Apologies to Andor, but it’s universally recognized that it was Kyle Katarn, not the character you might be thinking of, who nabbed the Death Star plans in Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces. However, let’s pause for a moment and marvel at something truly remarkable: the pioneering full-motion video cutscenes featuring real actors, which graced our screens in Dark Forces 2. Not long ago, Jason Court, the man behind Kyle Katarn, offered some fascinating behind-the-scenes tales and insights in an interview with Films in Review.
The making of the Dark Forces 2 “movie”
Back in the day, I can’t quite recall the exact budget for the cutscenes of “Dark Forces 2,” but one thing’s for sure – they truly hit the nail on the head. They were so immersive, it felt like I was engrossed in a full-length film. Now, with nearly three decades under my belt, Jason Court looks back at his time involved and ponders over its significance in his life today.
To be completely honest, we were all venturing into uncharted territory. None of us had ever auditioned for a video game prior, so we didn’t have a clear understanding of the process or how it would unfold.
In “Dark Forces 2”, live-action cutscenes featuring real actors were introduced for the first time in a Star Wars game. As Jason Court described, these scenes often felt like talking to props such as light stands and boxes, since there was usually no other actor present. Scenes were typically filmed individually, with sets and effects added later during post-production. This innovative filming approach was quite revolutionary at the time, serving almost as a precursor for how the Star Wars prequels would eventually be produced.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to share an intriguing tidbit that might be new to you! This game not only pushed boundaries with its captivating narrative but also innovated the concept of lightsabers. For instance, it was the first to feature gold and orange lightsabers, which added a fresh dimension to the galaxy’s iconic weaponry. Interestingly enough, before Mace Windu wielded his signature purple lightsaber in the prequels, it was actually the character Boc who first used one in this game.
The community that still cares
Jason Court admitted that he didn’t realize the scale of the game until he came across a magazine labeling it as the top game of 1997. Even now, fans continue to send him memorabilia for signing and write heartfelt letters about the significant impact the game had on them during their childhood years. As he put it:
Among all the experiences accumulated throughout my acting career, this particular event undeniably stands out as the most distinctive and extraordinary feat I’ve accomplished.
It just amazes me is how the legacy of this game ang these characters have continued on.
There’s still a great deal of affection for the classic Valley of the Jedi tale, and Court believes that Disney might significantly profit by resurrecting it. If Disney were to call him back to the role, his response was straightforward.
It’s truly unfortunate that we haven’t seen an official reboot of Dark Forces 2, but luckily, the community has stepped up. There are some remarkable unofficial mods available currently, and a complete fan remake using Unreal Engine is also under development. Incidentally, recent whispers about the cancellation of the KotOR Remake proved false, so perhaps the entire Jedi Knight series will receive similar treatment in the future.
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2025-06-10 17:32