Original artwork, not a still
No, I am your father.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Vader answers Luke with a revelation that changes the meaning of their confrontation. An enemy becomes a parent, and the story Luke believed about his family falls apart. The opening word matters: this is a correction to what Luke has just said. The familiar version beginning with Luke’s name is a later misquotation, rather than the wording selected here.
Sources (2)
- StarWars.com: George Lucas on The Empire Strikes Back2020 interview; James Earl Jones recording accountReference checked
- StarWars.com: James Earl Jones, 1931–2024Paragraph on the 1980 filmReference checked
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes BackShow the scene
The duel on Cloud City has driven Luke out over the abyss, where Vader severs his hand and urges him to join him and complete his training. Luke refuses, insisting that Obi-Wan told him Vader killed his father, and this is Vader's answer. As Luke screams in denial, Vader offers to rule the galaxy with him as father and son, and Luke lets go, dropping into the shaft below rather than go with him.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: The Empire Strikes BackDialogue section, the duelReference checked
- Wookieepedia: Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes BackPlot summary, Duel with the Dark LordReference checked
Context reviewed
