Ben Affleck and Matt Damon originally planned to play the roles of Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris. However, after extensive discussions with Ridley Scott, they decided to shift roles, allowing Adam Driver to take on the role of Le Gris.

Why it matters: This decision deepened the complexity of the characters, as Driver brought a fresh, modern energy to the role, providing a stark contrast to Affleck and Damon's performances and enhancing the film's exploration of power dynamics.

The script underwent multiple revisions to ensure the dialogue sounded authentic and appropriate for the medieval setting. The writers consulted with historians to catch anachronisms.

Why it matters: This commitment to historical accuracy helped ground the film in realism and made the characters’ conversations more impactful, enabling the audience to connect with the story on a more authentic level.

The actors spent several months training in sword fighting and horseback riding to prepare for their roles, particularly in the combat scenes.

Why it matters: This rigorous training resulted in visceral and authentic fight scenes that not only heightened the film's intensity but also showcased the actors' commitment, allowing audiences to feel the stakes of the duels.

Ridley Scott insisted on using minimal CGI for the battles, focusing instead on practical effects and choreographed fights to bring authenticity to the dueling sequences.

Why it matters: The use of real effects means the audience experiences palpable tension and realism in battle sequences, elevating the movie's dramatic impact and connecting viewers more deeply with the historical context.

Filming took place in various locations in France, including authentic historical sites that added a layer of realism to the movie's setting, such as a castle in the Loire Valley.

Why it matters: Shooting on location rather than a backlot helped enhance the film's visual appeal and accuracy, allowing viewers to be immersed in the rich historical landscape of 14th-century France.

During a swordfight rehearsal, Adam Driver accidentally injured Jodie Comer, who portrayed Marguerite de Carrouges. The injury was minor but led to heightened safety precautions on set.

Why it matters: This incident underscored the physical demands of the film while highlighting the actors’ dedication. It added an element of authenticity to their performances, knowing they were genuinely engaging with the risks of their roles.

Each duelist in the final duel had a distinct fighting style that reflected their personality and social status, carefully crafted by the fight choreographer.

Why it matters: This specificity enhanced character development and brought depth to the pivotal final encounter, as audiences could see not just physical differences, but also the stakes each man faced based on their backgrounds.

The film's structure was inspired by the concept of testimonies, with each main character providing their perspective on the event that leads to the duel.

Why it matters: This narrative choice challenged viewers to question truth, bias, and perspective, deepening the film's thematic exploration of honor and storytelling—elements that resonate with modern audiences.

Costume designer Janty Yates researched historical garments extensively, even incorporating traditional crafting techniques to create authentic looks reflective of the era.

Why it matters: The meticulous design choices not only enriched the characters' identities but also aided in world-building, allowing the audience to become more invested in the time period and its complexities.

Ridley Scott collaborated closely with female writers to ensure Marguerite's perspective was portrayed authentically and powerfully, unlike many historical films that overlook women's voices.

Why it matters: This collaboration highlighted gender dynamics and gave the character a strong voice, making her narrative arc resonate particularly well with contemporary audiences seeking stories of empowerment.

Director of photography Dariusz Wolski used natural light as much as possible to emphasize the authenticity and grittiness of the medieval world.

Why it matters: This choice enhanced the film's atmosphere, allowing emotional moments to be captured in a strikingly realistic way, further immersing audiences in the film's harsh realism.

The armor used for the knights was not only historically accurate but also custom-fitted to each actor, ensuring both authenticity and comfort during their performances.

Why it matters: By providing actors with well-fitting armor, it allowed for better mobility and performance, resulting in more dynamic and believable fight scenes that greatly contributed to the film's immersive quality.

The sound design team recorded real-life sounds of clashing swords, horses, and the environment to create an immersive auditory experience.

Why it matters: This level of attention to sound detail enhanced the film's tension and impact, drawing the audience into the world of the story and elevating the overall viewing experience.

The film adapts real historical figures based on the chronicles of Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, adding depth through historical context.

Why it matters: Audiences are given a glimpse into a specific moment in history, enriching the narrative and allowing for discussions about honor, truth, and the lives of these men and Marguerite, the woman at the center of it all.

Ben Affleck’s character, Count Pierre d'Alençon, was originally meant to have a smaller role, but his performance added layers that led to expanded scenes.

Why it matters: Affleck’s ability to infuse humor and charm into his character not only provided comic relief but also deepened the intrigue and stakes of the power dynamics present in the film.

The film underwent a rigorous editing process led by editor Claire Simpson, which helped shape its pacing from a lengthy draft to a more concise and impactful narrative.

Why it matters: This disciplined editing enables the film to maintain a tight focus on themes of honor and betrayal while sustaining dramatic tension, ultimately enhancing audience engagement.

The final duel choreography was designed to be both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, evolving over the course of the film and each character's arc.

Why it matters: This progression made the climactic showdown not just a physical confrontation but an emotional culmination of the characters' journeys, ensuring it left a lasting impact on the audience.

Upon its release, 'The Last Duel' sparked conversations about consent, power, and gender dynamics, resonating deeply with modern societal issues.

Why it matters: This relevance not only makes the film a subject of contemporary debates but also highlights the importance of historical narratives and their reflections on current societal values.

Ridley Scott aimed to create a film that not only tells a gripping story but also serves as a critique of the male-dominated narratives often found in history.

Why it matters: This vision has allowed the film to stand apart from typical historical dramas, inviting critical dialogue and illuminating often overlooked stories that deserve attention.

The use of hand-held cameras during key scenes provided a more intimate and chaotic feel, drawing audiences closer to the action and emotional stakes.

Why it matters: This technique allowed viewers to relate more personally to the characters as they experienced the chaos of battle alongside them, amplifying the tension and drama.

A team of historians was engaged to ensure that every element of the film—from the dialogue to the battle strategies—accurately reflected 14th-century France.

Why it matters: Their involvement not only enhanced the film's credibility but also fostered a deeper understanding of the cultural and social complexities of the era among viewers.

The screenplay was co-written by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener, marking a unique collaboration that blended multiple perspectives.

Why it matters: This blend of voices allowed for a diversified narrative approach, enriching character development and highlighting differing views on gender and honor.

The promotional campaign for 'The Last Duel' emphasized the importance of female narratives in history, aligning with the film's central theme.

Why it matters: This focus not only helped market the film effectively but also resonated with audiences looking for stories that challenge historical norms, enhancing its cultural impact.

The end credits feature documented interviews with historians discussing the real events behind the film, providing further context for viewers.

Why it matters: These interviews serve to educate the audience, allowing them to grasp the historical realities behind the film’s dramatic retelling and stimulating deeper engagement with the subject matter.