Actor Billy Dee Williams, known for his role as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, made a guest appearance in the lowest-rated episode of LOST.
J.J. Abrams, a major figure in both the Star Wars and LOST universes, played a role in the creation of both series.
Aside from exploring themes like family, morality, and spirituality, LOST also paid tribute to Star Wars in a number of ways.
Many fans, including the author, have a deep appreciation for LOST, one of Abrams’ most successful television shows to date.
While Abrams wasn’t directly involved in the show’s production, his love of Star Wars played a significant role in his partnership with co-creator and co-show runner Damon Lindelof.
Lindelof and others on the LOST writing staff frequently peppered the show with nods to their beloved childhood franchise.
Here are nine of the most memorable Star Wars references in LOST:
Hurley’s Star Wars-Inspired Nicknames
Hugo “Hurley” Reyes often served as a stand-in for LOST’s audience, providing witty commentary and questioning the motives of other characters.
One of Hurley’s most endearing traits was his frequent use of pop culture references, including Star Wars.
On two occasions, Hurley compares the Island’s mysterious protector, Jacob, to Star Wars characters.
He first describes Jacob as being as cryptic as Yoda, and later likens him to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Sawyer’s Nicknames
Sawyer, one of LOST’s most central characters, was known for his habit of giving everyone nicknames.
His dry humor was often filled with references to pop culture, including several nods to Star Wars.
He called Ben “Yoda,” Hurley “Jabba,” and even referred to Michael and Jin as “Han and Chewie” due to their ability to communicate despite speaking different languages.
“I’m Here to Rescue You”
This line was famously spoken by Luke Skywalker when he sneaks onto the Death Star to rescue Leia Organa, who he would later learn was his sister.
On two occasions, the same line was said directly to Jack Shephard, the protagonist of LOST.
In season 1 of the show, Charlie rescues Jack from a cave where he’s trapped by rocks. In season 4, Daniel Faraday parachutes onto the Island. One of the recurring elements in the show is Hurley’s one-liners, which often reference Star Wars. In one season 1 episode, Hurley compares Jack’s heroics to a “Jedi moment.” In season 6, he mentions needing to bring Sayid back “like Anakin.” In season 2’s “Dave,” Hurley’s subconscious makes a Star Wars reference when his imaginary friend Dave questions whether the Death Star was really blown up. The show also references the “Old Wookiee Prisoner Gag” from Star Wars, with Sawyer and Kate pretending to be taken captive in an effort to free Karl. Finally, the famous Star Wars line “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” is even referenced in LOST.
In the final episode of the series, Hurley speaks a fitting line before the opening title card as various groups embark on their ultimate showdown. The casting of Mr. LaShade and Isaac of Uluru in LOST is interesting for fans of both LOST and Star Wars. J.J. Abrams, who took over the Star Wars sequel saga, has included many actors and personnel from LOST and his other projects in The Force Awakens. However, LOST pays homage to Star Wars by casting Star Wars actors. Billy Dee Williams played Mr. LaShade in the season 3 episode Exposé, but it is often regarded as a low point in the series. Wayne Pygram, who played Isaac of Uluru, was cast as the stand-in for Governor Tarkin in a brief scene in Revenge of the Sith. In season 5, when some characters are accidentally sent back in time to the 1970s, Hurley makes a fantastic reference to Star Wars. He tells Miles that he is writing a new script for The Empire Strikes Back and will be removing the unnecessary bits, including Ewoks, which have divided fans for decades.
FAQ
1. What are some Star Wars references in LOST?
LOST is known for its numerous pop culture references, and Star Wars is no exception. Some of the most notable references include the character of Hurley using the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 (which also appear in Star Wars), a character named Miles Straume making a reference to the Jedi Mind Trick, and the character of Sawyer referring to another character as Chewbacca.
2. What was the significance of the Star Wars references in LOST?
The Star Wars references in LOST were mostly used for comedic effect or to add an extra layer of pop culture familiarity for viewers. They also helped to establish the show’s setting as a world where pop culture references existed and were relevant.
3. Was there a Star Wars character cameo in LOST?
Yes, in the sixth season of LOST, the character of Yoda briefly appears on a bookshelf in a scene. It was a fun Easter egg for Star Wars fans and added to the show’s overall pop culture references.
4. Did any LOST actors go on to appear in Star Wars?
Yes, Dominic Monaghan, who played the character of Charlie on LOST, appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as the character Beaumont Kin. It was a fun nod to LOST fans and also showed Monaghan’s versatility as an actor.
5. Did any Star Wars actors appear on LOST?
Yes, the actor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels, Ewan McGregor, provided the voice for a character named Frank “Doc” Lapidus on LOST. It was a fun surprise for fans of both franchises.
6. Was there a Star Wars-themed episode of LOST?
No, there was not a full episode dedicated solely to Star Wars, but there were plenty of references throughout the series that paid homage to the Star Wars franchise.
7. Did any LOST episodes air on Star Wars Day (May the Fourth)?
No, LOST did not air any episodes on Star Wars Day, but the show’s numerous Star Wars references made it a popular choice for fans to watch on the holiday.
8. Was there a Star Wars connection to the LOST finale?
There was no direct Star Wars connection to the LOST finale, but the finale did feature numerous callbacks and Easter eggs to past episodes and characters, making it a satisfying conclusion for fans of the show.
9. Are there any other notable pop culture references in LOST?
Yes, LOST is known for its numerous pop culture references, including nods to The Twilight Zone, Stephen King, and Back to the Future. These references add an extra layer of depth and familiarity to the show’s world and characters.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.