Happy Birthday, Hayden Christensen: 'Star Wars' actor turns 39, fans drool over 'first crush' Anakin Skywalker
In these gloomy times, 'Star Wars' fans have found a reason to celebrate. Hayden Christensen, the man who played Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogies, turned 39 on April 19. Christensen played the role of Anakin, who would later go on to become Darth Vader in the franchise.
The actor starred in the films 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' and 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith', taking over from Jake Lloyd who played a younger version of Anakin in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'. Many were eager to see Christensen reprise his role in the final 'Star Wars' film, and the actor did appear as a vocal cameo on the film. He was one of the many vocal cameos featured in the climax, heard speaking to Rey.
Fans flooded social media with tweets. Many of them couldn't believe that he is 39 years old. Others wanted to declare the day as a national holiday.
A fan tweeted, "I cannot believe I am the same age as Darth Vader. Hayden Christensen turns 39..." Another wrote, "I’ll never forget when you popped up on the tv screen, taking my breathe away!! Happy Birthday!"
"Well is #HaydenChristensen s birthday and it’s nice to see everyone thirsting on Anakin Skywalker again," tweeted a fan.
"Oml what it's Hayden Christensen's birthday? GET THAT MAN A CAKE HE DESERVES IT! I honestly love the prequel movies, they hold very close to my heart. I actually thought Anakin was pretty cool lol," wrote another fan.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LEGEND OF THE DARK SIDE Hayden Christensen pls ask me to join the dark side," wrote a fan. A fan tweeted, "Happy birthday to my emo prince that I would throw all the sand away for, Hayden Christensen."
"Happy birthday Hayden Christensen! A skin Skywalker is one of the best characters in the fictional world and Hayden brought him to life. One of my all time favourite stories," another fan wrote.
Many fans admitted that he was their 'first crush'. "Hayden Christensen’s Ani was my first crush and forever will be," another fan wrote.
"I really love Hayden Christensen. That’s it, that’s the tweet," a fan wrote.
Christensen was last seen in the films 'Little Italy' and 'Last Man Standing'. Fans have been hoping against hope to see the actor back in the 'Star Wars' series somehow. After LucasFilm announced they were bringing back characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi. Fans began to hope for his return as well, however Disney/LucasFilm have not given any indications about this. However, considering that the whole Star Wars saga — the original trilogy and prequels — bringing Anakin back could make sense. And with Christensen attached, who knows of the possibilities it could open?