Why George Lucas Slowed Down Star Wars’ Fastest Duel

Star Wars fans have been left gobsmacked by a resurfaced video comparing the raw and final versions of the famous lightsaber battle between Ewan McGregor and Ray Park in The Phantom Menace. The original footage shows the pair moving at a breakneck speed, their choreography almost too quick to follow. It’s a far cry from the more measured pace that made it into cinemas, and suddenly, Lucas’ choice to slow things down seems a lot more deliberate.

George Lucas’ Reasoning Behind the Edit

Lucas himself addressed this in the making-of documentary for The Phantom Menace, admitting the film’s style and intensity could be a bit much for the average punter. He said:

I do a particular kind of movie of which this is consistent. But it is a very hard movie to follow. But, at the same time, I have done it a little more extremely than I have done it in the past.

He went on to explain:

It’s stylistically designed to be that way, and you can’t undo that, but we can diminish the affects of it. We can slow it down a little bit, so if it’s intense for us, a regular person is going to go nuts.

Lucas recognised that the film’s relentless pace might overwhelm viewers, so he opted to ease off the throttle, making the action more digestible for everyone.

Training and Choreography: The Work Behind the Duel

The raw footage also highlights just how much effort McGregor and Park put in behind the scenes. Both actors spent months rehearsing the duel, with Park’s martial arts background and McGregor’s dedication to the choreography setting a new standard for the franchise. Park, originally hired for stunts, landed the role of Darth Maul after impressing the team with his Wushu skills and acrobatics. His unique style shaped the character’s aggressive moves.

McGregor trained under stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, learning the fight in stages before performing it at full tilt. The behind-the-scenes material shows the actors running through long sequences together, focusing on timing and flow rather than relying on quick edits. Gillard was tasked with inventing a new, faster style of combat for the prequels, and both leads delivered, nailing the choreography with impressive precision.

“Duel of the Fates” and the Fight’s Lasting Impact

John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates” is now inseparable from the Obi-Wan and Darth Maul showdown. The choral score and frantic tempo gave the fight a mythic feel, turning a technical display into an emotional centrepiece for the film. The music’s bold shift from the original trilogy’s style helped set the tone for the prequels and made the duel unforgettable for fans.

The track’s use in the scene cemented its place in pop culture, popping up in later Star Wars projects, promos, and fan edits. For many, the music is the sound of the duel itself, adding weight to the moment and helping it stand out as one of the saga’s most memorable battles.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is currently streaming on Disney+.