What Hayden Christensen Really Thinks About (Very Vocal) Star Wars Fandom

Hayden Christensen first played Anakin Skywalker in 2002's Attack of the Clones. It was his breakthrough role and the one that defines the Canadian-born actor's career to this day. While he's taken part in other projects, there is something of the Mark Hamill's about him; he is Anakin Skywalker.

And whereas some actors over the years have been reluctant to engage with fans or embrace fandom, Christensen loves it.

"It's been really remarkable"

Per Discussing Film, he said, 'It's been really remarkable the support that I've felt from the fans. It has just been amazing.' He continued, 'It's a hard thing for me to define for you in words. It's meant a lot and it's why I get to come back to Star Wars and do more with this character.'

Since playing a young Anakin over 20 years ago, Christensen has also played Luke's father in:

• Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

• The Clone Wars TV series (2020)

• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

• Ahsoka (2022)

A powerful performance

His portrayal of Anakin has been praised for its emotional depth, especially in scenes with Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala). The vulnerability, conflict, and uncertainty of his portrayal of how he was drawn to the Dark Side gave it a sense of authenticity that made it relatable.

Only 19 at the time of filming, he also conveyed a youthful energy, with his physical prowess matching that which fans have long associated with a younger version of the powerful Jedi Darth Vader.

The complexity he was able to display at such a young age was powerful. When he went into a downward spiral and killed the Tusken Raiders, there was a real rage and vulnerability about him. And when he finally transformed into Darth Vader, it was a truly emotional moment.

A memorable movie moment

Those are the moments that stay with the fans. And it's the type of scene and portrayal that keeps fans engaged even though we know what's going to happen. There was never any doubt that Anakin would be tempted by the power of the dark side. And yet we were ready for him not to get sucked in.

Even watching it again, part of you hopes he'll reject the forces of evil. But sadly, he never does. Still, fans can't help but love the character and continue to talk about him in fandom blogs and Reddit posts.

And the actor is more than happy with that.

Source: Twitter.