Comparing Episode 1 to Star Wars: A New Hope

When Episode 1 (Sword of the Force, Child of the Force ???) hits theaters next May, many fans and critics are going to find some similarities between the new prequel film and the original Star Wars film, Episode 4: A New Hope. Here, are a few of the similarities you will see:

Star Wars Episode 1 Description

Luke Skywalker Anakin Skywalker The Main Character; a modest individual in a remote area who is swept up in a quest to bring about the downfall of a Tyrannical Ruler. Held back from greater adventures by family pressures and commitments. Once this family pressure has been removed, the main character can then join the adventure. Both are the sons of powerful Force users.

The Force The Force Mystical Power that the main character learns to appreciate during his quest. Difference: The Force is greatly respected in Ep 1 while it has fallen out of favor and is mocked by some of the characters in Ep 4: ANH (i.e., Han Solo, Imperial Officers)

The Emperor/Darth Vader Darth Sidious, Darth Maul and the Sith Lords, Nimoudians (?) The bad guys want to conquer the galaxy and exploit it for their own ends.

Alderaan Naboo The Main Character's Initial Destination; a peace-loving kingdom where he will supposedly be safe. When he gets there, he finds out it has been destroyed/conquered by the bad guys.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Qui-Gon Jinn The Main Character's older peer who has experience with the Mystical Power; he lets the Main Character know that he too has potential to master the Mystical Power and sends him on his quest.

Han Solo Obi-Wan Kenobi The Rogue-Hero; he starts out as fiery independent who reluctantly follows the Main Character on his quest and ends up believing in the cause.

Lando Calrissian Unknown The Rogue-Hero's old friend; starts out actually betraying the Rogue-Hero, but eventually redeems himself by joining the quest.

Princess Leia Queen Padme Amidala Strong female lead who has powers in the Force. She eventually falls in love with one of the other main characters.

Yoda Obi-Wan Kenobi The Main Character's Mentor; trains the hero in the mystical power.

C3P0 and R2D2 C3PO and R2D2 Bumbling sidekicks of the Main Character; their chemistry provides much comic relief. Lucas admired the way Kurosowa used two bumbling peasants for comic relief in the Hidden Fortress and borrowed this concept for both Star Wars and Episode 1.

Other parallels can be drawn as well:

Darth Vader wears a scary mask and is the Emporer's right-hand man; Darth Maul and Darth Sideous have scary faces and work for a higher power.

Star Wars	Episode 1	Description
Luke Skywalker	Anakin Skywalker	The Main Character; a modest individual in a remote area who is swept up in a quest to bring about the downfall of a Tyrannical Ruler. Held back from greater adventures by family pressures and commitments. Once this family pressure has been removed, the main character can then join the adventure. Both are the sons of powerful Force users.
The Force	The Force	Mystical Power that the main character learns to appreciate during his quest. Difference: The Force is greatly respected in Ep 1 while it has fallen out of favor and is mocked by some of the characters in Ep 4: ANH (i.e., Han Solo, Imperial Officers)
The Emperor/Darth Vader	Darth Sidious, Darth Maul and the Sith Lords, Nimoudians (?)	The bad guys want to conquer the galaxy and exploit it for their own ends.
Alderaan	Naboo	The Main Character's Initial Destination; a peace-loving kingdom where he will supposedly be safe. When he gets there, he finds out it has been destroyed/conquered by the bad guys.
Obi-Wan Kenobi	Qui-Gon Jinn	The Main Character's older peer who has experience with the Mystical Power; he lets the Main Character know that he too has potential to master the Mystical Power and sends him on his quest.
Han Solo	Obi-Wan Kenobi	The Rogue-Hero; he starts out as fiery independent who reluctantly follows the Main Character on his quest and ends up believing in the cause.
Lando Calrissian	Unknown	The Rogue-Hero's old friend; starts out actually betraying the Rogue-Hero, but eventually redeems himself by joining the quest.
Princess Leia	Queen Padme Amidala	Strong female lead who has powers in the Force. She eventually falls in love with one of the other main characters.
Yoda	Obi-Wan Kenobi	The Main Character's Mentor; trains the hero in the mystical power.
C3P0 and R2D2	C3PO and R2D2	Bumbling sidekicks of the Main Character; their chemistry provides much comic relief. Lucas admired the way Kurosowa used two bumbling peasants for comic relief in the Hidden Fortress and borrowed this concept for both Star Wars and Episode 1.