Hayden Christensen On How Darth Vader "Came To Define My Life"

thegamer.com:

"This is a part that I've continued to think about over the years," Hayden Christensen tells me of his turn as Anakin Skywalker ahead of the launch of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. "He's really stayed with me. This is a role that's come to define my life in so many ways."

He's right. For better or for worse, Hayden Christensen has had his life defined by his time as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader. The two movies he starred in have made him immortal - Star Wars is perhaps the most enduring movie franchise ever, and Vader its most iconic character. There are hundreds of legendary actors who have not made their mark on pop culture in quite the way Christensen has. But the prequels’ poor critical reception also derailed his career. Ewan McGregor, who we caught up with last week, seemed to weather the storm thanks to a filmography that already included Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge!, Black Hawk Down, and Big Fish by the time Episode Three arrived. Star Wars co-star and frequent scene partner Natalie Portman meanwhile had Leon: The Professional, Heat, and Garden State, as well as following up Star Wars with V for Vendetta. Christensen, despite being consistently popular amongst fans, seemed to have been left holding the bag for the prequels, unfairly assigned sole blame for their faults while reaping few of the benefits of their recent critical re-evaluation. In that sense, returning to the role is a chance for redemption.

Related: Ewan McGregor Interview: Social Media Is Why I'm Back As Obi-Wan

One of the journalists present recalls the time they attended the Star Wars 40th Anniversary Celebration, at which Christensen himself was a guest and received the loudest reception of support from the fans of all the cast members. It's a