“It’s hard to see anyone but Hayden”: Fans Don’t Regret Over Losing Charlie Hunnam as Darth Vader in Star Wars Franchise
Charlie Hunnam recently revealed that he auditioned for the iconic role of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels. In an interview to promote his new sci-fi, Rebel Moon, Hunnam recounted meeting creator George Lucas during the casting process. In hindsight, fans widely agree that Christensen perfectly embodied the complex role. Most cannot envision another actor behind Anakin’s fateful transformation into Darth Vader.
Charlie Hunnam Reveals His Awkward Audition to Play Anakin Skywalker
Speaking with ET to promote his new sci-fi film, Rebel Moon, Charlie Hunnam recalled auditioning for the career-making role that ultimately went to Hayden Christensen.
“I got to the point where I was meeting George Lucas, you know? Which… I don’t think he meets a lot of actors,” Hunnam stated, estimating Lucas saw “maybe, two to three actors they were considering” for the pivotal part. But by Hunnam’s own admission, the one-on-one with the Star Wars creator was “a very awkward meeting.”
“I remember walking out thinking, ‘Well, I’m definitely not getting that role.’ And I was correct,” the actor conceded.
While flattering to be near the top of the list, losing out still “heartbroken” a young Hunnam at the time.
In hindsight, it’s impossible to imagine anyone but Hayden Christensen behind Anakin Skywalker’s fated transition into the menacing Sith Lord Darth Vader. Christensen invested nine years of his career in embodying Lucas’ complex vision. And the actor’s performance resonated strongly with fans, especially after returning to the iconic role in Disney+’s recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series.
But originally much buzz surrounded who would land the highly coveted part. Major names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Walker were reportedly eyed for Anakin. Devon Sawa was another rumored finalist, still stinging after purportedly just missing out.
“I was heartbroken,” Sawa told ET about losing the Anakin role to the little-known Christensen.
Also Read: “I would love to get to do more”: Hayden Christensen isn’t Leaving Star Wars Anytime Soon
What Do Fans Make of Almost Losing Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker?
Given the indelible mark, Christensen left on the saga, most fans seem grateful the relatively unknown Canadian actor got the nod to commence Darth Vader’s origin. As one fan put it online: “It’s hard to see anyone but Hayden’s Anakin.”
Idk, I mean he’s great, so he would do a good job. It’s hard to see anyone but Hayden.
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts) December 18, 2023
damn, we got lucky
— chris ✞ (@chris_breheim) December 18, 2023
damn, we got lucky
— chris ✞ (@chris_breheim) December 18, 2023
Dodged a Death Star beam there mate 😂
— Rafa Lyovson (@lyovson) December 18, 2023
Considering his excellence, it’s challenging to envision anyone other than Hayden doing a commendable job.
— Muhammad Zubair (@MZaibi74) December 18, 2023
While alternate reality casting can be intriguing, audiences seem satisfied knowing a talented yet unproven performer like Christensen got his career-catapulting shot. And movie history is better for it.
Charlie Hunnam Still Hopeful to Explore the Final Frontier
Missing out on Anakin may sting, but don’t count out fans seeing Charlie Hunnam in space yet. The actor headlines the new sci-fi saga Rebel Moon from director Zack Snyder, which Hunnam calls a “really fun” change of pace.
Hunnam praised Snyder’s signature style, saying the visionary filmmaker’s “burning passion” for the project was clear. Rebel Moon’s expansive world-building also left room for Hunnam to take risks, which he says enabled a rare feeling of “possession” by his swashbuckling pilot character.
While arguably lacking Star Wars’ omnipresent place in pop culture, Rebel Moon’s fresh take on aliens and inventive outer space action could attract a fan following of its own. And if it takes off, Charlie Hunnam still has a chance to become a household name amongst the stars.