When Hayden Christensen Thought Leonardo DiCaprio Would Beat Him to Anakin Skywalker Role

Actor Hayden Christensen Takes Over the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxys Edge at Disneyland, Hayden Christensen

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Hayden Christensen, who is famous for portraying Anakin Skywalker, initially believed that the iconic role was going to be given to Leonardo DiCaprio instead of him.

During an interview with Empire on Wednesday, February 28, the 42-year-old actor shared that he had heard about meetings with Leonardo and several other actors for the role. This information only strengthened his belief that the role would be given to someone else.

Christensen admitted that he never allowed himself to imagine playing Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel. He was so certain he wouldn't be chosen for the role that he didn't even dare to dream about it.

During the auditions, he constantly reminded himself that he had no chance of getting the part. This mindset actually worked in his favor, as it helped him relax and perform freely.

Before Hayden Christensen was cast as Anakin Skywalker, several other actors auditioned for the role. Leonardo DiCaprio, who was 49 at the time, decided it wasn't the right project for him. Other young stars from the '90s, such as Devon Sawa, Ryan Phillippe, James Van Der Beek, and Paul Walker, also tried out for the part.

In the end, Christensen was chosen to play the iconic character who would eventually become the villainous Darth Vader in the George Lucas franchise. He starred in 2002's Episode II: Attack of the Clones alongside Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman. Christensen reprised his role for Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which was released in 2005.

After the first movie was released, it got mixed reviews. Christensen admitted he was surprised by the negative reactions, with critics initially slamming his acting and lines in the film.

He remembered, "The character and my performance were criticized, and it was tough to hear. I personally enjoyed the movie when I watched it. It was exactly what I had hoped for and even better. I couldn't figure out why some reviews were so negative compared to what I saw on screen."

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He continued, "George Lucas creates a unique world where everything is specific, from the characters' appearance to how they speak. Sometimes people forget this and expect the characters to talk like us, but that's not the intention."

Despite facing criticism, Christensen decided to reprise his role for the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ with McGregor in 2022. He also made an appearance in the streaming service's Ahsoka, featuring Rosario Dawson.

Christensen expressed that after completing the prequels, he felt like his journey with the character was finished. However, he was grateful for the opportunity to return and delve deeper into Anakin and Darth Vader. He appreciated the work he was able to do.

He also shared that working on Star Wars has been a significant part of his life for over 20 years. Coming back to the role was a bucket-list item he didn't even realize he had. The current stage of the journey with Star Wars holds great meaning for him.

Editor's P/S:

The revelation that Hayden Christensen initially believed Leonardo DiCaprio would play Anakin Skywalker adds a fascinating layer to the casting process of the iconic Star Wars prequel trilogy. It's intriguing to imagine an alternate timeline where DiCaprio, known for his charismatic and enigmatic performances, would have portrayed the tragic hero. However, Christensen's self-doubt and determination to perform freely ultimately led to his unforgettable portrayal of the character.

Christensen's resilience in the face of criticism is commendable. Despite the initial negative reviews, he maintained his belief in the movie and the character's journey. His decision to return to the role in recent projects demonstrates his deep connection to Anakin Skywalker and his commitment to exploring the character's complexities. The current era of Star Wars storytelling provides a unique opportunity for Christensen to revisit the iconic villain, offering a fresh perspective on the character's motivations and inner turmoil.