Debate has been sparked among Star Wars fans over the theory that the famous Jedi robe may actually be a plot hole that stretches through the franchise.
The discussion started after writer Dennis DiClaudio registered his qualms with Obi-Wan Kenobi’s choice to wear a robe on Tatooine in the first Star Wars film, A New Hope (which was released in 1977).
“Gotta get something off my chest,” he wrote. “In the first Star Wars film, Obi-Wan Kenobi dressed to blend in on Tatooine so that nobody would suspect he was a Jedi.
“Basing all Jedi fashion on that one everyday-Tatooine costume is absolutely fucking ridiculous. On top of just being pointless, it means that Obi-Wan spent his 20 years hiding out on Tatooine dressed like a fucking Jedi.”
The later decision by George Lucas to install the robe as the uniform for all Jedi in the prequel trilogy (1999-2005) has added some clout to DiClaudio’s observations, which you can see below.
Gotta get something off my chest: In the first #StarWars film, Obi-Wan Kenobi dressed to blend in on Tatooine so that nobody would suspect he was a Jedi. 1/ pic.twitter.com/lhGmPiyXjS
— Dennis DiClaudio (@dennisdiclaudio) June 5, 2018
Basing all Jedi fashion on that one everyday-Tatooine costume is absolutely fucking ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/zDPcNtwhZE
— Dennis DiClaudio (@dennisdiclaudio) June 5, 2018
On top of just being pointless, it means that Obi-Wan spent his 20 years hiding out on Tatooine dressed like a fucking Jedi.
— Dennis DiClaudio (@dennisdiclaudio) June 5, 2018
Here's a good point along the same lines. https://t.co/lca23d8wSr
— Dennis DiClaudio (@dennisdiclaudio) June 5, 2018
The tweets have kicked off plenty of debate online among Star Wars fans, with opinion split on DiClaudio’s point about the Jedi robe – you can see a selection of the reaction to his original posts below.
I have a similar rant about Matrix clothes that pissed me off ROYALLY https://t.co/xgU1KBbSGg
— must be the season of the ??bitch?? (@notveryalice) June 6, 2018
in the first film it made sense because everyone was wearing cast-offs and clothes full of holes
in the second film we get to the one remaining city and people have pleather? and like…netting? AND THEN THEY GET DRESSED IN SHITTY WORN CLOTHES TO GO OUT & FIGHT
— must be the season of the ??bitch?? (@notveryalice) June 6, 2018
I disagree with this thread and will lay out key points that show that the apparent visual blandness of the Jedi fashion choices serve the film, both in terms of story and visuals 1/12 https://t.co/wOPsS18Ufw
— Kevin Tong (@tragicsunshine) June 6, 2018
First off, the Jedi don’t really have a specific set of clothes. They do wear mostly Earth tones, but so do most people in the Star Wars galaxy. Luke and Rey dress very similar to Jedi when we first meet them 2/12 pic.twitter.com/NywYX8iUNm
— Kevin Tong (@tragicsunshine) June 6, 2018
So Obi Wan isn’t in danger of being discovered on Tattoine for dressing like a Jedi, bc Jedi dress more or less like everyone else. The only real Jedi uniform is his lightsaber & belt, which he hid under his non descript robe until it was time for Ponda Baba to get got! 3/12 pic.twitter.com/GIsZ4Q89fv
— Kevin Tong (@tragicsunshine) June 6, 2018
Star Wars presents a realistic lived in world. The clothing choice of the Jedi was carefully considered and is not a creative void. Films are a form of art. With all the best art, every part of it is carefully considered and there for a reason. 12/12https://t.co/A8hBbTd2Nm
— Kevin Tong (@tragicsunshine) June 6, 2018
I love wearing my Jedi robes, but this is so spot on. I guess I really should say, I love wearing my Tatooine robes… https://t.co/kgXrNPvsqj
— Gina (an Agent of G.I.R.L.) (@firnrothiel) June 6, 2018
Homeboy is the first jedi introduced in the series. Because he’s the de facto archetype, all future jedi designs extend his look, which ultimately yields this goofy plot hole (in addition to limiting the range of the broader text)
— ◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢ (@monosynth) June 5, 2018
This is all very good post hoc justification for what was essentially lazy design choices on Lucas' part in the prequels.
— Dennis DiClaudio (@dennisdiclaudio) June 6, 2018
In other Star Wars news, castmembers and other celebrities have rallied round actress Kelly Marie Tran after she removed all of her posts from Instagram following months of online harassment.