Fans of the franchise did not receive the second Star Wars trilogy (prequel) very well. There was a lot of criticism from diehard fans of the original canon. However, those who were children then remember these movies as a jewel that has remained imprinted in our memories. This love for that saga, which ended in 2005, has provoked a flood of support for the series’ protagonists. The actors themselves have expressed their surprise to see such an active fandom. Now the actor who brings Darth Vade to life, Hayden Christensen, breaks his silence about his return as the Sith villain.
Hayden Christensen Breaks the Silence About His Latest Darth Vader Incarnation
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Both Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have commented in recent interviews on their surprise to see such an engaged fandom for this new installment. Obi-Wan Kenobi brings back memories of the prequel Star Wars trilogy (1999-2005). Fans are excited to have this duo back after the battle on the lava of Mustafar. Since then, Christensen’s career has been somewhat more low-key than that of his co-star Ewan McGregor. And if we add to that the enigmatic figure of the Sith Lord Darth Vader, the fans’ curiosity to know more details does not stop growing.
Now Hayden Christensen breaks the silence about thrilling production process details in an interview for The Hollywood Reporter. Christensen talked about the excitement of reprising the character. He also made statements about the makeup process and the costume and even talked about whether there are traces of Anakin left in the dark and evil Sith. Let’s take a look at some of his answers.
The Actor’s Responses in the Interview
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When asked about the makeup process, the actor commented: It’s pretty extensive. It’s a good four to five hours in the makeup chair, but I got to work with a great team of makeup artists. And we all got to work very closely with [executive creative director of Lucasfilm] Doug Chiang, who gave great input into the overall look. But yeah, it’s a lot of time. The truth is that seeing the final result in the series. It is challenging to glimpse the actor under the makeup. The work is excellent.
Regarding the Darth Vader suit, when asked if he used a double, Christensen stated: “I’m not the only one in the suit because of the height difference between myself and the character. There’s some stuff that’s just a little bit too challenging for us to try to film with me in the suit. So I do what I can, and then I have the help of a couple of other great performers who do a lot of the work as well.”
A Long-Awaited Return for Star Wars Fans
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The fact that 17 years after the release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), the stars themselves are surprised to have such an active fandom. Let’s remember that at the time, the trilogy was so criticized that the actors were left with a bittersweet taste. However, those who were children then have now become adults who love the saga and the characters. Christensen’s return has been one of the additions to the cast that have generated the most hype during the project’s gestation.
Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reflected on the fans’ deep appreciation for the prequels for Variety magazine. McGregor commented, “I think it made me sort of put my blinkers on a little bit… Over the years, I’ve felt now the appreciation for the prequels, the warmth that there is for the generation that we made them for. For them, our ‘Star Wars’ films are their ‘Star Wars’ films.” It is curious to see how the Jedi Knights were unaware of their success until now.
Indeed, fans who saw the prequels as children remember these films with affection. In our memory are emblematic moments that are hard to forget. Like the “DO IT!” from Emperor Palpatine to Anakin or the “I hate you!” from Anakin to Obi-Wan during their duel on Mustafar in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).
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