J.J. Abrams Promises His ‘Star Wars’ Lightsaber Fights Will Be Very ‘Aggressive’

Lucasfilm

One of the more noticeable differences between the original and prequel Star Wars trilogies are the lightsaber duels. These blaster-less skirmishes were abrupt, timid and paced in a manner so as to reveal less about the characters’ physical abilities and more about their personalities in the first three films. The prequels, however, seemed to trade story for spectacle. (They even hired a stuntman instead of an actor to play a villain.) So consider writer and director J.J. Abrams’ credibility increased significantly by his comments on the matter.

In Empire magazine’s recent cover story dedicated to The Force Awakens, Abrams explained his fascination with the original trilogy’s use of lightsabers and the duels their users sometimes engaged in.

“When you look at Star Wars and Empire, they are very different lightsaber battles, but for me they felt more powerful because they were not quite as slick. I was hoping to go for something much more primitive, aggressive and rougher, a throwback to the kind of heart-stopping lightsaber fights I remembered being so enthralled by as a kid.”

The argument could be made that, since the prequel films happened before the first three movies’ chronology, the use of lightsabers was much more prevalent throughout the Republic. The Jedi’s numbers were much, much higher, meaning that users were better-trained and equipped to handle the ancient weaponry.

It’s a nice thing to say, but let’s face it — watching Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Ray Park hop over one another in a ridiculous display of choreography, CGI and composer John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates” is just that. Ridiculous. At least, when you can actually see what’s happening on screen.

(Via Screen Rant)