As many are aware, Return of the Jedi turns 30 on May 25th. To celebrate, the Huffington Post has posted a transcript of a story conference for the then-titled Revenge of the Jedi in which Lucas goes off-topic with Lawrence Kasdan to discuss a macro take on some Prequel Trilogy plot elements.
The Skywalker line is very strong with the Force, so Ben says, “I think we should protect the kids, because they may be able to help us right the wrong that your husband has created in the universe.” And so Ben takes one and gives him to a couple out there on Tatooine and he gets his little hideout in the hills and he watches him grow. Ben can’t raise Luke himself, because he’s a wanted man. Leia and Luke’s mother go to Alderaan and are taken in by the king there, who is a friend of Ben’s. She dies shortly thereafter and Leia is brought up by her foster parents. She knows that her real mother died.
A remarkably different fate for Padme. Perhaps a preferable one to dying of a broken heart? There’s a lot more interesting details on Lucas’ early thoughts for these stories, so head to the above link to read the rest of the transcript.