AtStar Wars Celebration 2025,Star Warsfans honoredAnakin Skywalkeractor Hayden Christensen with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Christensen’s impending 44th birthday on April 19th. Although Christensen was far from the first actor to portray Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader inStar Warsmovies and TV shows, he has since become the face of Anakin Skywalker for many in the franchise. In fact, although Christensen’s introduction inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Cloneswas a rough one, he has become one of the most beloved actors in the franchise.
In a video posted byanakinskywxlkxron X, the audience at Star Wars Celebration can be seen and heard singing “Happy Birthday” to Christensen as he sits on stage. Christensen is clearly delighted, and he begins filming the crowd singing.
Particularly given Christensen’s complex history with this franchise—which sadly included him experiencing intense backlash when he first arrived on the scene withAttack of the Clones—this video just goes to show how much has changed for Christensen within this fanbase.
Star Wars Fans Are Delighted At Hayden Christensen’s Return
Christensen Is Finally Getting The Celebration He Deserves
It’s clear from this video alone how much the public opinion of Christensen as Anakin Skywalker has changed in the years since the prequel trilogy was first released. As mentioned, that introduction for Christensen was a rocky one. He, like several other prequel trilogy actors, experienced intense criticism following his appearances inStar Wars, and that negativity continued long after the prequels had concluded.
Yet,audiences are clearly delighted to see Christensen back in this role again. Christensen first returned as Anakin/Darth Vader inObi-Wan Kenobi, and he was most recently back again inAhsokaseason 1, during which he appeared inthe World Between Worldsand at the very end of season 1 as a Force Ghost. His appearances in both of these shows were met with incredible fanfare, making it clear that audiences now celebrate Christensen’s portrayal of this character.
The Future Is Bright For The Chosen One
We Are Expecting Some Major News For Christensen’s Star Wars Future
While it’s exciting enough to see audiences embrace Christensen in this role once again, it’s even more thrilling to knowChristensen is almost certainly coming back toStar Warsagain—presumably sooner rather than later. That is, both Christensen’s presence at Star Wars Celebration 2025 and his role inAhsokaseason 1 suggest Christensen could be returning inAhsokaseason 2. Many consider that announcement to be a ‘when’ rather than an ‘if.’
To be clear, Christensen’s role inAhsokaseason 2 isn’t yet confirmed, nor is any other confirmation that we will see Christensen inStar Warsagain. Yet, all signs currently point to Christensen having a bright future ahead inStar Wars, perhaps not just inAhsokaseason 2 but in other upcoming projects as well. No matter when or if Hayden Christensen appears asAnakin Skywalkeragain, though, it’s wonderful to seeStar Warsaudiences celebrating him so openly.
