Lost film scenes, Part 16 - Return of the Jedi (1983) - Ewoks' Cataclysm

Originally director Richard Marquand had made some scenes on the side, including a very graphic unscripted sequence how Darth Vader got rid of the Ewoks: by introducing an ever-hungry invasive species of carnivorous plants on Endor's forest moon which exude luring pheromones, the Ewoks can't resist.

George Lucas wasn't amused, but agreed to show this film version to test audiences at a small theater on Sunset Boulevard. As it turned out, the hard core Star Wars fans LOVED these scenes of the Ewoks' demise, as they "likened" the cute fur balls to Sesame Street fodder. Thus, these scenes made too many fans turn to the dark side, rooting for Darth Vader and disliking the Jedis attempting to save the cutie-pies. As George Lucas was already planning to cash-in with Ewok spin-off shows for small children, these beloved scenes had to go and Richard Marquand had to pay himself the cost of filming them. (continued in comments)