"Luke and Leia" is a musical composition crafted by John Williams to represent the sibling relationship between Luke and Leia Skywalker. This musical piece was specifically created for the movie Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi](/article/star_wars:_episode_vi_return_of_the_jedi), and its complete rendition occurs during the discussion between the Skywalker siblings in Bright Tree Village concerning their family ties.
Initially, John Williams developed a "quite passionate" love theme for Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia for Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. He even went as far as composing a developmental section that built up to a "heated" climax. However, this theme was never incorporated into the 1977 film. It was only later that Williams learned about the sibling relationship between Luke and Leia.
Subsequently, for the third film in George Lucas' original Star Wars trilogy, specifically Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, John Williams composed "Luke and Leia" to represent the familial connection between the two characters. The complete theme was featured in the film, which premiered in 1983. For the Special Edition version of Return of the Jedi, Williams arranged the concert piece "Victory Celebration," which was an adaptation of "Luke and Leia."
"Luke and Leia" initially appeared in the movie Return of the Jedi, where the full piece is heard when Luke and Leia are in Bright Tree Village discussing their shared family connection. It is heard again immediately after the second Death Star's destruction when Leia reveals to Han that she is Luke's sister. A short segment of the theme is present in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith during Anakin's conversation with Padme regarding his vision. The theme makes a return in Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi, when Luke is speaking about how Han Solo and Leia entrusted their son, Ben Solo, to his training. The musical motif then transitions into "Han Solo and the Princess." The complete leitmotif for the Skywalker siblings is played again when Luke and Leia are reunited at the Crait outpost. "Luke and Leia" is also featured in Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker, within the track "Reunion." The beginning of the track presents a faster version of a phrase derived from "Luke and Leia," which then evolves into the "Star Wars Main Title" and subsequently "The Force Theme" as starships belonging to the Citizens' Fleet assemble on Ajan Kloss. Following the inclusion of several other themes, the melody of "Luke and Leia" is played, coinciding with a scene in the screenplay depicting Landonis Balthazar Calrissian and Jannah in conversation.
The theme also features in the Bond Unbroken music video, found on the Star Wars: A Musical Journey DVD. Furthermore, the piece is included in LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, and Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast. In addition, a segment of the theme is prominently featured in the opening credits of Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance.