It’s been 25 years since Star Wars’ prequel trilogy hit theaters, but questions remain about the fall of the Galactic Republic. Major moments, like the duel between Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and his Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), have been nitpicked to Naboo and back. Their showdown in Episode III — Revenge of the Sith is arguably the best part of the prequels, but it’s not without its head-scratching moments. One, in particular, has plagued the fandom for years: in the battle’s final moments, why does Anakin flip over Obi-Wan’s head, giving his mentor the perfect opening to slice off his limbs?
The answer varies depending on who you ask. According to stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, this sequence was originally shorter and more efficient, with Obi-Wan cutting Anakin in a defensive move. It was Steven Spielberg who reportedly pitched a longer, more elaborate finisher, but Anakin’s motivation has never been explained. Fans assumed his final move was simply an act of desperation; after Obi-Wan famously gains “the high ground,” it’s possible Anakin was rashly trying to reverse the situation on his Master. But another theory attempts to explain Anakin’s flip by tying it to a different iconic battle from the prequels, and it’s an approach Christensen himself seems to agree with.
