Manny Jacinto, known for his role as Qimir in Star Wars: The Acolyte, recently shared an insightful behind-the-scenes look into his rigorous lightsaber fight training. His dedication to bringing this complex character to life shines through in every frame.
Immersive Preparation
Manny Jacinto‘s approach to embodying Qimir involved intensive method acting and complete immersion into the character’s world. Jacinto even practiced walking like Qimir in a local grocery store, embodying the role so deeply that it affected his daily interactions.
His performance blends elements of Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and Toshiro Mifune’s Kikushiyo from Seven Samurai. This unique combination gave Qimir an eclectic persona that caught viewers by surprise.
A Journey into Isolation
During production, Jacinto spent time secluded in Windsor, approximately 40 minutes outside London. This isolation helped him delve into his dual characters, as he shared: I was by myself and it was an advantage because I felt the isolation. I was able to just really think about the characters 24/7 to the point where I’d have dreams — but also nightmares — about them.
Lightsaber Fight Training
The lightsaber duels in Episode 5 are among the series’ most intense sequences. Jacinto’s extensive training with action designer Christopher Clark Cowan and choreographer Lu Junchang honed his abilities in ways that captivated audiences.
Episode 5 of The Acolyte had some ‘sick-as-hell lightsaber fights,’ which caught viewers off guard. The action-packed episode left stress levels high and even forced one viewer to take a walk to calm down. The unexpected nature of the episode made it stand out as the best one so far.
Duel Inspiration
Jacinto’s inspirations spanned more than just Star Wars lore. He cites Jackie Chan’s involvement in martial arts classic Drunken Master as crucial to understanding the duality of chaotic yet precise combat techniques.
Jacinto’s character draws inspiration from this film, bringing a blend of unpredictability and mastery to his portrayal of Qimir and the Stranger.
The Making of Mystique
Creating Qimir’s enigmatic allure wouldn’t have been possible without meticulous costume design by Jennifer Bryan and exceptional creature crafting from Neal Scanlan.
In terms of the costume itself, Jennifer Bryan created this beautiful silhouette for the Stranger. When it moved, it was very much just like water. It added to the mystery of the Stranger. You didn’t know what he was, if he was human or alien or if he was a robot.
A Profound Connection
Throughout production, series creator Leslye Headland emphasized the importance of depth in portraying Qimir and the Stranger. She aimed for a horror-film-like eeriness that would add layers to the characters’ interactions and movements.
Manny is out of control in the show,” Headland praised. “In episode five he says something that I would say is a good summation of how I feel moving through the world, which is that all he wants is freedom.
Complex Characters
The roles required delving into multifaceted emotions and physical scenarios. For example, Qimir’s transformation into the Stranger demanded specific fight choreography differentiating him from traditional Star Wars combats, mixing elements unseen before such as fluid movements and swift power strikes.
Award-Worthy Dedication
Manny Jacinto’s discipline and innovation are mirrored in his performance that continues to define The Acolyte. As he expressed humorously upon wrapping up his intense preparation: I joked that it’s weird being a civilian again…
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