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Lucasfilm’sStar Warshas successfully spanned through a vast demography of nerd culture. Featuring stories about prolific characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader, the film franchise captivated its audiences through decades. But what attracted people the most, was the epic backstory of the scary villain, Darth Vader aka Anakin Skywalker.
Witnessing fans’ excitement surrounding the character, Lucasfilm decided to come up withStar Wars: Episode I, II, andIIInarrating the young Anakin Skywalker’s metamorphosis from a Jedi wannabe to the black-clad Darth Vader. And rumor has it that DC actor Christian Bale was eyed for the role of Anakin Skywalker in the films.
Also read:The Steven Spielberg Movie That Convinced God of Method Acting Christian Bale He’s Not Built for Movies
Lucasfilm Produced Films Narrating Anakin Skywalker’s Story
TheStar Warsfilm series has undoubtedly impressed its fanbase with its epic storytelling and remarkable space adventures. From introducing the important characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader, to narrating each of their life stories, Lucasfilm successfully created a massive franchise out of it.
But realizing fans’ inclination towards the black-clad scary villain Darth Vader, Lucasfilm decided to focus more on his origin story and portray his metamorphosis from a Jedi wannabe Anakin Skywalker to the wicked villain. Therefore,George Lucascame up withStar Wars: Episode I, II, andIIIoffering a glimpse into his early life.
Also read:“I’m not Shakespeare”: Obi-Wan Kenobi Actor Hated George Lucas’s Dialogue Writing to a Point Where He Desperately Wanted it Changed
Following the release ofStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menacein 1999, Lucasfilm further wanted the following two episodes,Attack of the ClonesandRevenge of the Sith, to feature a teenage and young adult Anakin Skywalker. That’s when it was rumored that young British actor Christian Bale was being eyed as George Lucas’ top choice for the role.
Christian Bale Was Rumored to Play Anakin Skywalker
With a Hollywood franchise as big asStar Wars, the race to portray Anakin Skywalker was definitely on. Back in 2000, many actors wanted to portray the Skywalker patriarch in the upcoming second and third episodes. But among all,Christian Balewho was 26 years old back then, was deemed to be the top choice.
Also read:“I’d love to see just a movie of him”: Barry Keoghan Wants His Own Solo Marvel Movie After Eternals Director Wanted Him to Be Like Star Wars’ Hayden Christensen
Cynics claimed that several other actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Wes Bentley, and more were greatly suited for the role. But somehow, theAmerican Psychoactor was allegedly etched in George Lucas’ mind. Further, as Bale admitted that he was close to signing up for a project that he was forbidden from discussing, fans started believing that it was indeed his association withStar Wars.
“You wouldn’t have heard that from me. My lips are sealed.” Bale teased viaThe Guardian.
Back then, Christian Bale’s teasing comments made people wonder if he was merely playing games with the press or if he was indeed going to be a part ofStar Wars. But then as Lucasfilm came up withStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clonesin 2002 featuringHayden Christensenas Darth Vader, the rumors and myths of Bale’s casting were debunked.
Supposedly the actor turned down the offer or might have been ruled out due to alleged issues. Further, Bale was again sought for the key role of Tobias Beckett inSolo: A Star Wars Story. But yet again, as per theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, the actor passed on the role to Woody Harrelson. Despite repeatedly ruling himself out ofStar Warsmovies, fans still hope to see Christian Bale in a Lucasfilm project.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
