The filming of one of the most memorable scenes in the Star Wars franchise was graced by the presence of acclaimed actor Robert De Niro. During the production of the battle sequence between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, De Niro made a surprise visit to the set, as revealed by actor Hayden Christensen.
At the recent Fan Expo New Orleans, Christensen recounted the unexpected encounter. He shared that De Niro’s presence was not just a visit to witness the action, but rather a chance to see legendary director George Lucas at work. “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,” Christensen noted.
This revelation left both Christensen and his co-star Ewan McGregor starstruck. The two actors were in the midst of filming a high-intensity scene and were excited by the unexpected visit. Christensen recalled that McGregor pointed out De Niro’s presence, asking, “Is that Robert De Niro standing over there?” The moment was made even more memorable when De Niro approached Christensen, who was preparing for a take by doing push-ups to enhance his performance.
“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 revealed. This interaction not only highlighted De Niro’s down-to-earth nature but also created a sense of camaraderie among the actors, emphasizing their shared commitment to their craft.
Christensen further elaborated on the unique atmosphere of the Star Wars set, noting that it often attracted various prominent figures from the film industry. He mentioned that Lucas would sometimes invite directors like Francis Ford Coppola or Steven Spielberg to consult on specific scenes, adding to the collaborative spirit of the production.
The surprise visit from De Niro not only added excitement to the filming of Revenge of the Sith but also reinforced the sense of community among actors and filmmakers. Moments like these contribute to the rich tapestry of stories behind the iconic Star Wars franchise, engaging fans with the behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped their favorite films.
