Michael Lars

"Our children need to know that some people fought back."

- Michael Lars

Michael Lars was a Human male on Tatooine. He was born to Shmi in 44 BBY, and he was raised by Luke Lars after Shmi died shortly after Michael’s birth. His life with Luke and adoptive brother Owen Lars saw him become a sharecropper under the contract of the Hutt Cartel, and he came to despise the Hutt Cartel for their methods in ruling Tatooine and the Outer Rim Territories.

In 22 BBY, Michael was made aware of his destiny as the Chosen One by the Ophuchi Clan, a destiny that would supposedly lead him to becoming the savior of the galaxy.

Biography
Michael Lars was born on Tatooine in 44 BBY. He was the son of Shmi, but she died shortly after he was born and Michael was adopted by a friend of Shmi's, Luke Lars. The adoption also gave Michael an adoptive brother, Owen Lars. Michael grew up as a poor moisture farmer on the Lars homestead, and his family worked as sharecroppers under the contract of the Hutt Cartel.

Michael was a friend of Deacon Darklighter, an old friend of Luke's and a Colonel in the Hutt Cartel who wanted to launch a rebellion against the Hutts. Darklighter hoped that Michael, as well as Owen, would one day join his rebellion. Michael also briefly dated Sara Jade, and they often argued over their conflicting opinions about how to live under the rule of the Hutts.

Sometime prior to 22 BBY, Michael experienced a tragedy in his life, causing him to become fearful of the future. In 22 BBY, however, he learned that the Ophuchi Clan believed he was the Chosen One, and his destiny set him on a journey that would lead him to overcome his fear and become the savior of the galaxy.

Personality and traits
Michael was raised by his adoptive father to be warm and kindhearted, as Luke worked to impart the qualities of sincerity, kindness, and generosity onto his sons, believing that they were important to have even in a harsh environment like Tatooine. Michael had a close relationship with Luke, though his relationship with Owen was somewhat strained and the two had frequent disagreements.

The tragedy in Michael's life prior to 22 BBY haunted him for a number of years, leading him to fear what the future held for him. His relationship with Sara Jade was also one where she would often point out and chastise his weaknesses in the face of oppression, both mental and existential, as she believed that the only way to live a happy life under the rule of the Hutts was to give into one's basic, primal desires. Michael did not agree with this, believing that the galaxy was instead looking for inspiration and guidance.

Behind the scenes
Michael Lars is a character developed by Brandon Rhea for the Alternative Star Wars Saga, and the central character of Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One and its sequels. The character is based on, the central character of the  films.

When Rhea first developed the character, he chose to use the name Annikin Skywalker, reflecting the original spelling of the character of Anakin from the earliest drafts of . Like his canon counterpart, Annikin Skywalker was destined to be the Chosen One and bring balance to the Force. In both prior, incomplete drafts of The Chosen One, Annikin was informed of this destiny by the Ophuchi Clan, with the character of Sarus acting as the herald of destiny. The first draft saw Annikin leave Tatooine and travel to Coruscant, where he took his first steps towards becoming a member of the Jedi Order.

The two earlier drafts were later discarded in favor of a new, upcoming, definitive version that would complete The Chosen One. In this version, Annikin Skywalker's name was changed to Michael Lars, reflecting his status as the adoptive son of Luke Lars. The name Annikin Skywalker will be used later in the story as a name for Michael, but Rhea has stated that the name is a mantle that the character will have to earn in order to use, as the name represents the character's destiny as the Chosen One.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: The Tragedy
 * Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One
 * Star Wars: Episode II - The Call of Destiny
 * Star Wars: Episode III - Destiny of the Jedi