Star Wars fans just witnessed Disney's live demonstration of a realistic lightsaber.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products unveiled its most advanced recreation of a lightsaber yet in a presentation held during the 2023 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals (SXSW). Disney Parks Chairperson Josh D'Amaro led the reveal alongside the head of R&D for Disney Imagineering, Leslie Evans, who took part in the development of the lightsaber. Footage taken during the event captured D'Amaro wielding an accurate recreation of Anakin Skywalker's second lightsaber hilt, which, when activated, extended a lifelike blue energy blade that looked and sounded just like the iconic weapon of the Jedi and Sith Lords.
D'Amaro appreciated the chance to showcase the realistic lightsaber, with the Chairperson stating that he "had the coolest job in the world." Evans also discussed the development of the lightsaber and the work her team poured into the project. "This was a hard project," she said. "This was not easy but it was absolutely worth it because as you can see, you know, this is a way to feel like you're in a [Star Wars] film."
A Working Lightsaber Replica
Fans on social media immediately began speculating on the lightsaber's retractable blade design, with one user posting a link to a 2017 patent that might include detailed plans for the realistic lightsaber. The patent is reportedly for "a special effects device for providing an energy sword effect." The device used a pair of retractable plastic semi-cylinders that were stored in the hilt, which also hid an additional motor that controlled the blade's length. Flexible strips of light sources were further used to illuminate the semi-cylinders, which created the illusion of an extending energy blade when activated.
Star Wars VR developer Ben Ridout previously shared an animated video that showcased the patent in action, with the developer stating that plans for the device were based on the design of a tape measure. "Did Disney invent a real working lightsaber? Yes, they did," Ridout said. "It won't melt through metal blast doors, or cut off your hand, but it does feature an illuminated blade that will extend and retract at the push of a button."
At the time of writing, Disney's realistic lightsaber is only available as part of the experience in the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World Resorts.
Source: SXSW via Deadline, Twitter