May the force be with you! Hilarious video shows pranksters challenging unsuspecting strangers to lightsaber duels on the street

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This prankster proved the force was most definitely with him when he challenged dozens of strangers to lightsaber duels on the street.

To mark the release of the new Star Wars film, the team behind YouTube channel Molo Nation decided to see how the residents of Los Angeles would react when faced with an impromptu battle.

The three-minute clip shows one of the pranksters, dressed in the brown robes of a Jedi, throwing a lightsaber at a series of passers-by before drawing his own weapon. 

The video starts with the 'Jedi' speaking to the camera, saying 'today we are going to dress up as Jedis and fight people'. 

He stands with a red lightsaber - used by Sith lords like Darth Vader in the film franchise - and throws a green lightsaber - similar to the one used by Luke Skywalker - at strangers on the street. 

The majority of the participants are quick to catch on to the joke and are happy to fence with the 'Jedi' on the pavement - even falling to the ground when they are 'struck' by their opponent. 

The Jedi crouches, jumps and twirls as he takes on the strangers, with lightsaber sound effects and a movie-worthy soundtrack adding to the dramatic feel of the duels.

One daring young woman gets creative with her technique and adds a spin before lunging at the Jedi. Another young man pretends to grunt and groan with the effort as he fights.

From a galaxy far, far away: The cloaked 'Jedi', left challenges a passer-by to a lightsaber duel on the street

Victory: Many of the match-ups end with the Jedi winning, in this instance he 'stabs' his opponent in his side

Dramatic: Many of the strangers are quick to join in on the joke, lunging and spinning as they battle

One nervous participant sets some ground rules before they begin, pleading with the Jedi not to hit him hard. 

Most of the strangers roped into the prank appear to be from UCLA.  Just one passer-by is seen missing out on the joke - continuing on his way as the lightsaber is tossed into his path. 

And while the Jedi appears to be victorious in most of the match-ups, there is one occasion when his rival gets the better of him and he is 'beheaded' in a show of victory.  

Standoff: The Jedi prankster crouches down to avoid a blow as his opponent aims for his head

Missed me! The prankster hops back and raises his hand in the air as his rival misses him with a low strike

Star Wars fans: One young man squats as he brandishes his green lightsaber at the prankster