Why the internet owes Hayden Christensen an apology

Star Wars Celebration was this weekend in London and boy, did we get content! Not only did we get some super awesome panels with our favourite Star Wars actors, but we also got the announcement that Daisy Ridley is returning as Rey. Cue the applause!

However, one thing I did notice was the reaction Hayden Christensen received from the crowd at the Kenobi panel. He was flooded with applause, with some fans even screaming out how much they love him. Christensen was visibly moved by the reaction and he proceeded to get emotional on stage. Understandably so, as a reaction like this means a lot to him; he has voiced his love for the fans and the opportunity to play this character again after so many years, and he has proved how much he loves the role and the universe.

It’s insane to me that we once lived in a world where Star Wars fans criticised this casting. When the prequels first came out, a lot of the reviews were negative about Christensen’s performance and casting as Anakin Skywalker, the man who would go on to become the menacing Darth Vader. The big bad of Star Wars.

After watching Obi-Wan Kenobi, I can confirm that no one cares more about this character than Hayden Christensen. He managed to play both Anakin and Vader perfectly, and it was evident that he had done his research in order to play a version of this character he had only played for a brief time. His performance showed how great of an actor he is and how perfect he was for Vader all along.

I think it’s important to recognise that the actors in the prequels did well with what they were given. As much as I love them, the writing was questionable and the dialogue came across as silly. Revenge of the Sith is one of my favourite movies of all time and I actually think this is Christensen’s best version of Anakin. You feel for him, despite everything. The hate, to me, was unjustified. I think people were blaming their issues with the prequels on the fresh face of them. People called him whiny, but doesn’t that mean Luke Skywalker is just as whiny? Do we not hate on him because we’re used to him?

Hearing the reaction that Christensen is now receiving brought a smile to my face. He deserves this moment and the acknowledgement that he is our Anakin. That he was always perfect for the role. I know some people may still disagree with this and that’s fine, but for nostalgia’s sake I am just so happy to see Hayden Christensen finally being welcomed home with open arms.