Before Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) declared that Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) was her only hope, the possibly Force-sensitive Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) were trying to destroy the Death Star in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The 2016 prequel is set right before the events of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”, and it smartly includes a handful of staple characters, like C-3PO (Anthony Daniels). It’s only fitting that Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) would have some skin in the game that Erso and her fellow rebels are running — but his menacing hallway scene at the end of the film was almost scrapped due to issues with his lightsaber.

Cinematographer Greig Fraser revealed the challenges they faced in bringing this scene to life, admitting, “The lighting was not ideal; the lightsaber ignites, but there’s an unexpected light behind him?” Despite these hurdles, the scene’s creation was swift, requiring just around 15 minutes to adjust lighting rigs appropriately, especially since it was a late addition to the film.

Screenwriter Chris Weitz shared with CinemaBlend that initially, the film’s ending was much lighter, featuring a wedding and fewer casualties. He noted, “It was assumed Disney wouldn’t permit such a high character mortality rate.” However, in a discussion on The Cult Popture Podcast (via CinemaBlend), Weitz explained that he opted for a more somber conclusion to emphasize the film’s theme of sacrifice. This direction also naturally concludes the arcs of characters like Cassian Andor, whose backstory unfolds in the “Andor” TV series prequel.

This climactic scene not only encapsulates the film’s themes of sacrifice but also serves as a fitting finale for a war epic within the “Star Wars” saga. The movie dedicates much of its runtime to showcasing the intense conflict between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Seeing Darth Vader unleashed in his full might, wielding his lightsaber with ferocity, provides a stark contrast to his restrained presence in earlier “Star Wars” films and highlights the formidable power he commands when he takes charge.

Editor Kevin Hickman told CinemaBlend that Darth Vader’s epic hallway scene wasn’t filmed until about three or four months before the movie’s release. “I still get chills when I watch it,” he said. 

Not only is it a fitting ending to a movie about sacrifice, but it’s a conclusion worthy of a war epic, which is exactly what this film is for the “Star Wars” franchise. Much of its runtime is spent giving viewers an in-depth look at the physical conflict between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. It only makes sense that we see Darth Vader in his full glory, violently whipping around his lightsaber in stark contrast to his more stagnant appearances in the early “Star Wars” movies. It’s a chance to show people just how much power he actually wields, and what he’s willing to do when he takes matters into his own hands.