Lucasfilm’s Star Wars has successfully spanned through a vast demography of nerd culture. Featuring stories about prolific characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader, the film franchise captivated its audiences through decades. But what attracted people the most, was the epic backstory of the scary villain, Darth Vader aka Anakin Skywalker.
Witnessing fans’ excitement surrounding the character, Lucasfilm decided to come up with Star Wars: Episode I, II, and III narrating the young Anakin Skywalker’s metamorphosis from a Jedi wannabe to the black-clad Darth Vader. And rumor has it that DC actor Christian Bale was eyed for the role of Anakin Skywalker in the films.
Lucasfilm Produced Films Narrating Anakin Skywalker’s Story
The Star Wars film series has undoubtedly impressed its fanbase with its epic storytelling and remarkable space adventures. From introducing the important characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader, to narrating each of their life stories, Lucasfilm successfully created a massive franchise out of it.
But realizing fans’ inclination towards the black-clad scary villain Darth Vader, Lucasfilm decided to focus more on his origin story and portray his metamorphosis from a Jedi wannabe Anakin Skywalker to the wicked villain. Therefore, George Lucas came up with Star Wars: Episode I, II, and III offering a glimpse into his early life.
Following the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999, Lucasfilm further wanted the following two episodes, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, to feature a teenage and young adult Anakin Skywalker. That’s when it was rumored that young British actor Christian Bale was being eyed as George Lucas’ top choice for the role.
Christian Bale Was Rumored to Play Anakin Skywalker
With a Hollywood franchise as big as Star Wars, the race to portray Anakin Skywalker was definitely on. Back in 2000, many actors wanted to portray the Skywalker patriarch in the upcoming second and third episodes. But among all, Christian Bale who was 26 years old back then, was deemed to be the top choice.
Cynics claimed that several other actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Wes Bentley, and more were greatly suited for the role. But somehow, the American Psycho actor was allegedly etched in George Lucas’ mind. Further, as Bale admitted that he was close to signing up for a project that he was forbidden from discussing, fans started believing that it was indeed his association with Star Wars.
“You wouldn’t have heard that from me. My lips are sealed.” Bale teased via The Guardian.
Back then, Christian Bale’s teasing comments made people wonder if he was merely playing games with the press or if he was indeed going to be a part of Star Wars. But then as Lucasfilm came up with Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 2002 featuring Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader, the rumors and myths of Bale’s casting were debunked.
Supposedly the actor turned down the offer or might have been ruled out due to alleged issues. Further, Bale was again sought for the key role of Tobias Beckett in Solo: A Star Wars Story. But yet again, as per the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor passed on the role to Woody Harrelson. Despite repeatedly ruling himself out of Star Wars movies, fans still hope to see Christian Bale in a Lucasfilm project.
