Actor Hayden Christensen is best known for essaying the role of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise. Christensen originated the role in the prequels, which detail the transformation of Anakin into the Sith Lord Darth Vader. However, he later reprised the role for Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka shows on Disney+.
During an interview, Christensen spoke about reprising his role years after the mixed reception of the prequels. At the same time, Christensen revealed the one Star Wars actor who felt attention-starved after his Darth Vader character arrived on the sets to film his more recent appearances in the franchise. Here is what Christensen had to say about the aura of Vader during filming.
Hayden Christensen Admits Ewan McGregor Was Attention Starved When His Darth Vader Showed Up
Actor Hayden Christensen most recently reprised his role as Anakin Skywalker in the Ahsoka series, starring Rosario Dawson in the titular role. Following the conclusion of the show’s first season, Christensen and Dawson sat for a joint interview with Entertainment Weekly.
During the interview, Christensen was asked to comment on prequel trilogy co-star Ewan McGregor’s confession that he was jealous of the attention Darth Vader received while filming the Obi-Wan Kenobi miniseries.
Anytime Vader shows up, that’s a crowd-pleaser, so that’s an easy one.
Christensen made the above statement admitting that he could feel the electricity of all eyes being on him when he stepped onto the sets of Obi-Wan Kenobi as Darth Vader.
The actor pointed out that since the character meant so much to so many people, the fanfare surrounding him was understandable. As a result, Christensen confirmed that McGregor’s confession about being starved for attention because of Vader was true.
In the series, Christensen played the Darth Vader aspect of his character for the first time since the prequels. Therefore, the actor expressed gratitude for Anakin also receiving equal amounts of love and appreciation from the fan base, especially after the mixed reception of the prequels.
Hayden Christensen Discusses His Joy For Lightsaber Duels in the Star Wars Franchise
During the same interview, Christensen also talked about his favorite aspect of the Star Wars franchise and admitted that he enjoyed being a part of the lightsaber duels. Christensen stated that the lightsaber combat was without a doubt the most fun aspect of his job.
Easily the best part. Any work day with a lightsaber, it’s a good day.
Christensen made the above statement professing his love for lightsaber duels in the franchise created by George Lucas.
Meanwhile, Christensen also discussed his lightsaber duel with Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano in the Ahsoka series. The actor praised fight choreographer Ming Qiu for crafting the World Between the Worlds battle sequence between Anakin and Ahsoka.
Christensen added that he and Dawson enjoyed filming the lightsaber duel scene and could not believe their luck. However, the actor played coy when asked about potentially reprising the role for future seasons of the series. Nonetheless, Christensen left the door open on a return as Anakin / Darth Vader by stating that his character would always be with Ahsoka in spirit.
Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi are streaming on Disney+.
