Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas aimed for a more energetic and martial arts-based approach in the lightsaber duels for the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
– Stunt coordinator Nick Gillard created a new martial art form to achieve Lucas’ vision.
– Jett Lucas, George Lucas’ son, massively influenced the fight scene’s style at just five years old.
– Jett Lucas additionally had a canon role in the Star Wars universe as Jedi Padawan Zett Jukassa.
Body:
A Fresh Take on Lightsaber Duels
A deep-dive into one of Star Wars’ most thrilling lightsaber duels uncovers a surprising twist: George Lucas’ five-year-old son, Jett Lucas, heavily influenced it. These epic battles, often the most nerve-wracking aspects of the franchise, underwent significant transformation since its 1977 initiation. George Lucas elected a more intricate, martial arts-focused direction for the prequel trilogy. This shift is particularly noticeable in The Phantom Menace, host to a standout three-way lightsaber duel.
In an interview, lead stunt coordinator Nick Gillard shed light on this dramatic shift in the fight scenes. According to Gillard, Lucas sought a novel, more exuberant interpretation of the lightsaber duels for the prequel trilogy. The director wanted to spice up the battles with a hint of martial arts – and Gillard delivered.
Jett Lucas’ Invaluable Input
Gillard devised a unique fighting style that he described as an alliance of all sword fighting forms. After creating this new martial art form, he showed a demonstration reel to Jett Lucas.
Gillard indicates that Lucas’ son was, in fact, the dictator of the fight’s style. Considering that the Star Wars franchise primarily targets a younger audience, it made perfect sense to seek feedback from a child on this more vibrant spin on the lightsaber clashes.
More Than Just a Backstage Influence
Besides influencing The Phantom Menace’s best fight scene, Jett Lucas steps out from behind the scenes and into the Star Wars cannon. He briefly appears as a young Jedi Padawan in Attack of the Clones. His more memorable role came in Revenge of the Sith, as Jedi Padawan Zett Jukassa.
Zett Jukassa was amongst the Jedi present in the Jedi Temple’s archives during the purge that followed Order 66. Displaying commendable courage, Jukassa stepped forward, protecting Senator Bail Organa from Clone Troopers.
Although Jukassa was ultimately slain in a brief but fierce lightsaber duel, his gallant act saved Bail Organa’s life. Organa went on to raise Leia Organa and became a central figure in the Rebellion. Thus, indirectly, Lucas’ character plays a pivotal role in the Rebellion’s beginnings, making his contribution to the Star Wars universe all the more profound.
All Star Wars films, including The Phantom Menace, are readily accessible on Disney+.
End with:
This intriguing insight into the creation of the well-loved lightsaber duels underlines the pivotal role of Jett Lucas. Not only did his influence as a five-year-old help shape one of the most highly-regarded fight scenes, he directly contributed to the Star Wars lore through his portrayal of Jedi Padawan, Zett Jukassa. To this day, the Star Wars franchise remains a much-loved feature of pop culture, marked by its thrilling lightsaber duels and rich universe of characters.
