Obi-Wan Kenobi, directed by Deborah Chow takes place ten years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. It follows the titular exiled Jedi Master (Ewan McGregor) as he strives to safeguard the abducted Princess Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair) while Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen), his former padawan, pursues him. The possibility of a rematch with Darth Vader piqued fans’ interest, especially because Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen was returning to reprise the role.
Related – Why Star Wars Always Lowballs Darth Vader (Despite His True Power Making Him a Force God)
Obi-Wan Kenobi took a lot of training to grasp the character, perfect lightsaber combat, and get back into shape after spending 17 years away from the Star Wars story. Building muscle mass was just one component of the actor’s preparation for resuming his role as Darth Vader.
‘I try to avoid the dad bod thing’ – Hayden Christensen
Related – Hayden Christensen Demands His Own Darth Vader Series On Disney+ After Obi-Wan Kenobi
Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin Skywalker recently spoke with Fatherly about his comeback in Obi-Wan Kenobi and discussed how he prepared to reprise his role as Darth Vader. While the prequel trilogy actor may not be seen in the suit all of the time, he stated that it was “very important for [him]” to embrace the part despite the fact that he would only be seen in it on rare occasions. Christensen said that he gained “25 or 35 pounds” in preparation for his role as Darth Vader over the course of nine months, but also that he promptly lost the weight after filming.
“I think that process was very important for me. I needed to become that character again, physically. I just consumed as many calories as possible. I put on 25 or 30 pounds to fill out that [Darth Vader] suit. I try to avoid the dad bod thing. And I was trying to maintain that Vader body after we finished. But, honestly, I pretty much just went back to my old diet. I kind of deflated after that.”
Obi-Wan Kenobi, on the other hand, appears to be only the start of Christensen’s return to the galaxy far, far away, since speculations suggest he may feature in the future Ahsoka series. With Vader gone at the post-original trilogy point in the chronology, he’ll most likely emerge as a Force Ghost or in flashbacks to his time with Ahsoka Tano, which has never been depicted in live-action.
The finale of Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres on Disney+ on June 22.
Source – Fatherly
