This viralStar Warsvideo is proof thatStar Wars: The Clone Warswas an absolutely essential update toAnakin Skywalker’scharacter. Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader is unquestionably one ofStar Wars’best characters, which has been true since the very beginning ofStar Warsmovies and TV shows. While Darth Vader was iconic in the original trilogy, though, many viewers were extremely critical of the representation of Anakin in the prequels—in fact, that remains one of thebiggest complaints about the prequel trilogy.
Thankfully, public opinion of Anakin in theStar Warsprequel trilogy (and Jake Lloyd and Hayden Christensen, by extension) has largely shifted,and that is due in very large part toThe Clone Warsand all that show did to flesh out Anakin’s character. To be clear, I always adored Lloyd’s and Christensen’s portrayals, but this video, posted byrex.cutson TikTok, serves as a brilliant reminder of just how much character development happened for Anakin inThe Clone Wars.
In addition to providing so much more context to Anakin’s fall to the dark side, especially with the introduction of Ahsoka Tano as Anakin’s Padawan,The Clone Warsdepicted Anakin as hilarious, charming, and sassy, and that became a very popular representation, so much so that it improved Anakin’s image overall.
The Clone Wars Massively Improved Public Opinions Of Anakin Skywalker
Criticism Was Still Heavy Years After The Prequels Ended
Although the prequels are now considered some ofStar Wars’best moviesby many, that was a very tough road forStar Wars. The prequel trilogy faced immediate backlash when the movies were released, with complaints ranging from the dialogue to the concepts the movies introduced, such as midi-chlorians. Unfortunately, that backlash was frequently targeted directly at the actors—Ahmed Best, Jake Lloyd, and Hayden Christensen in particular. Even in the years following the prequels, the movies and the actors were accused of ‘ruining’Star Wars.
However,The Clone Warsand Matt Lanter, who voiced Anakin in the show, brought about a massive shift in public opinion of Anakin. As this TikTok video shows, Anakin was absolutely hilarious inThe Clone Wars, not only living up to his status asthe Chosen Onewith his bravado and legitimate skill but also becoming so much more humanized and endearing. Of course, Lloyd and Christensen had laid the groundwork, but with seven seasons, Anakin was able to be shown in a new light as well.
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Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader’s fall to the dark side is one of the most important events in Star Wars, but you may have missed these 10 key stories.
That Characterization Continues To Shape Anakin In The Present Day
Anakin’s Most Recent Star Wars Appearances Have Reinforced This Representation Of Anakin
Hayden Christensen has thrillingly returned toStar WarssinceThe Clone Wars, in bothObi-Wan KenobiandAhsoka.Ahsokain particular was the perfect continuation of Anakin’s characterization inThe Clone Wars. While Christensen still embodied the Anakin he had played throughout the prequels, he had also taken on Anakin’s sassy attitude and playful dynamic with Ahsoka fromThe Clone Wars. This makes sense, given Christensen had never played opposite Ahsoka before.
While Christensen still embodied the Anakin he had played throughout the prequels, he had also taken on Anakin’s sassy attitude and playful dynamic with Ahsoka fromThe Clone Wars.
It was absolutely delightful to see this representation of Anakin brought to live-action and to Christensen’s portrayal, and the fanfare around Christensen’s cameo inThe Clone Warsis proof that this update to Anakin’s character was essential. Christensen is finally getting the love and recognition he deserves, and while I think he should have had that from the beginning, I believe this is in large part due toStar Wars: The Clone Warsmassively changing viewers’ opinions aboutAnakin SkywalkerinStar Wars.
