Lucas reportedly slowed down Obi-Wan's duel with Darth Maul in Star Wars, according to Ewan McGregor, due to concerns that viewers might find it unbelievable.
In the highly anticipated 2022's Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Ewan McGregor once again stepped into the iconic role of the Jedi Master. Joining him was Hayden Christensen, reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker, now transformed into Darth Vader.
But did you know that the duel between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was not presented at its actual pace? This long-standing urban legend in Star Wars lore has finally been confirmed.
During an appearance at Fan Expo Boston, Ewan McGregor revealed that the duel was slowed down due to him and Ray Park, who played Darth Maul, performing the fight choreography too swiftly. Director George Lucas, concerned that audiences might not believe the speed and intensity of the duel if it were presented at its actual pace, used a filming technique called over-cranking. This involves running the camera faster so when played back, it appears slower.
This adjustment not only helped with the believability of the scene but also highlighted the actors' skill and dedication to mastering the complex fight choreography. The props used in the duel, made of metal, further added to the challenge and realism of the performances.
Interestingly, George Lucas had plans for a Star Wars series called Star Wars: Underworld. According to producer Rick McCallum, each episode would have had an estimated budget of $40 million, and the series was said to have the potential to "blow up the Star Wars universe". However, the series never came to fruition.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi series also included a Clone Wars-era flashback scene, further expanding the Star Wars universe for fans to enjoy. As for upcoming Star Wars movies, details are still under wraps, but fans are eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this beloved franchise.
[1] Collider, (2022). Ewan McGregor Confirms Obi-Wan and Darth Maul Duel in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Was Slowed Down. [online] Available at: https://collider.com/ewan-mcgregor-obi-wan-darth-maul-duel-slowed-down-star-wars-phantom-menace/
[2] Young Indy Chronicles, (2022). George Lucas' Star Wars: Underworld Series. [online] Available at: https://www.youngindychronicles.com/george-lucas-star-wars-underworld-series/
[3] IMDb, (2022). Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120915/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv
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