This week, The Chosen One stopped in for the first time at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. He reportedly took in the sights, interacted with fans, and finally bestowed a blue light saber on a young fan, his 5-year-old daughter! He visited Galaxy’s Edge for his daughter’s birthday. Christensen’s recent appearances around all things Star Wars again might be coincidence, but it could be a harbinger of things to come.
Christensen’s performance as ‘The Chosen One’ Anakin Skywalker has been oft called “wooden” and “charmless”, and that’s probably some of the nicer terms fans used. Admittedly, he did have some cringe-worthy dialogue over his two films, but he’s not the only one. Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford have both roasted George Lucas (in a friendly way) for some of the lines he’s written for them. On top of that, let’s face it: Mark Hamill is not that great of an actor either. Animated Joker aside, some of his dialogue delivery in other roles is pretty cringe-worthy, too. Hayden’s return to the galaxy far, far away could mean we haven’t seen the last of Anakin Skywalker.
‘The Chosen One’ rumors galore
Having Christensen back around things to do with Star Wars has started the rumor mill churning. Some sources say he was spotted at a super hush-hush shoot for Episode IX and possibly filming an Anakin flashback scene or Force ghost appearance. Other sources say he may make some cameos for the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+. He’s also already been in the Vader suit for filming at the end of Episode III, so it is possible he could return if Vader has any cameo appearances, too. This is, after all, the Skywalker Saga, and he is the proverbial Skywalker. Having Hayden back around is a good thing and I hope to see him on-screen again as Anakin.
His return to the realm of Star Wars started a couple years ago, when he appeared at the 2017 Celebration in Orlando. He hadn’t been seen for almost 12 years prior to that around the franchise, and the fans responded kindly. One signing session turned into several when each one sold out within minutes of opening. At that same appearance, he addressed his most criticized line from Episode II, sharing his true feelings on sand:
“It’s not very smooth, it doesn’t really stay in one place, so I’m not such a big fan of it myself. Although, if it leads to the water, I can tolerate. But Anakin came from a desert planet so I understood his contempt for it.”
Hayden Christensen, 2017 Star Wars Celebration
Hayden’s support for Star Wars alumni
After The Last Jedi, Kelly-Marie Tran disappeared from social media due to harassment from overzealous fans unhappy with her performance. One of the many voices that supported her was Hayden Christensen. He had gone through a similar instance over his portrayal of ‘The Chosen One’ in Episodes II and III.
“I don’t know if I have any advice for that [Kelly’s situation], but just, you know, don’t take it too seriously, because unfortunately they [bullies] are the ones that make the most noise. But the majority of the people don’t feel that way, so, keep that in mind.”
Hayden Christensen said to Entertainment Tonight.
And he’s right. We all have our problems with Star Wars, be it the prequels or the originals or the new trilogy. Star Wars fans are some of the most rabid when it comes to things they like, and the things they don’t. Sometimes we all need a reminder to be kind to each other, even when we disagree. Happy Birthday, Briar Rose. And welcome back, Hayden!
Sound off, Star Wars fans! Are you ready to have Anakin back for Episode IX or cameos in future series? Is Anakin truly The Chosen One? Tell us at That Hashtag Show.com, and don’t forget to tune in on Sunday evenings at 7:15PST for the Star Wars Fanatics live broadcast talking all things Star Wars.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
