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Leonardo DiCaprio, Heath Ledger, and 4 other actors who almost played Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars

By Natalie Zamora

US actor Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for the 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 9, 2020. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
US actor Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for the 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 9, 2020. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Ryan Phillippe almost played Anakin Skywalker
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 10: Actor Ryan Phillippe discusses his new film “Wish Upon” at Build Studio on July 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) /

Ryan Phillippe auditioned for Anakin Skywalker

Speaking of late 1990s/early 2000s heartthrobs, Ryan Phillippe was certainly one of the biggest. Coming off big films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Cruel Intentions (1999), the Big Sky actor being considered for the role of Anakin Skywalker isn’t entirely surprising. Phillippe recalled his experience trying out for the role briefly back in 2008, telling MTV News:

"“I read with Natalie Portman. I think it was sort of an age thing in their mind. It wasn’t quite right, but yeah, they were interested.”"

By May 2002 when Attack of the Clones came out, Phillippe was 27 years old while Christensen was a young 21. Perhaps if the Crash actor was a bit younger at the time, he could’ve played Anakin.

Colin Hanks almost played Anakin Skywalker
SANTA MONICA, CA – FEBRUARY 25: Actor Colin Hanks poses during the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards at the Santa Monica Pier on February 25, 2017 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Randall Michelson/Getty Images for Film Independent) /

Colin Hanks auditioned for Anakin Skywalker

Colin Hanks, who is best known for playing roles like Gus Grimly in Fargo (2014-2015), Oliver in The House Bunny (2008), and Preston in King Kong (2005), along with being Tom Hanks’ son, was once in the running to portray Anakin Skywalker. However, it doesn’t look like he made it far in the audition process, contrary to what some reports have said.

During an interview with New York Daily News back in 2008, the actor explained what really happened when he tried out for the part. While he did audition, he certainly was not a runner-up. He shared:

"“Not true. I met with a casting director, along with every other actor in my age group. That was it. But I did know the actor who was auditioning after me, and he mentioned it [to a reporter], and suddenly they were saying ‘Tom Hanks’ son in the running to play Darth Vader!’ That might be the only press clipping I ever put up on my fridge.”"

Though he didn’t make the final list of candidates, it is fun to think about what a young Colin Hanks could bring to the table with the iconic Star Wars role. Around the time Attack of the Clones was casting and then premiered, Hanks was making money from shows Roswell and Band of Brothers, along with the comedy movie Orange County.

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