The filming of the legendary battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith had an unexpected audience member: acclaimed actor Robert De Niro. This intriguing detail was shared by actor Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker, during an appearance at Fan Expo New Orleans earlier this month.
Christensen recalled that De Niro’s visit to the set was motivated by a desire to observe the creative process of director George Lucas. “I remember during one of the days that we were filming that fight, Robert De Niro showed up to set, just because he wanted to come see what we were doing – not us, but George, he wanted to see what George was doing,” Christensen stated. The actor expressed his admiration for De Niro, noting how starstruck he and his co-star Ewan McGregor felt at the time.
The encounter was not only exciting for Christensen and McGregor, but it also showcased a shared dedication to their craft. “He walked over, and he was very friendly. And I remember, because I would do a lot of push-ups before each take to try to get my heart rate up and a little exhaustion going, and he came over to me and he said, ‘You know, I see you doing push-ups before the takes.’ He was like, ‘I do that, too,’” Christensen shared, highlighting the mutual respect between seasoned actors.
The visit from De Niro underscores the star-studded environment that characterized the production of the Star Wars saga. Christensen elaborated that many notable personalities visited the set, and Lucas even called upon other cinematic legends such as Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg to lend their expertise on various scenes.
This revelation adds a unique layer to the legacy of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, a film that has left an indelible mark on popular culture since its release in 2005. The film’s climactic duel between Kenobi and Skywalker remains a defining moment in the franchise, and the glimpse into its filming process offers fans an exciting connection to Hollywood’s elite.
As fans continue to celebrate the enduring impact of the Star Wars franchise, stories like these remind us of the collaborative spirit and passion that drives the film industry. The interaction between De Niro, Christensen, and McGregor illustrates how even the most iconic moments in cinema can be enriched by the presence of cinematic legends.
