The recent Ahsoka series has addressed a significant oversight related to Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader that was made by George Lucas in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Despite this correction, there remains a lingering desire to have experienced this pivotal character moment two decades ago. The addition of Ahsoka into the Star Wars franchise not only deepened Ahsoka Tano’s narrative but also brought back Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, enriching the connection between fans and these iconic characters.
As an avid enthusiast of the prequels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, witnessing these developments throughout the first season of Ahsoka was an exhilarating experience. The emotional climax came when Ahsoka reunited with Anakin in the mystical World Between Worlds, a moment that finally provided Ahsoka with the closure she had sought for years. However, one of the most exhilarating aspects of their encounter highlighted a critical error that occurred in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
A Great Missed Opportunity in Revenge of the Sith
Before Ahsoka, Hayden Had Never Wielded a Red Lightsaber
Prior to Ahsoka, viewers had never seen Hayden Christensen wield a red lightsaber as Darth Vader outside of the iconic suit. The closest representation was a brief moment in Revenge of the Sith, where Anakin briefly used Count Dooku’s lightsaber before fully embracing the dark side. This absence of a visual transformation from Anakin to Darth Vader lacking a red lightsaber represents a significant oversight, especially when Ahsoka poignantly illustrated how compelling these images can be.
The revelation of Christensen’s striking portrayal of Darth Vader with a red lightsaber in Ahsoka made it clear that audiences missed out on a powerful visual moment in Revenge of the Sith. Instead, audiences witnessed Anakin’s commitment to darkness through his use of a blue lightsaber during Order 66 and his fateful duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar.
Hayden Finally Wields a Red Lightsaber in Ahsoka
Stunning Sequences in the World Between Worlds
I, like many fans, was exhilarated by the sequences featuring Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader within the World Between Worlds during Ahsoka. The chance to see Christensen don the beloved Clone Wars armor for the first time, alongside his reunion with Ahsoka, was simply mesmerizing. Yet, it was the intense moments featuring Darth Vader that truly captivated viewers.
The visual transition between Anakin and the fearsome Darth Vader was not just spectacular but also a brilliant creative choice by Lucasfilm. Christensen’s menacing demeanor wielding a red lightsaber encapsulated the inner turmoil of both the Anakin and Vader personas. Although some have criticized the dialogue in Revenge of the Sith, I couldn’t help but cheer when he exclaimed, “You lack conviction,”a line that evoked the iconic drama of the film.
The Unique Image of Hayden with a Red Lightsaber
A Bizarre Absence in Revenge of the Sith
No disrespect to Darth Vader, of course; he’s a compelling character in every iteration we’ve witnessed over nearly fifty years. The “Rogue One”scene remains one of the character’s most legendary showcases. His imposing presence in the suit captured audiences once again at the conclusion of Revenge of the Sith, solidifying his iconic status. Yet, seeing Darth Vader with a red lightsaber has become a familiar sight in the Star Wars universe.
Conversely, seeing Hayden Christensen as Anakin wielding a red lightsaber was a refreshing surprise, representing a pivotal moment in his journey to the dark side. Many fans felt Anakin’s transformation was abrupt, and showcasing him with the red lightsaber would have effectively illustrated that descent. As demonstrated in Ahsoka, the image of Hayden Christensen with a red lightsaber is captivating, making the absence of such a moment in Revenge of the Sith all the more poignant.