Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Hayden Christensen
How Hayden Christensen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Hayden Christensen is a Canadian actor best known for playing Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. He starred in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), and returned to the role in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) and Ahsoka (2023). His portrayal of the iconic character has made him a recognizable figure in popular culture.
1988: Triaminic cough syrup commercial
In 1988, after accompanying his sister to an agent's office, Hayden Christensen began appearing in commercials, including one for Triaminic cough syrup.
2004: Inserted into Return of the Jedi
In 2004, Hayden Christensen was inserted into the DVD release of Return of the Jedi, replacing Sebastian Shaw as the force ghost of Anakin Skywalker, a controversial change made by George Lucas.
2006: Lucasfilm confirms insertion into Return of the Jedi
In 2006, Lucasfilm confirmed that the insertion of Hayden Christensen into Return of the Jedi was done without his knowledge, as stated in the featurette "Return of the Jedi: What has changed?" on the official website.
February 14, 2008: Jumper released
On February 14, 2008, the film Jumper, starring Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell, and Rachel Bilson, was released. It tells the story of a young man who can teleport.
August 26, 2008: Virgin Territory released on DVD
On August 26, 2008, Virgin Territory, starring Hayden Christensen and Mischa Barton, was released directly-to-DVD in North America. It is based on The Decameron and is about people escaping the Black Plague.
October 2009: Shooting Vanishing on 7th Street
In October 2009, Hayden Christensen began shooting the horror film Vanishing on 7th Street, directed by Brad Anderson, alongside Thandiwe Newton and John Leguizamo.
August 27, 2010: Takers released
On August 27, 2010, the crime drama Takers, starring Hayden Christensen, Idris Elba, and Paul Walker, was released in the United States.
May 20, 2013: Glacier Films Announcement
On May 20, 2013, during the Cannes Film Festival, the Russian company Enjoy Movies announced the creation of Glacier Films, an alliance company with Hayden Christensen and his brother Tove.
June 2013: Filming American Heist
In June 2013, filming began for American Heist, the first project of Glacier Films, starring Hayden Christensen, Adrien Brody, and Jordana Brewster. It is a remake of The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery.
November 2013: Released Clothing Line
In November 2013, Hayden Christensen collaborated with Canadian fashion chain RW&Co to release a men's clothing line inspired by his farm.
2015: Starred in 90 Minutes in Heaven
In 2015, Hayden Christensen starred in the film 90 Minutes in Heaven, co-starring Kate Bosworth and directed by Michael Polish, which is based on the best-selling novel of the same name.
2017: Starred in First Kill
In 2017, Hayden Christensen starred in the film First Kill, alongside Bruce Willis.
2018: Appeared in Little Italy and The Last Man
In 2018, Hayden Christensen appeared in the Canadian-American romantic comedy Little Italy with Emma Roberts and also in the same year starred in The Last Man.
October 22, 2021: Reprising Role in Ahsoka
On October 22, 2021, it was reported that Hayden Christensen would reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker for the Disney+ series Ahsoka.
May 2022: Reprised role in Obi-Wan Kenobi
In May 2022, Hayden Christensen reprised his role as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader for the Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series on Disney+. His portrayal earned positive reviews.
September 8, 2022: Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return Premiere
On September 8, 2022, Hayden Christensen appeared in the documentary special Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return, which premiered on Disney+ Day.
April 2025: Star Wars Celebration Japan
In April 2025, during a panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan, Hayden Christensen announced he would reprise his role in the second season of Ahsoka. He also surprised the audience at a screening of the Revenge of the Sith 20th anniversary re-release in Los Angeles.
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