At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Star Wars fans honored Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Christensen’s impending 44th birthday on April 19th. Although Christensen was far from the first actor to portray Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in Star Wars movies and TV shows, he has since become the face of Anakin Skywalker for many in the franchise. In fact, although Christensen’s introduction in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones was a rough one, he has become one of the most beloved actors in the franchise.
In a video posted by anakinskywxlkxr on X, the audience at Star Wars Celebration can be seen and heard singing “Happy Birthday” to Christensen as he sits on stage. Christensen is clearly delighted, and he begins filming the crowd singing.
Particularly given Christensen’s complex history with this franchise—which sadly included him experiencing intense backlash when he first arrived on the scene with Attack of the Clones—this video just goes to show how much has changed for Christensen within this fanbase.
Star Wars Fans Are Delighted At Hayden Christensen’s Return
Christensen Is Finally Getting The Celebration He Deserves
It’s clear from this video alone how much the public opinion of Christensen as Anakin Skywalker has changed in the years since the prequel trilogy was first released. As mentioned, that introduction for Christensen was a rocky one. He, like several other prequel trilogy actors, experienced intense criticism following his appearances in Star Wars, and that negativity continued long after the prequels had concluded.
Yet, audiences are clearly delighted to see Christensen back in this role again. Christensen first returned as Anakin/Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he was most recently back again in Ahsoka season 1, during which he appeared in the World Between Worlds and at the very end of season 1 as a Force Ghost. His appearances in both of these shows were met with incredible fanfare, making it clear that audiences now celebrate Christensen’s portrayal of this character.
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The Future Is Bright For The Chosen One
We Are Expecting Some Major News For Christensen’s Star Wars Future
While it’s exciting enough to see audiences embrace Christensen in this role once again, it’s even more thrilling to know Christensen is almost certainly coming back to Star Wars again—presumably sooner rather than later. That is, both Christensen’s presence at Star Wars Celebration 2025 and his role in Ahsoka season 1 suggest Christensen could be returning in Ahsoka season 2. Many consider that announcement to be a ‘when’ rather than an ‘if.’
To be clear, Christensen’s role in Ahsoka season 2 isn’t yet confirmed, nor is any other confirmation that we will see Christensen in Star Wars again. Yet, all signs currently point to Christensen having a bright future ahead in Star Wars, perhaps not just in Ahsoka season 2 but in other upcoming projects as well. No matter when or if Hayden Christensen appears as Anakin Skywalker again, though, it’s wonderful to see Star Wars audiences celebrating him so openly.
Source: anakinskywxlkxr