Anakin Skywalker: The Controversial Choice that Defined a Saga

The Character of Anakin Skywalker

The Star Wars prequel trilogy, released in 1999, sparked a wave of controversy and mixed reviews. Among the criticisms aimed at characters like Jar Jar Binks and the overreliance on CGI, the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker was at the center of heated debates.

Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith.

The prequels sought to unravel the enigmatic journey of Anakin Skywalker, depicting his evolution from an innocent child to the infamous Darth Vader. This narrative arc, while ambitious, was met with skepticism and divided opinions from fans and critics alike.

Anakin, Qui-Gon, and Shmi in The Phantom Menace.

George Lucas' decision to depict Anakin as a young child was a bold move that raised eyebrows and sparked debates within the Star Wars community. With the release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, the controversial choice of Anakin's age became a focal point of discussion, fueling both criticism and admiration for Lucas' creative vision.

The Controversial Decision

One of the most contentious aspects of the Star Wars prequel trilogy was the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker as a young child in The Phantom Menace. George Lucas, the visionary creator, deliberated extensively on Anakin's age, contemplating between depicting him as a teenager or a nine-year-old child.

The reference book Star Wars: Fascinating Facts revealed that Lucas was torn between two age portrayals for Anakin, ultimately choosing to portray him as a child. This decision was not arbitrary; it was rooted in the profound significance of Anakin's relationship with his mother, Shmi Skywalker.

Lucas' rationale for keeping Anakin as a young child was driven by the emotional depth and impact of the character's connection with his mother. By portraying Anakin as a vulnerable child reliant on his mother, the gravity of leaving her behind resonated deeply, laying the foundation for Anakin's tumultuous path towards darkness.

The Impact of Anakin's Age

Lucas' decision to keep Anakin younger in The Phantom Menace had far-reaching implications that reverberated throughout the prequel trilogy. The portrayal of Anakin as a young, impressionable child underscored the poignant narrative of his relationship with his mother and the subsequent events that shaped his destiny.

The emotional weight of Anakin's decision to leave his mother behind was magnified by his tender age, intensifying the tragedy and setting the stage for his eventual descent into darkness. The profound impact of this pivotal moment in Anakin's life was intricately woven into the fabric of his character, enriching the storytelling and adding depth to his transformation into Darth Vader.

The centrality of Shmi Skywalker to Anakin's fall to the dark side became palpable, as the emotional resonance of their bond echoed throughout the prequels. Lucas' bold choice to keep Anakin young was validated by the profound narrative impact it had on the character's arc, solidifying the emotional core of the prequel trilogy.