Summary
- Star Wars will finally explain how Anakin Skywalker became a Force Ghost after his death in Return of the Jedi, a long-standing mystery in the franchise.
- The upcoming book, From A Certain Point Of View: Return of the Jedi, confirms that Obi-Wan guided Anakin in his final moments, helping him become a Force Ghost.
- Anakin's ability to instantly become a Force Ghost is unusual, considering his years as Darth Vader, but the book will likely provide an explanation based on his mentoring from Obi-Wan.
Star Wars will finally clarify how Anakin Skywalker became a Force Ghost following his death in Return of the Jedi. Force ghosts have always been something of a mystery in Star Wars lore, but recent books have given a degree of insight into them. Now, though, Star Wars is finally revealing the greatest mystery of all - how Anakin Skywalker became a Force ghost.
Lucasfilm's next collection of short stories, From A Certain Point Of View: Return of the Jedi, tells stories set during the final chapter of the original trilogy. One of these, "Brotherhood" by Mike Chen, actually tells the story - confirming Obi-Wan guided the redeemed Anakin Skywalker in his final moments. The title is a beautiful homage to Chen's recent novel Brotherhood, which explored the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin during the Clone Wars.
"'Anakin.'
A voice. Yet this was different, clearly not a specter of the past. This didn't come with any memories or visions of things gone by. Instead, it was as if the words whispered directly into his ear, as if he wasn't a phantom lost in the ocean of the Force, but whole in body and spirit as he once was: a powerful Jedi Knight, combat-ready with drawn lightsaber and wide stance, staring down dozens of battle droids without a single worry.
In fact, this felt just like that. But different.
Because this came right now.
'Anakin.'
That voice.
'Obi-Wan.'
Anakin's Force Ghost Return Has Always Been Confusing (Both Versions)
Thanks to Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, it's confirmed in the established Star Wars canon that not every Jedi could become a Force Ghost. The ability to retain one's consciousness and corporeal form after death required special training few were able to learn and master. While Qui-Gon Jinn was the first known Jedi in the Skywalker saga to maintain his identity, he could only speak to Yoda during the Clone Wars as he hadn't yet fully mastered the ability to become a visible Force Ghost (at least not until Jinn's appearance at the end of Obi-Wan Kenobi).
Qui-Gon Jinn showed Yoda the way during the Clone Wars, and the Grand Master was able to set Kenobi on the path to learning how to become a Force Ghost as well during his exile on Tatooine ahead of the original trilogy. To that end, the extent of specialized training needed to become a Force Ghost means Anakin Skywalker instantly becoming a Force Ghost is quite odd, especially considering he had just spent nearly half his life as the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Whether it was the original cut's Sebastian Shaw or the remaster edition's Hayden Christensen playing Anakin Skywalker, showing up at all following his death is currently confusing.
This is why Mike Chen's Anakin story will likely be the standout story from the upcoming From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi (releasing September 5th). As in the old (now non-canon) Star Wars Expanded Universe, it's possible Anakin will receive quick mentoring from his old master Obi-Wan Kenobi at the moment of his death. Alternatively, it's possible the process was easier for Anakin due to his status as the powerful Chosen One, having brought balance to the Force according to the existing Jedi prophecies. Either way, this Return of the Jedi anthology will clearly resolve the issue.
Source: Star Wars Books