The lightsaber duels are arguably the most exciting aspect of the Star Wars franchise, which was first launched by George Lucas in 1977. Over the years, the methodology and tactics of the lightsaber duel have evolved, with Lucas taking a more complex and martial arts-driven approach for the prequel trilogy.
The Phantom Menace features one of the best lightsaber duels in the form of the three-way battle between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul. According to stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, much of the choreography was in line with Lucas’ new approach. Moreover, Lucas’ son, Jett Lucas, made a key contribution to the fight scene. Here is everything you need to know about Jett Lucas’ contribution to one of the best fight scenes in Star Wars.
Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard Reveals How George Lucas’ Son Influenced the Best Star Wars Fight Scene
Nick Gillard served as the lead stunt coordinator for the Star Wars prequels, directed by George Lucas. In an interview, Gillard revealed that Lucas wanted a newer approach for crafting the lightsaber duels in the prequel trilogy.
I thought I wanted a faster version of what the other movies were; a more energetic version; and that’s basically what he gave me.
Lucas made the above statement (via Vulture) in the behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of The Phantom Menace. Lucas encouraged Gillard to take a more material arts-driven approach to the lightsaber duels.
Ultimately, Gillard crafted a new martial art form describing it as an amalgamation of all sword fighting, and shot some test footage. The demo reel was played for Lucas’ then five-year-old son Jett Lucas.
Effectively, Jett Lucas decided the style of that fight.
Gillard made the above statement while talking to Entertainment Weekly. Since Lucas had envisioned the franchise for children, it made sense to take feedback from a child on the new approach to the more fast-paced and exciting lightsaber duels in the prequel trilogy.
George Lucas’ Son Jett Lucas Had a Larger Role in the Star Wars Prequels
Aside from helping shape the best fight scene in The Phantom Menace and arguably in all of Star Wars, Jett Lucas also had a canon role in the franchise. The younger Lucas first made a brief cameo as a young Jedi Padawan in Attack of the Clones.
However, Lucas’ most glorious Star Wars moment came in Revenge of the Sith, where his character was first identified as Zett Jukassa. During the Jedi purge scene following Order 66, Jukassa is one of the Jedi Padawans present in the Jedi Temple’s archives on the planet Coruscant. During the purge, Jukassa boldly steps up to protect Senator Bail Organa from the Clone Troopers.
After a valiant but brief lightsaber duel, Jukassa is slain by Clone Sergeant Fox. However, the small act of courage from the young Padawan saved Bail Organa’s life, who eventually raised Leia Organa, and became a central figure in the Rebellion. Therefore, it can be argued that the Rebellion would not have existed without Jukassa’s sacrifice.
The Phantom Menace and other Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+.
