As we edge closer to the arrival of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+, it is becoming apparent that while the story is very much centered on Ewan McGregor’s Jedi Master and his struggles, the narrative is just as much about Darth Vader and his personal quest for revenge. The newest Star Wars series is probably one of the most anticipated shows to arrive on the platform since its launch a little over two years ago, and with Hayden Christensen joining McGregor in the limited series, it is both a new addition and a nostalgic throwback all in one. Now Christensen has given a little more insight into his return as the iconic villain and the personal quest driving Vader in the series.
Obi-Wan Kenobi picks up the story a decade from the events of Revenge of the Sith, with Kenobi and the Jedi order being hunted down by Darth Vader and his Inquisitors on the orders of the Emperor. While there is not too much known about the plot of the series, other than it is heading to another epic duel between the former master and student, Hayden Christensen has explained a little more about what is important to Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Speaking on The Cutaway with William Mullally, the actor said:
“This is sort of a point in the timeline that hasn't really been explored yet, and I think that the character of Darth Vader is at an interesting point in his life, in terms of what has happened before and where we left him in Episode III. He's very much sort of trying to reconcile his past, and hunting down the Jedi... obviously it's his job and he's mandated by the Emperor, but it's more than that. It's a personal mission for him.”
Hayden Christensen Has Been Thrilled by Fan Reactions About His Return
For Star Wars fans, there was a lot not to like about the prequel movies, and at the time, one of those things was Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker. Following the release of the movies, which featured Christensen in 2002’s Attack of the Clones and 2005’s Revenge of The Sith, the actor was subjected to a lot of hate from those who were generally unhappy about pretty much everything in the trilogy.
In the years since, however, there has been a strange shift in opinion, mainly thanks to a new generation of fans discovering the Star Wars Saga anew and therefore not necessarily making comparisons between the original trilogy and the prequels. That has led to a new appreciation of Christensen’s role in the prequels, which is one that is apparent in reactions to his return to the role for Obi-Wan Kenobi. He previously said:
"It’s just been really heartwarming, I can’t tell you what it means to me but… it’s a really neat thing. I guess the moral of the story is patience."
With Obi-Wan Kenobi set to make its double-episode debut on Disney+ on May 27, fans are now all hyped up to welcome Christensen and McGregor back into the Star Wars fold. With many surprises being promised, and a climactic battle on the horizon, the series is all set to be one of Disney+’s biggest hits this summer.