Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith culminates in the epic “Battle of the Heroes” lightsaber duel, and fans have new reason to believe that acclaimed director Steven Spielberg deserves credit for it. As a long-time friend and collaborator to Star Wars creator George Lucas, it’s always been known that Spielberg contributed some ideas to the final duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar. However, comments made by Nick Gillard, stunt coordinator for the Star Wars prequel trilogy, seem to have revealed an interesting role Spielberg played in the creative process.
In a recent interview with Chris Castellani on Chris And Company episode 25, Gillard made new comments about one of Spielberg’s ideas for the duel on Mustafar, creating excitement among fans and news outlets. However, it’s important to know whether Gillard’s comments are being exaggerated and whether they align with what has been said in the past. Checking other sources provides a clearer picture and demonstrates whether Spielberg is truly responsible for one of the greatest lightsaber duels in the Star Wars movies.
Nick Gillard Didn’t Definitively Say Spielberg Was Responsible For That Scene
He simply believes one part of it was Spielberg’s idea
Although Gillard did credit Steven Spielberg for contributing to the Mustafar lightsaber duel, his comments did not fully confirm that Spielberg was solely responsible. Speaking about the iconic “High Ground” moment (40:43), Gillard said “I think Spielberg… I think that [was] Spielberg’s idea, that scene. I might be saying too much now, but I’m pretty sure it is.”
So while Gillard does mention Spielberg, he ends by noting that he can’t be certain. He also notes how most of the crew hated this moment and felt they had a better version of the scene, but ultimately the “High Ground” ending brought the duel to a close.
Steven Spielberg WAS Involved With Revenge Of The Sith… & Mustafar
Lucas gave Spielberg room to play
Gillard is correct that Spielberg contributed feedback and ideas that ended up in the final duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan and other parts of Revenge of the Sith. Lucas asked Spielberg for his opinion on the Jedi being eradicated by their own clone soldiers, so Spielberg suggested that elements of the different planets obscure the deaths, leaving parts up to the audience’s imagination.
A 2005 starwars.com article highlights how Spielberg was involved in the animatic stage, but it’s hard to know how much of his contributions are in the final film. Aside from the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan, Spielberg was also involved in the animatic stage for Yoda and Emperor Palpatine’s duel, adding more fascinating history to the film’s climax.
Gillard Has Claimed Other Sources For The “High Ground” In The Past
Specifically a story involving Hayden Christensen
It’s also worth noting that Gillard has given a different origin of the Star Wars “High Ground” line before. In a 2019 interview with IGN, Gillard recalled how he and Hayden Christensen would walk to a restaurant every day to have lunch. While Gillard would take the more direct route, Christensen walked on a slope, so Gillard noted that he had the high ground. He commented that “If I can get [Anakin] on the slope, Obi might have a chance.”
Lucas worked well with his fellow creatives, and behind-the-scenes featurettes make clear how much collaboration across different departments was required to bring Obi-Wan and Anakin’s duel to life.
Regardless who who was ultimately responsible for the “High Ground” moment, the general idea was likely a group effort. Lucas worked well with his fellow creatives, and behind-the-scenes featurettes make clear how much collaboration across different departments was required to bring Obi-Wan and Anakin’s duel to life. Any reports claiming that Spielberg or any one man are responsible for “Battle of the Heroes” or the “High Ground” are exaggerating, but that should not diminish Steven Spielberg or anyone who helped bring one of the best Star Wars duels to life.
Source: Chris And Company episode 25