Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen has just confirmed his love for Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series in the best way. Although the initial popular response to the prequel trilogy was somewhat mixed, its reputation has improved over the years. Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker is more popular than ever before, and Christensen returned in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show - giving him a chance to perform alongside Ewan McGregor once again.
In a recent interview with Esquire Middle East, Christensen discussed the changing perception of Anakin Skywalker. He was asked whether he'd watched the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, and fave a response that will delight viewers.
Did you follow Clone Wars all those years?
Hayden Christensen: "Of course, yeah! I love Clone Wars. I think what Dave Filoni did with Clone Wars and Rebels are brilliant. I’m indebted to Dave Filoni because I think he helped the character of Anakin a lot. I think he fleshed out the character and also furthered our understanding of Anakin’s relationship with the Jedi and the Council and the mistrust that he harbored."
Did that influence your performance in Obi Wan Kenobi?
Hayden Christensen: "Yeah, it did. I feel I know the character, but it certainly helped to see all that and I gained a lot from it."
It's clear Christensen recognizes the value of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, believing Anakin's Clone Wars portrayal helped audiences understand his arc.
The Clone Wars Was The Ultimate Bridge Between Anakin And Darth Vader
As Christensen accurately notes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a huge chapter in the life of Anakin Skywalker that greatly informs his corruption to the dark side and eventual transformation into Darth Vader. Anakin's mistrust and frustrations with the Jedi Council develop over the course of the series, as well as his ongoing emotional attachments to his secret wife Padmé Amidala, his master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his own apprentice Ahsoka Tano. The last relationship was a surprise to many viewers at first, because the films themselves never hinted Anakin had a Master-Padawan relationship. Overall, Star Wars fans were able to learn so much more about Anakin's journey from Jedi to Sith through the show and Filoni's vision which was directly inspired and informed by Star Wars creator George Lucas himself.
It's very satisfying to learn that Hayden feels indebted to Dave Filoni and The Clone Wars. After all, the animated series helped generate an increased amount of love and greater appreciation for the prequel trilogy compared to when the films were originally released. Likewise, the same sentiment is true for Christensen's portrayal as the Star Wars galaxy's Chosen One.
Hayden Christensen's return as Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker via flashbacks has been lauded as one of Obi-Wan Kenobi's high points, right alongside Ewan McGregor's return to Star Wars. Christensen seems well aware the success of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Anakin's journey within it played a large role in his return to the key Star Wars role. While nothing has been confirmed just yet, hopefully Lucasfilm will create a few more opportunities for Christensen to return as Anakin Skywalker in the near future.
Source: Esquire Middle East