Star Wars: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Count Dooku
4. He Was Very Nearly A Woman In Attack Of The Clones
Never one to completely waste a concept even if it doesn't necessarily fit what it was originally designed for, the origins of Count Dooku would actually pave the way for another prominent character in this sprawling inter-galactic universe.
In early drafts of Attack of the Clones, George Lucas had actually envisioned the fallen Jedi as a female alien by the name of Countess Dooku. And while a Medusa-like version of the character was intriguing despite not being utilised, another visual variation of the antagonist would actually act as an inspiration for none other than Asajj Ventress - a Force user who would go on to become an apprentice of Dooku down the road (but more on that later!).
In the end, Lucas decided against these designs the second it became clear that Christopher Lee was keen to come aboard.
Sure, it would have been undoubtedly awesome to see a female Sith duking it out against the likes of Kenobi and Skywalker on the big screen, and Ventress has still depressingly yet to see the live-action light of day. But it's hard to argue with the decision to double-down on Lee's now-cherished work in the flicks.