One Of Star Wars History's Most Beloved (?) Actors Is Returning

There are few characters in pop culture history, much less the history of Star Wars as a franchise, as iconic as Darth Vader. Today in an investor call broadcast to the world online, Disney announced that the actor who once played Vader will return to the role in the near future. No, they weren't talking about James Earl Jones, but Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker in the prequels Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Star Wars head Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Christensen will once again portray Anakin/Vader on the previously announced Obi-Wan Kenobi show, which is currently in development and will take place ten years after Episode III.

Christensen took over the role from Jake Lloyd as Anakin aged after Episode 1, and his portrayal of Anakin has become infamous among Star Wars fans and non-fans alike. Decades after the fact, we can only speculate as to what made those films so uniquely strange, and whether George Lucas, Christensen himself, or other factors were responsible for the unpopular take on the iconic character.

What's certain, though, is that bringing Christensen back as Darth Vader in a post-Revenge of the Sith setting will prove to be provocative among fans. We say let the debates begin.

In other Star Wars news from the investor call, Disney revealed two new Mandalorian spin-offs on Disney+ and new details about the Cassian Andor show. Beyond a galaxy far far way, Disney also announced a new Alien show on FX, the plan to bring more mature content to Disney+, and more. We'll keep updating you on it all as the day advances.