp.
The troops snap to attention; many are uneasy about the new arrival.
But the d**h Star commander stands arrogantly tall.
The exit hatch of the shuttle opens with a WHOOSH, revealing only
darkness. Then, heavy FOOTSTEPS AND MECHANICAL BREATHING. From this
black void appears DARTH VADER, LORD OF THE SITH. Vader looks over the
a**emblage as he walks down the ramp.
JERJERROD
Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your
presence.
VADER
You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you
back on
schedule.
The commander turns ashen and begins to shake.
JERJERROD
I a**ure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.
VADER
Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.
JERJERROD
I tell you, this station will be operational as planned.
VADER
The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.
JERJERROD
But he asks the impossible. I need more men.
VADER
Then perhaps you can tell him when he arrives.
JERJERROD (aghast)
The Emperor's coming here?
VADER
That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your
apparent lack of progress.
JERJERROD
We shall double our efforts.
VADER
I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as
I am.