BEHIND THE SCENES: INTRODUCING LUKE SKYWALKER?

A classic publicity still, which may be from a deleted scene.

At the redressed interior sinkhole of the Sidi Driss Hotel in Matmata during March 1976, Mark Hamill climbs the steps of the Lars Homestead in this publicity image as Luke Skywalker. Though this scene could be from the moment where he leaves the dinner scene to finish cleaning the droids, many fans have speculated this this photo may actually have been part of the character's original introduction scene, climbing the steps to join Uncle Owen in a deleted moment set just as the Sandcrawler has arrived at the homestead. Regardless, Luke's being inside the location was certainly filmed by the cameramen above the hotel- a still frame showing him walking out of the top right alcove being partially used in post production for an establishing shot by the film editors that would lead into the later scene where Lars is shouting out for Luke- this image has been amusingly referred to by die-hard fans as "Luke's Ghost"...

"Luke's Ghost", as seen in the top right alcove.

Here are a selection of images from the above angle filming of scenes set within the homestead courtyard:

Getting ready for filming.

A Power Droid is positioned. Note the "Xmas Tree" vaporators with blue and orange lightbulb tips. Red lights would also be on apparatus, as indicated in Ann Skinner's notes. Image via Chris Baker. 

Shelagh Fraser watches the droid being positioned for the scene. Image: Ann Skinner/BFI.

At the top of the Sidi Driss, Mark Hamill films his looking down towards Beru. Image: KURTZ/JOINER ARCHIVE.

The Tunisian locations of STAR WARS continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of fans. Check out filmmakers Matt Ford and Tara Todras-Whitehill's fascinating and rewarding 30 minute interactive look at the sets and their legacy on the people and traditions of Tunisia, where you can click around and thoroughly explore them, and which also includes an interview with George Lucas's driver from the original movie. Plus the efforts to save and preserve them for the future.

Verse | A Second Life for Star Wars Sets