Star Wars has boasted a proud reputation for itself as the image of the franchise has been upheld by the characters enlivening the universe. Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to those who inhabit the galaxy and the stories that they tell. The franchise has shared an endearing message that insists that anyone can be anything: their path is theirs to choose. For some, their life path is brimming with hope and promise in abundance. Others are less fortunate as they make their way in the galaxy, troubled with the weight of moral and ethical battles. Whatever the story, Star Wars has granted purpose to its most prominent characters as the saga explores each era in its timeline.
Darth Vader, in particular, has become one of the most respected villains throughout the history of pop culture entertainment. While his true identity was not revealed until the Prequel Trilogy that followed the Originals, his ever-threatening presence was a warning to the cosmos that he loomed over. Anakin Skywalker has introduced in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, but it wasn’t until Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones that actor Hayden Christensen made his debut as the Chosen One. Christensen’s initial two-picture Lucasfilm appearance illustrated Anakin’s downfall into self-destruction. Recent confirmations have promised that Christensen will make his way back to Star Wars through the medium of Disney+’s Star Wars series. Indeed, the actor’s homecoming will reunite him with co-star Ewan McGregor in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Speculation beyond Obi-Wan Kenobi, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter in 2021, hints that Christensen’s Vader may appear in Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka solo series. However, per Screen Rant, Christensen now claims to not know about his involvement in the series. Nevertheless, upon Christensen’s return to the Star Wars franchise, fans have leaned into the idea of giving Christensen a Darth Vader movie of his own. Here’s why he deserves a solo movie.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
3 Hayden Christensen Has Grown as an Actor
Via: New Line Cinema
Christensen’s departure from the Star Wars franchise has allowed him to explore other means of performance outside his role as Anakin. Because of his sabbatical away from the space opera, he has been able to heighten his on-screen presence as the Sith Lord. A jarring first glimpse at Christensen’s return in Obi-Wan Kenobi teases a look at how sincerely chilling he can be since he was last seen. As a multifaceted performer, Christensen is able to deliver more intensity behind his work, pulling past skills from an array of on-camera experiences. Because of this, his matured presence in entertainment media gives him the opportunity to bring more gravitas to what is written in the scripts. George Lucas’ screenwriting has resulted in discourse over how it was bought to life, and concerns around original casting have transformed into echoes of praise. Growth in one’s career is able to support the idea of dedicating a movie to a certain actor and their billed character. Experience in refining an acting style and knowing how to interpret direction for a variety of television series and films equips Christensen with a stronger return to the franchise that has forever been associated with his career.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
2 More of Darth Vader’s Story Could be Told Through Hayden Christensen
20th Century Fox
Star Wars has featured Darth Vader as a villain and has shown Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side of the Force, but the live-action collection of films and television series has not fully dedicated time to Vader’s narrative outside major events. A Darth Vader-centric movie or spinoff would be able to find inspiration from the Star Wars: Darth Vader graphic novel series published by Marvel Comics, and articulate it through Christensen’s work. The collaborative effort from either creative entity would result in original storylines to follow that does not contradict the current canon. Star Wars wasn’t able to spend much time with Christensen as Vader throughout the Prequel era, and a Darth Vader solo movie would reimburse that missed opportunity.
Vader has been given time to revel in his anger and his hatred; Christensen would be the optimal choice to see that period of absence reflected back. Each actor contributes a certain amount of personal flair to their character; and while Vader has been seen time and time again, there’s a more haunted feel when knowing it is Christensen behind the helmet. Being able to give Christensen a more hands-on grasp on such an influential antagonist will be parallel to the beginnings of Vader that emerged during Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Christensen has demonstrated through interviews and media junkets that he possesses a vast understanding of both Vader and Anakin on a personal level. His intimacy with either personality adds a more insightful, emotional perspective to what a movie can deliver.
1 A Darth Vader Solo Movie Can Be Supported by a Disney+ Series
Lucasfilm Ltd.
It has been well-established that Christensen is returning to the new age of Star Wars as a major antagonist, and his return to the franchise has been greatly celebrated. The extent of his reprise, however, is currently limited to the bounds of Disney+ Originals. A single character with such omnipotent power cannot be confined to limited appearances that do not allow further elasticity for their story. A movie featured heavily around Darth Vader could find itself moving on from specific points in series such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka. Both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano are important figures in Vader’s life, and their developing stories can provide foundations for where Vader’s on-screen journey may take him next.
Having context for the film to fall back on is an important ingredient to its success, though Vader’s vengeance is too strong for him to simply fizzle into the background as a secondary threat. By utilizing these Disney+ series, there would be a further natural inclination to build upon Vader’s post-Jedi life. Without these series at play, there would be limited choices for cinematic inspiration. A full-length featured production would allow Christensen to take center stage as Lord Vader while permitting the Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm to cash out equally. Christensen’s Vader has quietly awaited his almost surreal return, and such an event should not be compromised down to mere glimpses at what could have been. The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm have proven that solo Star Wars films and television have gained positive feedback. Darth Vader’s popularity does not dare to evade him, and the relationships that contribute to the depth of his development are even richer. By involving important supporting series and their cast of characters on a greater scale, a Darth Vader solo movie can be upheld by Disney+ shows.
