Hayden Christensen has a long history with the Star Wars universe with the role of Anakin Skywalker. The actor played the role in the prequel trilogy where his relationship with Padme became the narrative focus, which led to his eventual turn to the Dark Side later on. The actor also recently made a comeback to the role in the Disney+ series Ahsoka.
While his performance in the prequel films was not unanimously loved by fans at the time, they have come to appreciate his contribution to the Star Wars lore in recent years. Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker inspired the mannerisms of an unlikely Marvel hero years later.
Barry Keoghan’s Druig Drew Inspiration from Anakin Skywalker
Barry Keoghan made his MCU debut with 2021’s Eternals which was directed by Chloé Zhao. The actor played Druig who had the power of mind control and manipulation. The character needed a very specific type of mannerisms and stature, one which led Zhao to reference Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars films.
Keoghan recently told GQ that Zhao wanted Christensen’s stoic and unpredictable portrayal of Anakin Skywalker to be the inspiration for his character Druig. He also pointed out how he wanted to humanize Druig rather than just displaying the cool superhero nature of the character. He said,
“Chloé kept referencing Hayden Christensen. His character in Star Wars to be a bit more [specific]. She just wanted me to be a bit more still, very chin high. That was the only, really, prep I kinda done was to learn to walk a bit slower. I tried to mind-control people, and people would go, ‘What are you doing? Why are you staring at me?’
You’re doing superhero movies so you’ve got to humanize them. Don’t play the superhero – try and bring the human side of them out. Chloé just kind of let me be me and wanted me to kind of be still.”
Keoghan’s Druig was one of the highlights of the film and his chemistry with Lauren Ridloff’s Makkari was loved by fans. The character and the whole Eternals team are expected to return sometime in the MCU’s future and fans are looking forward to seeing more of Druig in the franchise.
Rosario Dawson Praises Hayden Christensen’s Star Wars Resurgence
Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka got to continue her Clone Wars storyline with Hayden Christensen‘s Anakin Skywalker in her Disney+ series Ahsoka last year. The actress had nothing but kind words for the actor and also talked about his Star Wars journey in an Entertainment Weekly podcast.
Dawson had already worked with Christensen way back in 2003 with the film Shattered Glass and therefore recalled her wonderful experience with the actor in the interview. She also praised his evolution in the Star Wars universe and his recent resurgence with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka. She said,
“I love Hayden, he’s such a wonderful man. I got to know him a little bit when we were younger. I saw a lot of that journey that he went through when he first became a part of the series. To see the reception [Christensen] got on Obi-Wan Kenobi…and the opportunity he got to be Anakin but Sith Anakin was wonderful.”
While there is no news about whether Christensen will get to appear in future Star Wars projects, the actor is open to reprising the role whenever the makers want him. It remains to be seen whether Anakin or Darth Vader will make a return in the foreseeable future.
