Star Wars fans in full support of our ‘new’ Darth Vader: ‘he waited a long time’

Despite being a key figure of the Star Wars franchise, it is only in recent years that one actor has received the love that fans have always claimed that he deserves.

If you are a Star Wars fan, then you probably already know who I am talking about but for those not in the know, it is scarcely hard to believe.

Check out Christensen in action below in the trailer for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith!

This, of course, refers to Hayden Christensen who played the role of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader primarily throughout the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

He first appeared in 2002’s Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones as well as its 2005 sequel Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith but has since gone on to star in Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka.

In recent years, Christensen has become a much-loved figure of the Star Wars franchise which makes it hard to believe that his original portrayal of Anakin/Darth Vader was heavily criticised by viewers.

Ridiculed for his supposed 'bad acting' across the prequel trilogy, it has taken many years for viewers to understand that he merely played the role that was written for him and delivered the lines that he was told to.

As a result, Christensen has received much-deserved love in more recent times and Star Wars fans are now (mostly) in support of their Darth Vader.

The topic was recently brought up over on r/StarWars when one user posted some screenshots of Christensen as Anakin post Revenge of the Sith.

This prompted a comment from user Old_Router who said, “It makes me happy that this guy is getting the love he deserves from SW fans. He waited a long time.”

One other user summed up the situation perfectly, adding, “It took me a while to realise how bad the script was, as well as the directing. No way he could overcome that. He proved how good he is. Total redemption.”

Christensen is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Ahsoka season two.