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¿Question #228391?
TheGrimReeple: If George Lucas had his way, Toshiro Mifune would have played Obi-Wan Kenobi. Would this have enhanced the parallels between the Jedi and samurai, and if so, what impact would it have on the portrayals of other Jedi in later films? Or would it have changed little aside from the duel with Vader probably looking significantly better?

Woelf: That very first one was limited more by technology than acting options, so if it changed anything, it would have resulted in lightsabers looking significantly different. Beyond that, many of the best-known duels would have been a lot less cinematic and a lot more deadly, like the one between Kenobi and Maul in Rebels (Spoilers if you haven't seen it: https://youtu.be/jeG215-yu-k ). Even though some bits have been there all along, the Jedi/Samurai parallels have been enhanced a lot more in recent years, especially with the "Jedi" episode of The Mandalorian where several iconic camera shots were taken directly from Yojimbo. Not to mention that that particular character has very much taken a samurai-style path.
PolarDad: Finally! This may be the best GQ ever! Sir Alec Guinness was great but Mifune would've been amazing! It certainly would've highlighted the samurai influence. Lightsaber welding would've looked more swordlike and much less awkward than it does in the early (chronologically) films. That foundation would certainly have affected the Jedi for all the future films...less sci fi monk, more samurai warrior. It certainly would have intriguing ripples in the Star Wars pond.