Once a key figure in one of the world’s most adored film series, he was a hot topic as an up-and-coming star in Hollywood. After some time away from the limelight, he’s now making a much-anticipated comeback.
Hayden Christensen, cast as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones at the tender age of 19, was catapulted into global fame almost instantly. Despite being part of the most iconic sci-fi saga ever created, his performance received a lot of flak when Attack of the Clones was released in 2002.
Many felt his depiction of the future Darth Vader was too rigid and lacked the authoritative aura many had envisioned. His subsequent role in Episode III – Revenge of the Sith was somewhat better received, with fans applauding the darker direction his character took.
However, the damage to his aspirations of becoming a movie star was already done.
Unlike his fellow actors Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman, Hayden never quite transitioned into a major leading role after Star Wars. He made occasional appearances in films like Jumper in 2008 and Takers in 2010, but none achieved the success many had predicted given his evident potential, reports the Mirror US.
Away from the camera, Hayden’s personal life also frequently made the news. He started dating The O.C. actress Rachel Bilson in 2007 after they met on the set of Jumper.
At the height of her stardom as one of television’s most prominent figures and a sweetheart of early 2000s pop culture, she was in the limelight. The couple got engaged in 2008, had a brief separation, then got back together and welcomed their daughter Briar Rose in 2014. However, by 2017, they had parted ways permanently.
For some time, it appeared Hayden might quietly retreat from the spotlight of Hollywood. But in 2022, his situation took a dramatic turn.
Hayden received an offer that would thrust him back into the heart of the universe he helped create. Disney was breathing new life into the Star Wars saga with an Obi-Wan Kenobi series for Disney+, and they wanted him to reprise his roles as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader.
“When I got the call, I was thrilled”, Hayden shared with Entertainment Tonight in 2022. “Putting on the Anakin costume, wearing those robes, it blows your mind every time. I feel very grateful.”
Fans, especially those who came of age with the prequel trilogy, were ecstatic about his comeback. Now, after years, he was receiving the recognition and admiration that many believed was long overdue.
The Kenobi series gave Hayden the chance to revisit Anakin’s character with greater depth, and in 2023, he once again reprised his role for Ahsoka, the Disney+ series that follows Anakin’s former Padawan, offering a portrayal of an even more seasoned Anakin Skywalker.
“It really was trying to honour the relationship that was so thoroughly developed in [the animated series] The Clone Wars”, he shared during a SAG-AFTRA Foundation conversation alongside Ahsoka actress Rosario Dawson in 2023. “For me it was very interesting because of the way it changes Anakin’s disposition..
“There’s a slightly different slant to the character because now he has a Padawan… It was really beautiful to see that side in live-action”, he continued.
His appearances in Ahsoka were among the show’s most buzzed-about moments. When the highly anticipated comeback aired, fans took to social media with emotional responses.
“I can’t believe we have so many new scenes with him!” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another said: “This is a wonderful reunion.” One fan simply wrote: “Got tears in my eyes while writing this.”
In a special reveal during a Tokyo panel with actress Rosario Dawson, creator Dave Filoni and executive producer Jon Favreau earlier this month, Hayden made a surprise appearance from off-stage to announce his return for the second season of Ahsoka, rumoured to be slated for a May 2026 release.