Although some fans remain unconvinced by the new Star Wars VII lightsaber, it looks as though Apple designer Jony Ive has decided to take the blame.
It’s one of the most controversial aspects of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer – the all-new, crossguard lightsaber. But while fans continue to discuss whether or not it’s a good idea, there’s one man who was willing to suggest it in the first place.
And he happens to have designed the iPhone.
During an interview with the New Yorker, the 47-year-old designer revealed that he may be responsible for certain aspects of the new lightsaber.
“I thought it would be interesting it if were less precise and just a little bit more spitty,” he recalled, adding that he suggested that the new lightsaber could be “more analogue and more primitive and I think in that way, somehow more ominous.”
Of course, the Apple designer has steered clear of taking responsibility for that strange new crossguard… and so its origin remains a mystery, At least, for now.
But it’s interesting that the designer – who seems to have built his career on clean design and minimal interfaces – would suggest something a bit more gritty for the new lightsaber. After all, it’s not as though Apple would come up with such a design.
Still, I suppose this new hilt was built for a Sith… and if it’s ominous they wanted, they’ve certainly got that.
Of course, Ive stresses that his suggestions were merely “part of a conversation” between himself and J.J. Abrams… even if they were “very specific”.
But does that mean he’s responsible for the new blade?
It’s likely that Abrams took these suggestions on board – after all, what we’ve seen on screen matches up with Ive’s description of the fluxing blade. But will Ive have influenced any other aspects of the sequel trilogy?
With the Sith opting for grittier, ‘analogue’ options, could we see the Jedi going for a more Apple-like aesthetic? For now, we’ll have to wait and see. But I really hope not.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens heads to cinemas on 18 December 2015.
What do you think of the Star Wars VII lightsaber? Does the new blade add something different to the mix? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
