2. Yoda Was Originally Supposed To Be Played By A Monkey
Yoda specifically the adorable puppet used in The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi has become one of the film's most iconic characters. Visually, Yoda is simultaneously wizened and elderly, wise and aloof, cute and friendly and just a little bit crazy. All of these qualities would have been lost forever, however, if Lucas had had his way. Originally, Lucas wanted Yoda to be portrayed by a monkey in a mask. Oh, and the monkey would have held a cane, too. Thankfully the idea never went ahead, and Jim Henson's (of The Muppets fame) talents were enlisted (along with the voice of Frank Oz).
