How Hayden Christensen Can Return In Ahsoka (As Anakin or Darth Vader?)

How will actor Hayden Christensen be returning in Disney’s upcoming Ahsoka series, whether as Anakin Skywalker or Darth Vader? It was already known that Christensen would be reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series coming to Disney+, it appears as though the Chosen One will also be featured in the series starring Rosario Dawson as the titular warrior who left the Jedi Order before Revenge of the Sith. The master and apprentice will be reuniting for the first time in live-action, but it’s not yet known how Hayden Christensen will return to the galaxy far, far away or in what form.

While it’s been reported that Christensen will be returning to Obi-Wan Kenobi as Darth Vader, that makes sense considering the reveal that the series will be set 10 years after Anakin Skywalker’s corruption in Revenge of the Sith, but nine years before A New Hope, during the height of the Empire’s rule. However, Ahsoka will presumedly continue her story set after the events of The Mandalorian season 2, which saw her guiding Din Djarin and young Grogu to the planet Tython before continuing her hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn after the Empire’s fall in Return of the Jedi.

Due to this being the time period where Darth Vader has already been dead for a few years after being redeemed by his son Luke Skywalker, it does raise some question marks as to how exactly Hayden Christensen will be returning. Furthermore, whether the series uses flashbacks or the Force, it’s not yet known whether he’ll be coming back as Anakin or as Darth Vader. Here are the most likely options for the Ahsoka series coming soon to Disney+.

Why Hayden Christensen Is Returning In The Ahsoka Show

Despite the time period, it makes sense that Hayden Christensen would return for Ahsoka (as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi). Just like Obi-Wan, Anakin Skywalker was one of the most important people in Ahsoka Tano’s life, serving as her master who trained her how to be a Jedi during the Clone Wars despite being younger than the average Jedi apprentice. During the turmoil and chaos of war, Anakin and Ahsoka became incredibly close and Skywalker was fiercely protective of his padawan, even when she was framed and tried as a criminal by the Jedi Council. However, despite Ahsoka clearing her own name, she chose to leave the Jedi Order behind, including Anakin.

However, Anakin and Ahsoka’s story didn’t end there. After agreeing to help the Republic liberate Mandalore, Ahsoka survived the Jedi Purge, known as Order 66, while her former master was corrupted by the dark side of the Force, becoming Darth Vader under the new Emperor. Ahsoka didn’t learn of Anakin’s dark transformation until years later when she was helping to assemble the Rebel Alliance under the alias Fulcrum. Eventually, Ahsoka and Vader met face-to-face on the Sith world of Malachor, their resulting lightsaber duel ending in a stalemate before they went their separate ways. Years later, Ahsoka was found by Din Djarin on the planet Corvus, hunting for Grand Admiral Thrawn. Considering the large impact Anakin had on Ahsoka’s life, it makes sense that Hayden Christensen will be making an appearance in her series in some manner.

Hayden’s Return Hints At Clone Wars Flashbacks In Ahsoka

Due to his corruption as Darth Vader and death in Return of the Jedi, it’s likely that Anakin Skywalker’s return would be in the form of flashbacks to the animated Clone Wars series. This would be very exciting, as the era saw the master and apprentice during some of their many battles across the galaxy leading the clone forces of the Republic against the droid armies of the Separatists led by Count Dooku. It’s possible Ahsoka will reflect on the teachings she was taught by Skywalker during the most formative time of her life.

Clone Wars-era flashbacks featuring Anakin and Ahsoka would offer a chance for viewers to see glimpses of the epic period in live-action, beyond its beginning and end seen in the second and third episodes of the Skywalker Saga. There are several major conflicts and significant moments between Anakin and Ahsoka that were only ever depicted in animation, so the chance to see any of them in live-action, or even a completely new scene set during the time period, would be incredibly dynamic and an exciting draw for the series.

How Darth Vader Can Appear In Ahsoka

Furthermore, Ahsoka could also feature Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader just as Obi-Wan Kenobi will. While it would certainly be exciting to see Ahsoka’s duel with Vader in a live-action flashback, it’s also possible that Hayden Christensen could return as a Force ghost as well. With Darth Vader being dead in this time period after Return of the Jedi, it would be interesting to see Ahsoka communing with her former master. Thanks to George Lucas’ 2004 DVD release of the original trilogy that replaced actor Sebastian Shaw, Hayden Christensen’s Anakin has already been established as a Force ghost, and to see Ahsoka reaching out to Anakin for guidance would no doubt be impressive.

However, it’s possible Darth Vader/Anakin could return in some new way beyond a flashback or as a Force ghost. The Skywalker Saga has established that Ahsoka does carry some guilt for leaving Anakin, fearing that her absence during Revenge of the Sith might have contributed to Anakin’s fall to the dark side. Perhaps she’ll be haunted by the image of the former master she feels she failed. Regardless of how he’ll be returning, the concept of Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano meeting in live-action is something the Star Wars faithful have wanted to see for a long time. The news that Hayden Christensen will be making a return as Anakin/Darth Vader in the Ahsoka series will no doubt generate even more excitement, just as his reported role in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series has made it one of the most anticipated shows coming to Disney+.

About The Author

Kevin Erdmann
(2531 Articles Published)

Kevin Erdmann is one of Screen Rant’s staff writers. With a major in Cinema Studies and a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin is pretty sure he’s writing for the right site. While Kevin is a huge Marvel fan, he also loves Batman because he’s Batman and is a firm believer that Han shot first. Disney also shares a big part of his fan patronage. Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

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