Hayden Christensen isn’t done exploring Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader inStar Wars. Plenty of exciting news has come out of this year’sStar Wars Celebration in Japan, including updates onStar Wars’upcoming live-action TV showslikeAndorandAhsoka.One big piece of news concerningAhsokaseason 2 is the long-rumored and nowconfirmed return of Hayden Christensenas Ahsoka Tano’s former Jedi Master.
Screen Rant’s Ash Crossan spoke to Christensen at Star Wars Celebration 2025 and asked the actor what it meant to him to reprise the role after an extended break. Christensen responded thoughtfully, explaining how his connection to the iconic character has changed over the last few years.
Screen Rant:“How has your relationship with Anakin changed? I mean, you mentioned taking a break, and now you’re also portraying him again and learning more about this character, and especially with the animated stuff, they really peel back a lot of layers there.”
Christensen:“Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, in some ways, I feel even more connected to Anakin now than I ever have, just because I’m older, and I can sort of understand his struggles in a deeper way, and it’s a character that I really love, and I’m thrilled to get to continue with.”
Christensen’s continued dedication to the role is inspiring. His portrayal of Anakin and Darth Vader inObi-Wan KenobiandAhsokaseason 1 provided an exciting new side to the character and his interpretation that we’ve never seen before. We’re excited to see what he’ll do next.
How Anakin Skywalker’s Character Changed After Revenge Of The Sith
In the grand scheme ofStar Wars, Hayden Christensen only portrayed Anakin Skywalker for a short period of the character’s lifein theStar Warsprequels. InStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Anakin was still a Padawan, the first signs of the darkness brewing within him as he lost himself to his passion for Padmé Amidala and his grief over his mother. There was a significant time jump betweenAttack of the ClonesandStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, and by then, Anakin’s transformation was almost complete.
It’s interesting to see Hayden Christensen marry the two versions of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars’ live-action shows.
So much of Anakin Skywalker’s characterization occurred inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, the movie and animated series set betweenAttack of the ClonesandRevenge of the Sith.Not only didThe Clone Warsintroduce audiences to Anakin’s Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, who had a major impact on his journey as a Jedi, but it also revealed more about his relationships with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé, the Jedi Order, Palpatine, and more. Matt Lanter’s voice performance was fantastic, but it’s interesting to see Hayden Christensen marry the two versions of Anakin inStar Wars’live-action shows.
What Role Could Hayden Christensen Have In Ahsoka Season 2?
InAhsokaseason 1, Anakin returned as a Force ghost, appearing to Ahsoka as an apparition in the World Between Worlds. He helped Ahsoka overcome her fear and guilt over leaving him behind, which set her free and allowed her to become the guiding light she was, perhaps, always destined to be. This was when we first truly saw a new side of Christensen’s Anakin, withthe live-action flashbacks to the Clone Wars allowing the actor to approach the character in a new yet familiar way.
InAhsokaseason 2, Christensen will presumably return as a Force ghost. This will be our first chance to see what became of Anakin after being redeemed by Luke Skywalker inReturn of the Jedi. Dark forces are at play on Peridea, where Ahsoka Tano and her apprentice, Sabine Wren, are trapped. Hopefully, Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker will be able to help them navigate their new reality as they try to figure out a way to return toStar Wars’primary galaxy.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
