When Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens premiered in 2015, it was met with a wave of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation. As the first film in the sequel trilogy and the revival of the franchise under Disney and director J.J. Abrams, it introduced a new generation of characters while reconnecting with beloved icons like Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker. But as with all Star Wars films, not everything filmed made it to the final cut. A number of scenes—some teased in trailers, others quietly shelved—were deleted or reworked during the film’s famously tight editing process.
These lost moments offer tantalizing glimpses into the early vision for the sequel trilogy, adding nuance to character arcs and filling in narrative gaps. While many have been released as Blu-ray extras or discussed in interviews, others remain unreleased, adding to the mystery surrounding the production of The Force Awakens.
A More Mysterious Opening
Early versions of The Force Awakens began with a more cryptic introduction. One discarded concept featured Luke Skywalker’s severed hand, still clutching his lightsaber, drifting through space before crashing to a planet below. Though it was never fully realized, the scene was meant to establish the mythic tone and the mystery surrounding Luke’s disappearance. Ultimately, the filmmakers opted for a more grounded and action-focused opening with Poe Dameron on Jakku.
A Longer Introduction to Rey
One of the most notable deleted sequences features a longer introduction to Rey’s life on Jakku. Early footage included scenes of Rey interacting more with locals and salvaging a crashed Star Destroyer, further emphasizing her survivalist nature and isolation. Some scenes added more detail to her relationship with Unkar Plutt and her life in the harsh desert environment—material that helped flesh out her resilience and longing for belonging.
Kylo Ren Boards the Millennium Falcon
Another intriguing deleted scene shows Kylo Ren entering the Millennium Falcon after it crashes on Starkiller Base. As he steps aboard the ship once flown by his father, Han Solo, the moment is heavy with unspoken emotion. It’s a powerful scene that was ultimately cut for pacing but would have deepened the sense of inner conflict brewing within Kylo.
Maz Kanata’s Lost Subplot
Originally, Maz Kanata was to have a much larger role in the second half of the film. Early concepts and footage showed her using the Force to collapse part of her castle during the First Order’s attack—hinting that she may have been Force-sensitive herself. Another cut scene had her traveling with Leia to the Resistance base, where she offered Rey the Skywalker lightsaber in person. In the final version, much of her story was truncated or restructured, leaving her role in Rey’s journey more mysterious.
More Phasma, Less Screen Time
Captain Phasma, the chrome-armored stormtrooper leader portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, was heavily promoted leading up to the film’s release. However, much of her screen time was cut, including scenes of her ordering the massacre of villagers on Jakku and confronting Resistance fighters. These cuts left the character feeling underused, though they set up her return in The Last Jedi.
Snoke’s Introduction: Alternate Visions
Supreme Leader Snoke’s eerie presence in the film was shaped by digital effects, but alternate early designs and voiceovers suggested different tones for his character. Some concept scenes explored introducing Snoke earlier, or even through visions experienced by Kylo Ren. These were dropped in favor of preserving his mystique and gradually unveiling the power behind the First Order.
General Leia’s Lost Screen Time
Carrie Fisher’s General Leia Organa had a slightly reduced role in the final cut of the film, with several of her early scenes left unused. One such scene included a more detailed discussion with Korr Sella, a Resistance emissary sent to the New Republic to warn them about the First Order. Another featured Leia mourning the loss of the New Republic after Starkiller Base’s assault, offering more emotional context and leadership depth to her character.
The Trailers That Teased the Unseen
Much of the speculation surrounding The Force Awakens’ deleted content stems from trailer footage that never appears in the final film. Rey’s whispered “I’m no one,” Maz handing the lightsaber to Leia, and a cloaked figure placing a hand on R2-D2 all led to wild fan theories. While some of this footage was repurposed or trimmed, much of it was part of early edits that shifted during the late stages of post-production.
The deleted scenes from The Force Awakens offer a fascinating look into the film’s evolution during a critical period of Star Wars’ rebirth. While the final cut was designed to be fast-paced and accessible to new audiences, these lost moments provide a deeper layer of context for returning fans. They expand character motivations, hint at larger mysteries, and remind us that in Star Wars, much of the story often happens between the frames we see.