Playing Darth Vader killed his Hollywood dreams, but Hayden Christensen is returning to Star Wars

Los Angeles, California - The role of Darth Vader was supposed to kick off Hayden Christensen's acting career big time, but his performance wasn't well-received and he suffered the consequences for years. Despite all that, he will soon be wearing the famous suit again.

Hayden Christensen got mixed reviews for his performance as Darth Vader.
Hayden Christensen got mixed reviews for his performance as Darth Vader.  © PR / Lucasfilm Ltd.

Working in the Star Wars prequel trilogy gave Hayden Christensen great hopes for his Hollywood career.

But it didn't really pan out that way. It would be an understatement to say that fans disliked his performances in Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Director George Lucas (76), who launched the Star Wars universe in 1977, wasn't able to bring Christensen's full potential to the big screen.

Kylie Jenner adds some heat to winter fashion modeling Khy's new faux fur
Kylie Jenner Kylie Jenner adds some heat to winter fashion modeling Khy's new faux fur

To many critics, Christensen's portrayal of Anakin Skywalker's transformation into the evil Darth Vader didn't seem believable. Some scenes were derided as comical at best.

These are the kind of reviews that would usually keep an actor from ever reprising the role in question. But Christensen is returning to the Star Wars universe and the character that cast a dark shadow over his career. He will appear as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, the new Disney+ series confirmed by the entertainment giant.

Fans are hoping that the 39-year-old can be a better Darth Vader the second time around, which would surely give his career a big boost. The new show will take place 10 years after the events presented in Revenge of the Sith and is set to begin production in March 2021.

Disney gives Hayden Christensen a second chance

15 years after his last Star Wars appearance, Hayden Christensen will become Darth Vader again.
15 years after his last Star Wars appearance, Hayden Christensen will become Darth Vader again.  © PR / Lucasfilm Ltd.

After the two Star Wars prequels, Hayden Christensen appeared in several low-key productions, including the 2014 action movie Outcast, alongside Nicolas Cage (56).

The actor explained his frequent and lengthy absences by saying that he wanted to live a simple life and take care of his family.

Cover photo: PR / Lucasfilm Ltd.

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