Hayden Christensen Talks Kenobi Fights
We have more tidbits about Obi-Wan Kenobi from the May issue of Total Film, this time concerning the lightsaber fights, among other things. In an interview with the magazine, Hayden Christensen had the following to say about the show’s duel scenes:
“We’re more in line with the prequels than we are with how the fights are in the original trilogy. These characters have aged, but not that much yet.”
On the subject of the prequels themselves and the surge of love for them, Christensen shared this:
“It’s been a very rewarding experience in that regard, and it’s been really nice to have this wave of positivity over the prequel films. And to see that expression come across has been really nice.”
Finally, he discusses his preparation to reprise the role:
“We’re adding more connective tissue, and so that has to line up. That was something that I was cognizant of, even when we were doing the prequels, in knowing that there’s someone else that played this character before me and after me, and we have to find something that feels right. I spent a lot of time just watching all the Star Wars stuff I could, from the original films to all of the animated shows — Clone Wars, Rebels, and all of that.”
This is all good to hear, particularly about how rewarded he feels playing Anakin and being in Star Wars. He got a lot of flak for his role back in the day, especially for Attack of the Clones. And I’m not saying the performance was perfect, but I don’t blame him for the delivery of lines like “I hate sand.” I think the cast of the prequel trilogy got a lot of criticism for problems with the script. Regardless, I am glad he and Ewan McGregor (whose performance has gotten a lot more love) are returning. I look forward to seeing them together again.
I don’t feel strongly one way or another about the lightsaber duels. It makes sense to base them more on the choreography of the prequel fights since that’s the nostalgia they’re leaning into. I hope the movements are a little bit less overblown, though; I don’t need to see Obi-Wan and Vader doing backflips. I’m still not sold on the idea of them fighting during this period, but it’s a moot point. I love hearing about the focus on making sure everything is integrated into the story and the lore, and especially that Christensen watched the animated shows. A man after my own heart.
