The Mind-Blowing Revelation Behind Ahsoka's Anakin Skywalker and the Controversial Return of the Jedi Change

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 4.

Summary

Hayden Christensen's reprisal of the role of Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka pays homage to George Lucas' divisive alteration in Return of the Jedi, in which Anakin's Force spirit was substituted with Christensen's portrayal in the 2004 DVD special edition.

Ahsoka's meeting with Anakin in the World Between Worlds, appearing as he did in Revenge of the Sith, coincides with Lucas' explanation that corrupted Jedi manifestations retain their pre-fall appearance. This makes it a suitable selection for Ahsoka's persona.

Anakin Skywalker's inclusion in Ahsoka's episode reinforces their significant past relationship and the existence of time travel in the World Between Worlds. Thus, it is logical for him to appear in his prequel-era form.

Surprisingly, Star Wars viewers are treated to Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka. His appearance confirms a disputed element in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader transitions back to Anakin Skywalker, sacrificing himself to save Luke Skywalker from Emperor Palpatine. Tragically, this heroic act costs Anakin his life, but he ultimately appears as a Force ghost in the film's celebratory ending. However, it's important to note that Anakin's appearance in this particular scene may vary depending on the edition of Return of the Jedi.

Return of the Jedi, along with the other Star Wars films in the original trilogy, underwent a re-release in 1997, incorporating numerous alterations. The first special edition included an extended ending, showcasing various planets joining in the Rebellion's triumph at Endor. However, it wasn't until the 2004 DVD special edition that Anakin's character underwent a transformation. Sebastian Shaw, who portrayed Anakin in his death scene and subsequent appearance as a Force ghost, was replaced by Christensen. This modification stirred controversy among viewers, leading George Lucas to offer an explanation that Dave Filoni seemingly supports, as evident in Ahsoka's character.

Why George Lucas Inserted Hayden Christensen Into Return Of The Jedi

Many viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with the replacement of the late Sebastian Shaw with Christensen in the 2004 DVD special edition (and all subsequent editions) of Return of the Jedi, despite its intention to establish a stronger connection between the original trilogy and the prequels. Lucas justified this decision by stating that a Jedi apparition of a fallen individual would appear as they did before succumbing to the dark side. This explanation, along with other factors, ultimately led to Christensen reprising his role in Ahsoka.

Ahsoka's Anakin Skywalker Honors Lucas' Return Of The Jedi Change

In "Part Four: Fallen Jedi," the fourth episode of the Ahsoka series, Ahsoka Tano finds herself once again in the mysterious World Between Worlds, a realm she had previously visited in Star Wars Rebels. As she enters this realm, she is unexpectedly greeted by Anakin Skywalker, appearing as he did in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, reprised by Christensen. This choice not only pays homage to Lucas's explanation for the controversial change in Return of the Jedi, but it is also the perfect decision on Ahsoka's part for bringing back Skywalker.

The situation with Ahsoka at the end of her fourth episode remains uncertain. It is unclear if Baylan Skoll killed her or not, as she seems to have somehow ended up in the World Between Worlds, a realm known for its difficulty to access. Within this realm, one can journey through time and space. Therefore, it is fitting that Anakin appears in his prequel-era form, given Lucas's explanation, as well as his history with Ahsoka. In a realm where time can be traversed, it is logical for Anakin Skywalker to take on the appearance that is most familiar to his former Padawan and friend upon his reappearance alongside Ahsoka.

New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET.