A newly filed Disney patent reveals how they pull off one of the many effects on the blockbuster Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction. In an earlier article, we explored how Disney created a lightsaber through the ceiling effect, and in this article, we’re going to cover how they created an effect where Kylo Ren walks towards you. This article will contain spoilers, of course.

In Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests find themselves in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and First Order while trying to escape a Star Destroyer ship. At multiple points, guests find themselves face to face with Kylo Ren – the big bad in the attraction. While some Kylo Ren interactions come via physical animatronics, there is one point where guests see the Dark Side character walking directly towards them.

In a newly filed patent, Disney details how this effect works. As you can see below, Kylo Ren is projected on a thin, vertical, flat screen onto a cart or sled. As the sled moves forward, video is synchronized to make create a convincing effect of a character walking directly toward you.

Here are some more images, including a look at the physical lightsaber prop and how it works with the projection effect.

In our enhanced photo below, we can see the screen and physical hand with the lightsaber. This is more than the naked eye can see but shows how the patent above plays out in a theme park.

Another factor allowing this effect to work is the lightning that Disney utilizes around the hallway which makes it difficult for the naked eye to see into the shadows.

Of course, this patent isn’t limited to Kylo Ren, which makes it possible to be utilized in other ways in future theme park attractions.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!