Since the day director George Lucas chose Hayden Christensen to star as the young Anakin Skywalker, Christensen’s life changed its course. The Star Wars actor played Anakin Skywalker in the prequels Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). Christensen reprised his role as Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi another successful show from the franchise.
One major reason why Lucas choose Christensen was his strong chemistry with the actress Natalie Portman and the raw talent that Lucas wanted. He rejected big industry names like Leonardo Di Caprio and Jonathan Jackson etc.
Hayden Christensen opens up about his relationship with Star Wars
The Esquire talked to Christensen about his inspiring portrayal of Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. As the actor landed at The Middle East Film and Comic Con he was greeted by fans, it moved him and inspired him further to continue his work.
Talking with Esquire the Star Wars actor was asked about his relationship with the franchise. He also shared the relationship he developed with his character as an audience and performer,
“It wasn’t until I was maybe 12 or 13 years old when I first watched the original trilogy and I was blown away—transported to this other galaxy. Darth Vader made quite an impression on me. I can remember as a little kid imitating Darth Vader trying to scare my little sister.”
He continues,
“The conversations with George Lucas about how to play this character always went back to the most human, basic level of what happens to someone when they’re misled and manipulated and, by no fault of their own, go down this dark path. I’ve always been very sympathetic to Anakin, and I think as I’ve gotten older, I’m even more sympathetic to the Darth Vader character.”
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Undoubtedly, playing Darth Vader is no joke, the character comes from a place of light that turned into complete darkness. Darth Vader is not just any villain, he is one of the most iconic villains of all time, so much so that his voice is enough to induce spine-chilling fear.
Hayden Christensen is in debt to Dave Filoni for Clone Wars
When Christensen was asked by the interviewer if he had seen the Clone Wars, the Jumper star candidly replied,
“Of course, yeah! I love Clone Wars. I think what Dave Filoni did with Clone Wars and Rebels is brilliant. I’m indebted to Dave Filoni because I think he helped the character of Anakin a lot. I think he fleshed out the character and also furthered our understanding of Anakin’s relationship with the Jedi and the Council and the mistrust that he harbored.”
Clone Wars is an animated show from the franchise Star Wars, the story follows multiple stars who are fighting. The Jedi try and maintain peace among the separatist and rebels, but amidst this, a new threat creeps up. The show went on for a very long time its last episode aired on 4 May 2020.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is streaming on Disney+.
Source: Esquire
