Deleted Star Wars Scene Would Have Changed Lightsaber Combat Forever
A choreographed lightsaber sequence by The Raid's Iko Uwais introduced a deadly new combat technique that filmmakers ultimately couldn't include in The Force Awakens.
Indonesian action star Iko Uwais brought his martial arts expertise to The Force Awakens after his breakout performance in The Raid: Redemption. Uwais and fellow Raid actor Cecep Arif Rahman joined the 2015 film as operatives tracking Han Solo.
Director J.J. Abrams tapped Uwais to design fight choreography, drawing on his Pencak Silat background. The martial artist developed a concept that would revolutionize lightsaber dueling.
His finishing technique involved a fighter deactivating their weapon mid-combat, positioning behind their opponent, then reactivating the blade through their enemy's back. "With a swift move, puts the dead lightsaber into the back of his opponent, and turns it on," Uwais explained to Men's Health.
Rating Concerns and Fan Theory Explanations
The sequence got cut for being too graphic for a PG-13 rating. But Star Wars fans have developed another explanation for why this tactic doesn't appear in the saga.
Many believe Jedi and Sith consider the deactivation trick dishonorable combat. Reddit discussions suggest both sides agreed to avoid this underhanded technique during formal duels.
This unwritten rule explains why Force users don't simply turn off their sabers, close distance, and reignite them inside opponents. The move violates combat ethics both factions respect.
Hollywood Breakthrough After Indonesian Success
The Raid's brutal action sequences opened American doors for Uwais. He describes the transition as surreal.
"Getting calls from Hollywood has been quite surreal to be honest. Making a living out of my real passion, which is Silat; that's certainly a privilege for me," he told Men's Health.
His Hollywood career expanded beyond Star Wars. Uwais now has five projects in development, including Road House 2 and Wings of Dread. The deleted Force Awakens scene represents what might have been - a fundamental shift in how lightsaber combat works across the galaxy.