If you're a Star Wars fan, then visiting Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World is essentially required. It's sort of like making a religious pilgrimage. In addition to millions of fans of the franchise, several of the people who helped bring the galaxy far, far away to life have also made the trip, and most recently that included the man who played the character that essentially started it all. Hayden Christensen, visited the Disneyland version of Batuu, and, based on the pictures, he had an absolutely amazing time.
The official Star Wars Twitter account dropped the pictures yesterday. We see the man who played Anakin Skywaker himself posing both outside the Millennium Falcon and inside the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction. It's not clear which position he sat in or how well the Falcon survived the trip.
Of course, the best picture here is without question the final one. We see Hayden assisting his daughter with her newly built lightsaber. As it turns out, Christensen's daughter with actress Rachel Bilson, Briar Rose, turned 5 years old on October 29, so it appears the trip to Disneyland was part of his daughter's birthday celebration. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.
Although, considering what her father did to Mace Windu, the young girl's choice of a purple blade seems like an interesting choice. Of course, at all of five, she may not even be aware of who her dad is quite yet, but it could also be a child's quiet protest against her dad for cutting off Samuel L. Jackson's arm.
Hayden Christensen played Anakin Skywalker two of the Star Wars prequel films. The fan response to those films overall has never been great, and whether related or not, Christensen's career has been largely quiet since.
However, in the last couple years, the actor has begun to resurface, especially as it relates to Star Wars. Two years ago Christensen appeared on stage at Star Wars Celebration. More recently, he's been making convention appearances and visiting hospitals with other Star Wars performers.
Of course, considering that Hayden Christensen has been making more public appearances this close to a new Star Wars movie, this has fans talking. Recently, a convention appearance by the actor was reportedly canceled by Disney, leading many to speculate that the studio feared leaks of spoilers.
There have been rumors going around that Anakin Skywalker and or Darth Vader might make some sort of appearance in the forthcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, though at this point there's little more than circumstantial evidence that supports the claims. Still, that doesn't mean it isn't happening.
Whether or not Hayden Christensen will actually be seen in a Star Wars movie again, he does seem to be having fun with Star Wars again, and that's great to see.
