Unveiling the Epic Evolution of Ahsoka's Lightsabers: How Star Wars Transformed Duels to New Heights

Summary

Ahsoka's lightsaber design had to be adjusted for her own show, with the batteries now inside the hilt instead of in the actor's sleeves.

The redesign of the lightsaber enhanced Ahsoka's ability to maneuver during duels, resulting in more awe-inspiring performances. Featuring a fusion of various styles witnessed in the Star Wars saga, Ahsoka's lightsaber battles exhibit top-notch choreography.

Ahsoka's lightsaber design for the lightsaber duels in the series was altered. Ahsoka Tano has been using lightsabers since her animated debut in The Clone Wars movie in 2008. Recognized as a beloved character in The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka made her first appearance in live-action in The Mandalorian season 2, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, which paved the way for her own live-action series. The transition of Ahsoka into live-action required numerous practical adjustments.

In a video featuring Ahsoka's props master Josh Roth from Screen Rant's Rob Keyes at Destination D23, it is revealed that one of these adjustments involved changing Ahsoka's lightsaber design following The Mandalorian season 2. Watch the video and hear Roth's comments below:

Ahsoka's lightsaber design held immense importance. The challenge lay in making it slimmer while ensuring functionality, as the technical capacity to house batteries within the hilts wasn't available at the time. Consequently, Rosario Dawson had to store the batteries in her sleeves starting from season 2. However, with the knowledge of Dawson's new show, alterations had to be made. Working collaboratively, my team created a fully integrated saber that allowed for seamless stunts and combat, enabling impressive lightsaber duels throughout the series.

Ahsoka's Lightsaber Duels Have Shown Some Of Star Wars' Best Choreography

Ahsoka stands out from other live-action Star Wars TV shows due to the impressive quantity and quality of its lightsaber duels. While previous series may have had limited lightsaber action, Ahsoka has already delivered multiple duels between Ahsoka and Marrok, Sabine Wren and Shin Hati, as well as a showdown between Ahsoka and Baylan Skoll, all within just four episodes. These lightsaber fights are elevated by their exceptional choreography, setting them apart as some of the best in the Star Wars franchise.

The duels in Ahsoka combine various styles of lightsaber action witnessed throughout the Star Wars projects over the years. While the original trilogy featured slow and deliberate lightsaber fights that relied on emotion, the prequel trilogy showcased highly choreographed and fluid combat. The sequel trilogy emphasized the weight and physical toll of each duel. Ahsoka incorporates all these influences, blending emotional stakes, impressive choreography, and grounded movements in its duels.

Baylan's lightsaber combat embodies a fusion of these elements, with a methodical approach that also conveys a sense of effort and weight behind each movement. Additionally, the scene in episode 4 where Ahsoka and Marrok face each other and settle into their stances brings to mind the final duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul in Star Wars Rebels. The anticipation gradually builds until the killing blow happens in a matter of seconds. As the first season of Ahsoka progresses, the lightsaber duels will undoubtedly remain one of the series' strongest features.

Source: Rob Keyes/Twitter