The Most Famous ‘Star Wars’ Line Is Wrong
If you thought Darth Vader said, "Luke, I am your father," you've been wrong all along.
May the 4th be with you! To celebrate Star Wars Day, we take a look at one of the most famous Mandela Effects of all time.
“Luke, I am your Father.” If I had to wager a guess, I would say that you likely know what movie that’s from, even without having seen it or being a fan. If you haven’t, I’d like to know what rock you’re living under so I can disappear there, too. If you haven’t heard of this line, it’s from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. What you may not know about this famous line is that it’s actually not correct for what Darth Vader says to Luke Skywalker. The phenomenon of the entire population believing this line to be correct is known as the Mandela Effect.
What Is the Mandela Effect?
The Mandela Effect, a fascinating phenomenon, occurs when large groups of people collectively misremember things. It’s a puzzle that covers various topics, from historical events to movie quotes. Some intriguing examples include Mr. Monopoly’s non-existent monocle, this misquote from Silence of The Lambs, and the belief that Nelson Mandela died in the 1980s. Mandela didn’t pass away until 2013, but everyone was certain there was news footage of him dying in his jail cell in 1980. No one is immune to this intriguing phenomenon.
So, What Is the Real Line from ‘Star Wars’?
It’s a part of pop culture that’s likely to be forever immortalized incorrectly. We’ve all been saying, “Luke, I am your Father,” but the truth is different. The real line, the one that Darth Vader actually says, is, “No, I am your Father.” It’s a small but significant discovery in the world of the Mandela Effect. According to an ABC7 article, 63% of people surveyed guessed the incorrect line, and only 17% got the line right. It’s possible that the line is misheard or misquoted because the fake line is more impactful by using Luke’s name, drawing in a sense of attachment and knowing. Whatever the reason for hearing and using it wrong, it’s still not what was actually said.
It’s May 4th–Star Wars Day–and to celebrate, we should all watch The Empire Strikes Back and prepare ourselves for that shell-shocking reveal scene again, but this time with the correct quote. Say it right, you will.