Darklighter, Biggs (Red Three)

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Homeworld:
  Tatooine

• Species:
  Human

• Gender:
  Male

• Size:
  1.83 meters

• Weapon:
  Blaster pistol

• Vehicle:
  X-wing starfighter

• Affiliation:
  Rebel Alliance

• 

From the Movies

As happens far too often in war, many young hopefuls are never allowed the chance to grow into seasoned veterans. Biggs Darklighter is one example of this sad fact.

Biggs was Luke Skywalker's childhood friend on Tatooine. The two grew up together and spent much of their reckless childhood careening their T-16 skyhoppers through Beggar's Canyon. They called each other a couple of "shootings stars."

Darklighter was able to live out Luke's long-held dream of joining the Academy. Skywalker, however, had to stay behind on his uncle's moisture farm. When Biggs returned to Tatooine, he was a changed man. He opened Luke's eyes to the true nature of the Empire, and confided in Luke that he had defected from the Empire to join the Rebel Alliance.

Biggs and Luke were reunited a short time later on the fourth moon of Yavin. Together they flew in Red Squadron as they attacked the Death Star approaching the Rebel base. Although Luke was ultimately successful in destroying the Imperial battle station, Biggs was killed when his starfighter was shot to pieces by Darth Vader.

From the Expanded Universe

Biggs was one of the few privileged class on Tatooine. The son of food magnate Huff Darklighter, Biggs had things better than most farm children. He was quite popular among the younger set in Anchorhead. Brashness seemed to go with popularity -- he was the first known hotshot pilot to thread the Stone Needle natural monument at racing speeds.

When Biggs was accepted into the Academy, he and Luke realized their friendship may not continue. The two had aspired to join the Academy together, but Luke's uncle Owen insisted he stay on the farm. Luke and Biggs took one last ride in Beggar's Canyon prior to Darklighter's departure for the Academy. After the flight, Biggs was attacked by a Tusken Raider with a poison-tipped gaderffii. Biggs would have died if Luke hadn't piloted through the dangerous Diablo Cut to a medical facility.

At the Academy, Biggs made friends with young Rebels, and became convinced with the Rebel Alliance's cause. Among his allies and contacts were Derek "Hobbie" Klivian and Captain Heliesk. His friends arranged a contact with a Rebel presence on the planet Bestine.

Though Biggs wasn't a Rebel very long, his legacy continues thanks to his cousin, Gavin Darklighter, who would later follow in his footsteps. Today, Gavin is leader of the famous Rogue Squadron, and in the forefront of the war against the Yuuzhan Vong.

Behind the Scenes

Biggs Darklighter's farewell to Luke Skywalker was filmed for A New Hope, but was left out of the final movie. His reunion with Luke at the Rebel base was reinserted into the film as part of the Special Edition re-release of Star Wars.