One of the standout announcements from Star Wars Celebration was the news that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 of Ahsoka. Following the announcement, we sat down with Christensen to discuss returning to the iconic character after nearly two decades, his thoughts on darker storytelling in the Star Wars universe, and even his favorite Anakin memes.
We began our conversation by asking Christensen about other Anakin stories he’d like to explore on-screen. He expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the Clone Wars era, noting that most of Anakin’s animated appearances have been voiced by Matt Lanter. “I know my friend Ewan [McGregor] would be game for that as well,” Christensen shared. “It’s such a fascinating period in Star Wars, and I believe there are compelling stories waiting to be told. Who knows? Maybe one day.”
While a live-action Clone Wars series might require some creative aging techniques, Christensen remains undeterred. “I love this character,” he said. “I’d cherish the opportunity to delve deeper into Anakin’s journey and perhaps explore the Darth Vader timeline further. There are plenty of untold stories.”
Our discussion then turned to Revenge of the Sith, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on May 19, 2025. Known for its darker themes, the film remains a fan favorite for its bold storytelling choices. Christensen appreciates George Lucas’ willingness to tackle complex subjects.
“George Lucas made some incredibly daring decisions, and I admire that,” Christensen stated. “He approached those moments in a way that allowed audiences to process them while staying true to the narrative. For instance, though Anakin kills younglings, we don’t witness it directly—it’s implied. That balance works for me.”
Christensen also reflected on the emotional connection he feels toward Anakin now compared to when he first portrayed the character. “Of course, it feels different—I’m different,” he admitted. “Twenty years of life experience have shaped my perspective. Yet, strangely, I feel closer to Anakin than ever before. Having had time to reflect and better understand him has deepened my bond with the character.”
This renewed connection proved especially poignant during the filming of Ahsoka, marking Christensen’s return to Anakin/Darth Vader after nearly two decades. “Returning to such a beloved role after all this time is a unique challenge,” Christensen explained. “It’s an intriguing exercise in acting, reconciling the passage of time while staying true to the essence of the character. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to revisit Anakin.”
To wrap up our talk, we touched on the perennial debate over the optimal viewing order for Star Wars films. Christensen offered a balanced perspective. “There’s no right or wrong way,” he noted. “George Lucas intended viewers to start with Episode I, experiencing the saga chronologically. Still, beginning with Episode IV holds its own appeal. Personally, I haven’t shown my daughter the films yet—I’m curious how she’ll react to seeing her dad involved in some intense moments!”
Finally, we asked Christensen about his thoughts on Anakin memes. Though he finds humor in the classic “sand” image and the one featuring him and Padmé in a field, his current favorite is the viral moment where Emperor Palpatine begs Anakin not to let Mace Windu harm him, to which Anakin responds, “He’s just reflecting your lightning back at you… just stop shooting lightning!”
Hayden Christensen’s return to Ahsoka marks an exciting chapter for fans of the Star Wars saga, promising new insights into Anakin Skywalker’s complex journey.
