The Star Wars prequels featured two child stars, Jake Lloyd and Daniel Logan, tasked with portraying the younger versions of iconic Star Wars characters Anakin and Skywalker and Boba Fett.
While Logan is still seen out and about at various Star Wars events, Jake Lloyd has left the spotlight in recent years to focus on his mental health, including his battle with schizophrenia. In recent interviews, Jake's mom, Lisa Lloyd, shared what Jake's been up to lately and provided a positive update on his condition. Jake also sat down for an interview recently, expressing optimism about his mental health and sharing his love for Star Wars.
Lisa Lloyd says she shielded her son from the abuse and trolling from fans following his performance in Episode I - The Phantom Menace. However, via Popverse, Boba Fett actor Daniel Logan revealed shocking details at GalaxyCon Richmond about the bullying Jake faced in Star Wars. Logan says he and Lloyd became close friends, despite never sharing the screen in Star Wars.
According to Logan, the two young boys faced similar struggles from being a part of a franchise and being exposed to vocal and rabid fans. Logan recalls being protected by 8 bodyguards during his first Star Wars Celebration. He says he and Lloyd understood each other's struggles, but Lloyd "had it the worst out of everyone. He was getting sent death threats. People were trying to find his address so they could camp outside of his house and do harm to him."
Logan adds, "This was a little child who was 8 years old, and you didn’t realize that just because you were part of this franchise, you didn’t realize how volatile the fanbase could be if they didn’t agree or align with your way of portraying their characters as they see it." Logan's heartbreaking account of the vicious treatment Jake faced differs from Lisa Lloyd's, although it's possible she was able to shield her son from much of this bullying.
Regardless, it doesn't seem like Jake escaped all of it, as Logan revealed "I think having the weight of all of that pressure put upon you at such a young age, and then people being so malicious and threatening, you can’t understand at that age why. Why is this happening to me? Why are these people being like this? It really took a toll on him." This heartbreaking revelation confirms Jake Lloyd experienced fan bullying firsthand, which affected, him and may have aggravated his mental health struggles.
Lloyd was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, which he inherited from his father, and even though he has turned a corner in recent years, it's despicable that he went through this. Logan continues to hold out hope that his friend Jake will join him at a future convention. He believes the growing popularity of the Star Wars prequels makes this a good time for Lloyd to meet his fans again. However, Lisa Lloyd reveals that her son "thinks he doesn’t deserve for the fans to have his autograph and stuff."
Jake, if you're reading this, you'll always be our precious little Ani, and we're gutted and disgusted by how cruel and heartless a certain section of fans are. It hurts that you don't seem ready to sign a picture because you've been led to believe you're not worthy of it.
You're an integral part of a storied franchise, and Anakin Skywalker's story wouldn't be the same without you. We know it hasn't been easy, but we're looking forward to seeing you again so we can all make it up to you and remind you how important you are to the Star Wars saga.
Take all the time you need, and may the Force be with you.