From VICE · Tony Alpsen · · 50s
How Charles Manson Connection Changed Luke Skywalker's Name
George Lucas changed Luke Skywalker's name after confusing him with Charles Manson.
In brief
George Lucas changed Luke Skywalker's name after confusing him with Charles Manson. George Lucas renamed Luke Skywalker from Starkiller to avoid confusion with Charles Manson after the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. Originally reported by VICE.
George Lucas Changed Luke's Name
George Lucas changed Luke Skywalker's name from Starkiller to avoid confusion with Charles Manson.
Mark Hamill's 2020 Tweet
Mark Hamill tweeted in 2020 that George Lucas reshooted the rescue scene because he initially called himself Luke Starkiller.
Charles Manson Connection
Lucas said he changed the name because people confused Luke with Charles Manson after the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders.
Why Lucas Changed the Name
Lucas thought Luke sounded too close to Charles Manson, who was responsible for the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders.
The short version
George Lucas renamed Luke Skywalker from Starkiller to avoid confusion with Charles Manson after the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders.
