Behind the Scenes of Star Wars
The iconic duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace is one of the most memorable moments in the Star Wars saga. Ewan McGregor, who played the young Obi-Wan in the prequel trilogy, has revealed the intense efforts that went into filming this scene. According to McGregor, the duel was so fast-paced that it was almost too much for George Lucas’s cameras to handle.
The Intensity of the Duel
At the Fan Expo Boston, McGregor expressed his admiration for the duel with Ray Park’s Darth Maul, calling it his favorite lightsaber fight. He particularly praised the moments leading up to the death of Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson. McGregor noted that the scene was "taken to the next level" by the intensity of the struggle, which included being trapped behind laser doors and other obstacles. The speed and energy of the duel were so great that Lucas had to adjust the camera settings to slow down the action for the audience.
George Lucas’s Camera Adjustments
McGregor recalled that he and Park were moving so quickly that Lucas had to adapt the camera to keep up. In filmmaking, the speed of the camera can be adjusted to achieve different effects. If the camera runs quickly, the footage will appear slow when played back. However, in this case, Lucas had to do the opposite. McGregor remembered Lucas saying, "You’re going too fast. You’re exceeding the camera." To compensate, the camera was moved to make the action appear slower. Lucas was concerned that the audience might not find the scene believable if it was too fast.
The Challenges of Filming with Lightsabers
The fast-paced duel was not only challenging for the camera but also for the lightsabers themselves. McGregor noted that the lightsaber blades used in the prequel trilogy were made of metal, not plastic, and were susceptible to damage. The blades were so fragile that they would often become bent or damaged during filming. A crew member was responsible for replacing the blades after each take, as they would become curved or misshapen due to the intense fighting.
The Legendary Duel
The behind-the-scenes stories about the Darth Maul duel make it even more legendary. The combination of intense choreography, sheer speed, and strength behind the scene has cemented its place as one of the most unforgettable moments in Star Wars. From the bent metal blades to the adjustments in camera rotation speed, McGregor and Park’s battle remains an iconic moment in the saga. The Phantom Menace is currently streaming on Disney+, and fans can experience the magic of this epic duel once again.
