The hidden reference between Luigi's Mansion and Star Wars that few noticed

In the world of video games, there are moments that connect with film history in an almost magical way. Luigi's Mansion , the GameCube classic released in 2001, hides one of those nods that only the most observant have noticed: a direct reference to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi .

What seems like an adventure game full of humor and scares for the whole family becomes, in its climax, a tribute to one of the most iconic scenes of the galactic saga.

In the final battle of Luigi's Mansion , the fearful Luigi faces King Boo, the great villain who has imprisoned Mario in a painting. Before the fight, Boo utters a chilling phrase:

“I will not give up my favorite decoration, I like Mario just where he is.”

This line is almost identical to one spoken by Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi (1983), when smuggler Han Solo is trapped in carbonite:

"I will not give up my favorite decoration. I like Captain Solo where he is."

The parallel is undeniable: Mario is Luigi's "Han Solo," and Boo is a ghostly reflection of the ruthless Jabba.

The reference doesn't end with words. In both scenes, the characters are immobilized: Han Solo, transformed into a frozen work of art; Mario, trapped inside a painting. Both are trophies for their captors and symbols of power.

This nod demonstrates the influence Star Wars had on Nintendo's developers. In the early 2000s, the Kyoto studio was full of creators who grew up with George Lucas's films and his science fiction universe. The result was a subtle yet perfectly recognizable homage for fans.

The relationship between the two franchises is not new. In the 80s and 90s, Star Wars inspired numerous Nintendo games, both in terms of aesthetics and narrative. The figure of the common hero who confronts dark forces—like Luke Skywalker or Luigi—is a shared archetype.

Even Super Smash Bros. has integrated elements reminiscent of galactic battles, with stages, effects, and phrases that evoke the spirit of the film saga.

More than twenty years later, players are still rediscovering these kinds of references, demonstrating the level of detail and care with which Nintendo crafted Luigi's Mansion . Every phrase, every shadow, and every gesture hides a wink, a tribute, or an inside joke.

The parallel with Return of the Jedi isn't just a fun anecdote; it also represents the cultural connection between two worlds that shaped generations. In both cases, an unlikely hero—whether a plumber or a Jedi—must confront their fears to rescue someone they love.