No one can deny Anakin Skywalker’s strength and abilities in the Star Wars universe. Well, he wouldn’t be the Chosen One for nothing. He’s a legendary Jedi Knight, a central figure in the Jedi prophecy to bring balance to the Force and destroy the Sith, and even dubbed a Hero with No Fear, thanks to his accomplishment in the Clone Wars. In addition to his great power, his midi-chlorian count exceeds Master Yoda's. These things make Anakin formidable, making everyone think he’s unbeatable, but Star Wars prequel trilogy stunt coordinator Nick Gillard reveals he has found his match.
In an interview with Empire Magazine via Screen Rant, Gillard said that one scene in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith showed Anakin’s power had limits. In the movie’s infamous Battle on Mustafar, where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced Anakin to remind him of his duty and allegiance to the galaxy after turning to the Dark Side, the two used the Force to try to throw each other, but no one wanted to give up.
“The entire fight is in that moment,” Gillard added.
With the vigor and toughness the two characters show at that moment, the stuntman added that they’re “equally matched.” Hence, despite being Anakin’s former Jedi Master, he has reached the same level of greatness Obi-Wan has, making him his equal.
“They're so equally matched, they can't get through, and at that point, they're reading each other so closely,” Gillard continued.
Why can’t Anakin Skywalker beat Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith?
The Battler on Mustafar ended with Obi-Wan defeating Anakin. The Jedi jumped onto the high lava bend slope and declared the fight was over due to their height advantage. However, Anakin didn’t want to give in and tried to follow, but he failed to block Obi-Wan’s final attack, ending up severing his remaining organic limbs. He then rolled down to the edge of the lava bend, which eventually ended their fight.
Sure, Anakin is powerful, but Obi-Wan is more skilled. The difference between their skills is only small; thus, it’s safe to assume they are matched. It’s also good to note that Obi-Wan taught Anakin. He knows his moves, strengths, and weaknesses that he can counter.
But before they become enemies, Obi-Wan is the closest thing Anakin has to a father, though the former considers him his brother. He even confesses his love for him. But Anakin’s envy and doubts that his former master is having an affair with his wife turn into hate, resulting in a complicated relationship between the two.
There are different theories about why Anakin can’t defeat Obi-Wan in the Battle on Mustafar. Whatever the case is, it can’t be denied that the Jedi-turned-Sith possesses great power. It’s only that Obi-Wan knows his style, and Anakin underestimates him, resulting in the former's victory.
