What Happened to Hayden Christensen? Everything We Know about the Actor’s Life after His Initial Appearances in ‘Star Wars’

Hayden Christensen, who famously starred as Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” prequels, is reprising his role in the new limited series, “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The actor was only 19 when he first starred in the “Star Wars” franchise and maintained a relatively low profile thereafter.

Avid “Star Wars” fans were excited to learn that a new Lucasfilm production would debut on Disney+ on May 27, 2022. “Obi-Wan Kenobi” was a highly anticipated series featuring several stars, including Ewan McGregor, who reprised his role as the Jedi Master, and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.

The storyline took off from the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” where Obi-Wan's Jedi apprentice and closest friend turned from Anakin Skywalker to Sith Lord Darth Vader.

Given the 19-year gap between “Star Wars: A New Hope” and “Revenge of the Sith,” the series will likely find Obi-wan hiding on Tatooine before Luke Skywalker learns of his fate.

WHAT HAPPENED TO “STAR WARS” ACTOR HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN?

Playing one of the most known villains in movie history was not always in Christensen's path. He was only 19 when George Lucas chose him to lead the “Star Wars” prequels. At that time, the actor had never been on a big film set, nor was he prepared for the immense fame that was to come his way.

He did, however, have experience in front of the camera. At eight years old, Christensen appeared in a commercial for cough syrup. “When I was around eight, I got asked by my sister's agent if I wanted to do commercials,” he said. “From that point on, I did one or two a year.”

Christensen also had minor roles in “All I Wanna Do," "The Virgin Suicides," "and Life as a House.” He said:

“I guess I felt like I had this great thing in ‘Star Wars' that provided all these opportunities and gave me a career, but it all kind of felt a little too handed to me.”

After “Star Wars,” Christensen took a short break from the acting scene and focused on his hobby, farming. He learned how to use farming equipment and started a small vegetable garden.

He later picked up his acting career and starred in “Factory Girl," "Awake,” and “Virgin Territory.” He also landed lead roles in “New York, I Love You," "Jumper," "Takers," "Vanishing on 7th Street," "Outcast,” and “American Heist.”

WILL HAYDEN APPEAR IN OTHER “STAR WARS” SHOWS?

In October 2021, it was announced that Christensen would reprise his role as Darth Vader in the live-action series “Ahsoka” alongside Rosario Dawson, who plays the titular character.

Although little is known about the show's storyline, fans can expect only the best from writer Dave Filoni and executive producer Jon Favreau.

There will be other releases related to the “Star Wars” franchise in 2022, including season 3 of “The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: Andor,” and “The Bad Batch” season 2. The releases are exciting news for both “Star Wars” fanatics and viewers who simply want to enjoy a good show.