Jet Cooper, the 3D modelling supervisor on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, has revealed the previously untold origin story behind Kylo Ren's crossguard lightsaber, one of the most talked-about designs to emerge from the sequel trilogy. Speaking exclusively to IGN, Cooper explained that the crossguard was inspired by the number of characters who had lost hands in lightsaber duels across the saga, including Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, echoing the historical use of quillons on medieval European swords to protect a wielder's hand.

Cooper worked alongside director J.J. Abrams on the design, drawing on centuries-old sword-making traditions and going through 13 iterations before settling on the final look. The pair also wanted the weapon's silhouette to be instantly recognisable, even to a child, which led them to flare out the ends of the crossguard. Cooper, who has also worked on films including Skyfall and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, is now Creative Director and Head of 3D at Makinarium and says the lightsaber remains one of his proudest creations.