The Major Star Wars Role Leonardo DiCaprio Declined

Despite the role originating with Sebastian Shaw in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, few would argue that Hayden Christensen isn’t the Anakin Skywalker actor. His work in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, while widely derided at the time, is now recognized as perfect for the character. Thus, his return to Star Wars for both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka on Disney+ was applauded. With that in mind, it’s surprising to learn that he thought he had no chance at the part thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s meeting with George Lucas.

"That just confirmed my thought that the role would go to another actor. Through the entire auditioning process I had told myself, from day one, that I wasn’t going to get the part," Christensen told Empire Magazine of his feelings upon learning of DiCaprio and other actors — including a member of the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang, who "almost" had it — being considered for the job. Little did he know that DiCaprio didn’t want it, and soon enough, he learned that Lucasfilm had chosen him to play Anakin. "I just felt very lucky to have it. I was really thrilled that I was gonna get to express George’s mapping out of how someone goes from good to bad," Christensen added.

All in all, it’s safe to say that the Anakin Skywalker part went to the right person. Hayden Christensen has portrayed him like no other, and meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio has gone on to enjoy a fruitful career filled with accolades away from the Star Wars universe.

Source: Empire Magazine