Hayden Christensen Loves the Light Side: “I’m Enjoying Anakin’s Heroic Side”

Hayden Christensen is glad to be back in the Star Wars galaxy, especially when he doesn’t have to go full Dark Side.

At the recent Star Wars Celebration in Japan, the actor confirmed he’s returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2. He also shared why he enjoys this version of the character more than the one who becomes Darth Vader.

“He’s a very complex character, and there’s a lot going on,” Christensen said. “But I’m really loving getting to sort of play the more heroic side of the character in the Ahsoka show, and I’m very excited for Season 2.”

Christensen first played Anakin in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and again in Revenge of the Sith (2005). In 2022, he returned for the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, reuniting with Ewan McGregor.

“I think my understanding of the character is just continuing to grow,” he told Complex. “We’re getting to explore different sides of Anakin, which I’m really enjoying. I’m just enjoying the journey.”

In Ahsoka, Christensen once again plays Anakin, this time showing him as a Jedi Master training young Ahsoka Tano, played by Ariana Greenblatt and Rosario Dawson. The series includes scenes set before Revenge of the Sith — before Anakin becomes Darth Vader.

Christensen seems truly excited about showing fans a side of Anakin they don’t always get to see — the hero he once was.

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