In a surprising revelation, actor Charlie Hunnam confirmed that he auditioned for the iconic role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars, a character eventually portrayed by Hayden Christensen. Hunnam disclosed this information ahead of the premiere of his upcoming film, Rebel Moon. Despite coming close to landing the role after a one-on-one conversation with director George Lucas, the part ultimately went to Christensen, who played Anakin in the prequel trilogy.
Audition Experience and George Lucas Meeting: Hunnam shared details of his audition experience, recalling a one-on-one meeting with George Lucas, a rare occurrence for actors. The actor admitted feeling a sense of panic during the awkward encounter and left with the impression that he wouldn’t secure the role. Ultimately, the vibes and dynamics of the meeting played a crucial role in the casting decision.
Competing Actors and Decision-Making Process: The audition process for the role of Anakin Skywalker involved several actors, including notable names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Phillippe, and the late Paul Walker. Despite the competition, Hayden Christensen, a relatively unknown Canadian actor at the time, emerged as the chosen one for Darth Vader’s origin story.
Reactions from Competing Actors: Devon Sawa, another actor in contention for the role, expressed being heartbroken when the decision favored Christensen. Sawa mentioned that there were five actors considered for the part, and while he came close, the final choice left him disappointed.
Hayden Christensen’s Excitement and Return to Star Wars: Hayden Christensen, upon landing the role, expressed excitement about joining the Star Wars universe, particularly working alongside Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor. Fast forward to 2022, Christensen has reprised his role as Anakin in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, continuing the character’s story a decade after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Charlie Hunnam’s Current Endeavors: While Hunnam missed out on the Star Wars universe, he is currently engaged in promoting Rebel Moon – Part One: Child of Fire, a space opera directed by Zack Snyder. Hunnam plays the character Kai, a hired mercenary and starship pilot in the film, set to be released in theaters on December 15 and on Netflix on December 21.
Conclusion: The revelation of Charlie Hunnam’s audition for Anakin Skywalker adds an intriguing chapter to the Star Wars casting history. The dynamics of auditions and the ultimate choices made by directors contribute to the unique journey of iconic characters in cinematic history.
