“My longest breath holds were around…”: Star Wars Fans Will Respect Hayden Christensen Even More after What He Did for Obi-Wan Kenobi
A lot of actors see acting as a serious art and take a ton of pride in what they do. Going above and beyond shows just how dedicated they are in bringing a character to life in the most real way possible. That’s what Hayden Christensen did for his role.
Fans would be surprised to know that the actor held his breath for more than two minutes while filming scenes in Obi-Wan Kenobi. It shows the lengths actors go to to for their crafts.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi series brought back a beloved element from the Star Wars universe – the bacta tank. These healing chambers were first seen in The Empire Strikes Back and have become synonymous with Darth Vader’s recovery. For the first time, viewers see Vader fully submerged in the tank.
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It was a task that required a lot of planning. Producers had to create a realistic set, ensure that the lighting, water color, and even Christensen’s prosthetics wouldn’t be compromised underwater. The 43-year-old didn’t even had any breathing gear and had to hold his breath the whole time.
Hayden Christensen’s Impressive Breath-Holding Feat for Obi-Wan Kenobi
While some fans love the mystery surrounding Darth Vader, the series takes a different approach. Co-producer Doug Chiang said, “We’re now trying to peel back the layers.” Hayden Christensen had to work hard with a diving coach to hold his breath for a long time. The actor said in an interview with Variety:
“I had to be completely submerged in water holding my breath. [So] I got to work with a great dive coach, and he would teach me different breathing techniques. I think my longest breath holds were around two and a half minutes. It was surprisingly peaceful in there.”
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Filming underwater posed a special challenge for the Canadian star, but it also gave him a chance to pick up a new skill. However, with the guidance of a diving coach, he mastered breath-holding techniques, and reached a personal record of two and a half minutes. What’s surprising is that instead of being stressful, the whole experience brought him peace.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Complete Series will be Available in 4K UHD
Obi-Wan Kenobi: The Complete Series is coming to 4K UHD and home video on April 30, 2024. Fans can get ready to experience the entire series in stunning high definition. This special collection of the Disney+ miniseries will feature exclusive bonus content such as behind-the-scenes looks and cool concept art.
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The series follows Obi-Wan Kenobi, set a decade after his friend Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader. Obi-Wan is now tasked with protecting young Luke Skywalker on the harsh desert planet of Tatooine.
