The excitement around Andor has solicited many positive responses. One in particular, though, helps shed light on the importance of Cassian’s character within the span of Rogue One and Andor. Actor Hayden Christensen helps reframe Anakin while providing insight into the contributions of Andor.
Hayden Christensen on Andor
A couple of years ago, actors Diego Luna and Haden Christensen had a discussion in Variety. The two actors talked about their time in the “same galaxy” and their return to Disney shows after they believed their journeys had ended.
Christensen responded to Luna’s questions about his background and landing the role of Anakin. They found commonality in being thrust into the Star Wars universe around the same age, 19 to 20. As Luna responded to questions about Rogue One and Andor, Christensen indicated how much he liked the “much darker and more grounded” performances that Luna brought to Star Wars.
That point in their conversation provided an avenue for Christensen to express his appreciation of the realism in the movie and series. He indicated how Andor was “so successful” because it offered an “origin story” for the Rebels, but also because of Cassian’s character arc – “how he starts off at this place where he doesn’t really want anything to do with any of this.” And, yet, “his destiny is calling.”
Accurate words that capture central elements of Andor and indicate something about Christensen. As we remember, he had to face plenty of criticism for his dark and brooding depiction of Anakin in the prequels. This recent discussion provides a snapshot of some of those critiques.
So, Christensen identified with the portrayal of Cassian and found some redemption in it. In the above conversation, he also indicated how fans came around to appreciate the prequels. Part of what Star Wars has given him is “a connection” to people who love the franchise. Moreover, by playing Anakin, Christensen gained praise across generations.
As for Luna, Star Wars’ impact on his life has been “a shock, in a good way”, with the fans seeking “to feel part of what you are doing,” providing “that connection you don’t find anywhere else.” Andor has cemented that bond between fans and Luna.
Christensen and Anakin
Fans here picked up on the connection between Christensen’s Anakin and Luna’s Cassian. Both characters start on a similar plane, “angry and dismissive and not wanting anything to do with the fight.” We could see how Christensen could have enjoyed playing Anakin “with more breathing room” where we could “explore his turn to the dark side” more fully than in Revenge of the Sith.
A live-action Clone Wars could have been rewarding for actor and audience alike. That could have been a platform to provide a realistic edge for Anakin. We got a glimpse of what Christensen’s performance may have looked like in Season 2 of Ahsoka. In his encounter with Ahsoka, Anakin appeared more wise and mature, measured, and purposeful.
Some of that tone could have been directed into a torn Anakin who had to explore his mixed feelings with moments of dark rage but also calm reflection. Recent articles speculate that we could see a return of Anakin, with some offering poignant and developing Jedi comic storylines to pursue.
The Obi-Wan & Anakin comic miniseries may hold the most promise (# 5 from above). From it, we could witness “Anakin’s growing doubts about this place within the Jedi Order”. A live-action show would not only reunite Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen but also offer “valuable insight into the complexities of their master-Padawan relationship” three years before the events of Phantom Menace.
Hayden, Luna, and Andor
Hayden’s return to a possible series could provide an avenue to explore Anakin’s fall to the dark side more completely. If that happens, the show will surely learn from Andor and Luna’s portrayal of Cassian. We could see a grounded reflection of the coming of Darth Vader.