This 7-year-old video from Star Wars Celebration 2017 proves that Hayden Christensen really is the perfect actor to playAnakin SkywalkerinStar Wars. Anakin is easily one of the most significant characters inStar Warsmovies and TV shows, not only because he wasthe Chosen One, but also because his life and legacy have shaped nearly all events intheStar Warstimelinethus far. This was therefore a massive role to take on, particularly in light of the prequel trilogy following the hugely successful and beloved original trilogy movies.
Yet, as this video from Star Wars Celebration 2017 confirms,Hayden Christensen was the perfect choice for Anakin Skywalker. In the video, posted bygalacticempirehaydenon TikTok, Christensen lightheartedly jokes about Anakin’s well-known hatred of sand, revealing how well he knows his character (and his lines).
Even Hayden Christensen’s willingness to partake in the jokes about the franchise and his role reveal his dedication to bothStar Warsand Anakin Skywalker, which is just one reason of many that he was the perfect choice to play this character.
Hayden Christensen Has Always Embodied Anakin Skywalker
Despite Initial Backlash, Christensen Has More Than Proven Himself Over The Years
When the prequel trilogy movies were released, they were immediately met with harsh backlash and criticism. This was already true withStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, before Hayden Christensen joinedStar Wars. The backlash was specifically targeted at Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best and young Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd. WithStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the ClonesandStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, this largely shifted to criticism of Christensen.
The very things Christensen was criticized for made his performance perfect, however. Anakin was intended to be easy to anger, egotistical, and dramatic. These very traits were the factors that contributed to his fall to the dark side. Anakin was also meant to be brave, passionate, and loyal. Christensen perfectly captured this complex nature of the character, and he has continued to play him in a way that stays true to that complexity, including in bothObi-Wan KenobiandAhsoka.
Anakin Skywalker’s Complete Star Wars Timeline Explained: Chosen One Prophecy, Fall To The Dark Side, & Redemption
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader’s influence on Star Wars cannot be overstated, and this complete timeline represents all the key events in his story.
No One Could Play Anakin Skywalker Better Than Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen Has Kept Anakin Skywalker Alive In More Ways Than One
Perhaps the most delightful aspect of Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker has been the commitment he continues to have to both the character and the larger franchise. It would have been easy enough for Christensen to play the role in the prequel trilogy and then walk away, especially given how much criticism he faced for his prequel trilogy performance. Instead,Christensen has remained dedicated to the fanbase, constantly attending conventions, participating in interviews, and, of course, having brand-new appearances inStar Warsshows.
While Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin/Vader may have been controversial in the beginning, it’s impossible to now imagine anyone else playing the role (including Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nearly cast instead). This doesn’t just come down to performance. It’s also about the love Christensen has for his character, the franchise, and the fans. Although thisStar Warsvideo may be a playful, humorous one, it’s a great reminder that Hayden Christensen is the perfectAnakin Skywalker.
