Hayden Christensen Recalls Emotional Star Wars Scene Involving Younglings

In one of the most memorable scenes from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker commits a heinous act by killing a group of Younglings on his path towards embracing darkness and becoming Darth Vader. Actor Hayden Christensen recently shared his thoughts on this scene, mentioning that director George Lucas made a brave decision to include such a dark moment in the film, especially involving the death of children.

Christensen described the scene as "shocking" and revealed that filming it was a challenge. He explained that the young actor, Ross Beadman, who played one of the Younglings, initially struggled to deliver the reaction that Lucas envisioned. To help bring out the desired emotion, Christensen adjusted his performance during filming.

"He said I shouted or growled at him to get a genuine startled reaction we needed for the scene to work well. And it worked,"

Years later, Christensen and Beadman reconnected. Christensen apologized, saying, "Sorry about how that went."

The prequels released in the early 2000s did not receive a warm reception. Christensen acknowledged that the criticism was understandable as people tend to feel a strong connection to beloved characters. He mentioned that the negative feedback on his performance as Anakin and the storyline was harsh. According to Christensen, unfavorable reviews may result from a failure to suspend disbelief.

Christensen highlighted the importance of embracing the fantastical elements of the Star Wars universe. He explained that the opening scroll, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," sets the stage for limitless possibilities. Characters in the franchise do not need to conform to expectations, allowing for creative freedom. He advised audiences not to expect narratives that mirror current trends, as Star Wars offers a unique and imaginative experience.

After many years, Christensen has reprised his role as Darth Vader in the Obi-Wan and Ahsoka shows. He mentioned feeling happy to see a shift in public opinion towards the movies.

He expressed his belief that the films have aged well, bringing a sense of validation to the hard work put into them. Christensen shared that the cast and crew all felt they were part of something special, striving to deliver their best performances. Seeing the positive response from fans now is something he finds very rewarding.

The Star Wars movie series is set to continue in 2026 with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu. On the TV side, the next new show, The Acolyte, is expected to debut this June. Unfortunately, a new Mandalorian video game from Respawn has been canceled.

Editor's P/S:

I find the article's exploration of the infamous Youngling scene in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith to be fascinating. Hayden Christensen's reflections on the emotional impact of filming such a disturbing act provide a glimpse into the complexities of the filmmaking process. It's clear that he and the young actor involved faced a significant challenge, yet their ability to evoke genuine emotion through improvisation demonstrates the power of collaboration.

Moreover, Christensen's commentary on the reception of the prequels is insightful. While acknowledging the valid criticisms, he rightly emphasizes the importance of embracing the fantastical elements of the Star Wars universe. By setting the stories "in a galaxy far, far away," the franchise offers a unique realm where characters can deviate from conventional norms. It's a reminder that suspending disbelief and engaging with the imaginative possibilities of fictional worlds can lead to captivating experiences.