At Star Wars Celebration 2025, fans gathered to honor Hayden Christensen with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” in celebration of his upcoming 44th birthday on April 19th. While Christensen wasn’t the first actor to portray Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars universe, he has undeniably become the iconic face of the character for many. Although his initial introduction in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones faced some rough reception, Christensen has since earned a beloved status among Star Wars fans.
A Heartwarming Moment at Star Wars Celebration
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) captures the joyous moment. The audience at Star Wars Celebration enthusiastically sings “Happy Birthday” to Christensen as he sits on stage, visibly delighted by the attention. In a sweet gesture, Hayden Christensen even begins filming the crowd, savoring the warm appreciation. This moment stands in stark contrast to his early days in the franchise, where he faced intense criticism after Attack of the Clones was released.
From Backlash to Celebration
Over the years, Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker has been met with mixed reactions, especially during the prequel trilogy. However, with time, fans have revisited his performance with a more appreciative lens. His return as Anakin/Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka has been met with resounding praise. His appearances in these series show a marked shift in public opinion, as fans now celebrate his contribution to the franchise.
A Bright Future for Hayden Christensen in Star Wars
Not only are fans thrilled to see Hayden Christensen return to the role of Anakin Skywalker, but there’s also a strong indication that he’ll be back in Star Wars in the near future. Given his appearance at Star Wars Celebration 2025 and his involvement in Ahsoka season 1, many believe he will return in Ahsoka season 2. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, all signs suggest Christensen’s future in Star Wars is looking very bright, with potential appearances in upcoming projects.
No matter when or where Christensen appears as Anakin again, it’s clear that Star Wars fans have fully embraced him, and it’s heartening to see the actor finally receive the celebration he truly deserves.
