Star Wars: What if Anakin didn’t turn to the dark side? The Jedi Order’s fate explored

Ever wondered what Star Wars would look like if Anakin didn’t go full Darth Vader? Like, what if he stayed the good guy with the cool lightsaber moves and a heart? He was supposed to rescue the galaxy, not destroy it - and for real, things probably could have gone a heck of a lot better if he just opened up to someone about what he was going through instead of going over to Team Sith.

But just imagine for a second - what if he never turned? What if he stayed loyal to the Jedi and never joined Emperor Palpatine? Well, let’s take a fun dive into that alternate galaxy far, far away…

What if Anakin didn’t turn to the dark side? The Jedi Order’s fate in Star Wars explored

First off, Order 66 probably wouldn’t have worked, or at least not as well. Anakin was crucial in executing it. Without him marching into the Jedi Temple and eliminating younglings would not have been possible, many Jedi would have had time to escape or even fight back. His loyalty might’ve even helped expose Palpatine before the Sith Lord could pull the trigger on his master plan.

Next, let’s talk about the Jedi Council. They didn’t fully trust Anakin, and frankly, he didn’t trust them either. But if he had chosen to stay, that tension might’ve forced the Council to evolve. They’d be pushed to change their rigid, emotionless ways. After all, part of what pushed him away was the Jedi's refusal to recognize his fears, love, and inner turmoil. A more faithful Skywalker might have filled that gap and made the Order more compassionate, and perhaps more effective.

And what about Padmé? If Anakin had stayed true to the light side, it’s very possible she wouldn’t have died. In fact, he could have become a father and raised Luke and Leia openly. Imagine the two Skywalker twins with their dad around, training them in the ways of the Force from childhood. That’s a very different galaxy, and probably one where the Rebellion never needs to happen at all.

Also, let’s not forget Palpatine. Without Anakin by his side, he’d have had to look elsewhere for an apprentice. Maybe Dooku stays longer, or maybe he turns to someone else like Maul again. Either way, Palpatine’s rise would be harder, messier, and maybe even unsuccessful.

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In this alternate timeline, the Jedi might have not just survived, but thrived. All it would’ve taken was one different choice from one powerful young Jedi. Oh, if only!

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