Hayden Christensen, known for bringing Anakin Skywalker to life in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, had high praise for his animated counterpart, Matt Lanter. According to a revelation in the upcoming The Dark Side Collection book via The Holo Files, Christensen warmly acknowledged Lanter’s contributions when the two met, saying, "Thanks for keeping Star Wars alive."
Per GamesRadar+, Lanter voiced Anakin Skywalker across 95 episodes of The Clone Wars. The animated series delved into the untold stories of Anakin during the titular galactic conflict, showcasing his growing bond with Obi-Wan Kenobi and mentoring of Ahsoka Tano, affectionately nicknamed "Snips." Lanter’s portrayal added layers of depth to Anakin’s character, exploring the heroic and flawed aspects of the Jedi Knight’s journey toward his eventual doomed fate as Darth Vader.
Meanwhile, Christensen stepped away from the role for 17 years, making his much-anticipated return as Anakin Skywalker in 2022's Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. He then reprised his role in Ahsoka, appearing in two standout episodes opposite Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano. These episodes brought Anakin and Ahsoka together in the enigmatic World Between Worlds, a timeless and otherworldly realm that explored their complex relationship.
For Christensen, seeing another actor take on the character he helped define was not only gratifying but also a testament to the enduring power of Star Wars. Lanter’s Anakin gave fans years of new adventures and character development, ensuring the Jedi-turned-Sith’s story continued to resonate long after the prequel trilogy concluded.
Though his recent appearances have been warmly received, Christensen remains eager for more opportunities to explore Anakin’s character. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he shared his enthusiasm:
"I would love to get to do more, and I’d love to continue with Star Wars. If such an opportunity presents itself, I’ll be there with a big smile on my face."Hayden Christensen
Whether through animation or live-action, Anakin Skywalker remains one of the most compelling figures in the Star Wars saga. The collaboration between Lanter and Christensen has bridged generations of fans, proving that this iconic character’s story is far from over. And as someone who just finished watching all seven seasons of the show, I have nothing but praise for Lanter's riveting and passionate performance. For both actors, it seems Anakin is more than a role — it’s a legacy they are both happy to have contributed to.