Hayden Christensen Now & Then: Photos of the ‘Star Wars’ Star Through the Years

By:

Elissa Anderson

May 4, 2025 3:05PM EDT

Hayden Christensen Now & Then: Photos of the 'Star Wars' Star Through The Years

Getty Images for Disney

See photos of ‘Star Wars’ icon Hayden Christensen in our official gallery of the actor.

Hayden Christensen has been a standout in Hollywood ever since he took on the role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones in 2002. From his early days as a rising young actor to his return to the Star Wars universe in Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hayden’s transformation over the years has captivated fans.

See photos of Hayden Christensen through the years below!

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Hayden Christensen Through The Years

Hayden Christensen Through The Years — Canadian heartthrob, actor and producer, Hayden Christenson has taken the film industry by storm, starring in some of Hollywoods best films.

Christensen started his career at the young age of 13, acting on Canadian Television shows, eventually leading him to his big break in the film industry when he landed the role as Sam in Life is a House, leading him to numerous film nominiations including Golden Globe Award nominations and Screen Actors Guild nominations. However, it wasn’t until 2002 when Christensen rose to international fame when he starred as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel trilogy films, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Since then, Hayden has starred in many action films including, 2008’s Jumper where he co-starred with his now ex partner and mother of 7-year-old daughter, Briar Rose. In 2019, In 2019, Christensen returned to the role of Anakin Skywalker, providing a voice cameo of the character’s voice in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. In 2020, Disney+ announced that Christensen would reprise his role of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader for the Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series, set to release in 2022. In October 2021, Disney+ annnounced Christenson would also reprise the role for the Disney+ series Ahsoka.

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Hayden Christensen In ‘Life as a House’

Hayden Christensen In ‘Life as a House’ — Hayden Christensen stole everyone’s hearts when he starred as Sam in 2001’s, Life as a House. What a film!

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Hayden Christensen In ‘Star Wars Episode II – Attack Of The Clones’ (2002)

Hayden Christensen In ‘Star Wars Episode II – Attack Of The Clones’ (2002) — May the force be with you and Hayden Christenson. Hayden starring as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in 2002’s Star Wars Episode II – Attack Of The Clones.

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Hayden Christensen At The 2003 Premiere Of ‘Shattered Glass’

Hayden Christensen At The 2003 Premiere Of ‘Shattered Glass’ — Hayden Christensen shattered our hearts into pieces when he hit the red carpet looking devilishly handsome at the ‘Shattered Glass’ special film screening. It was in New York on October 28, 2003.

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Hayden Christensen at the GQ Magazine 2004 Men of the Year Awards

Hayden Christensen at the GQ Magazine 2004 Men of the Year Awards — Hayden Christensen looked effortlessly handsome when he walked the carpet in an oversized blazer and cashmere camel colored scarf at the GQ Magazine 2004 Men of the Year Awards. It was in Los Angeles on December 2, 2004.

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Hayden Christensen at the ‘Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith’ Film Screening.

Hayden Christensen at the ‘Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith’ Film Screening. — Hot man alert. Hayden Christenson brought the heat when he entered the carpet wearing a silk dark navy suit at the ‘Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith’ film screening in Monaco on May 21, 2005.

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Hayden Christensen in Star Wars Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)

Hayden Christensen in Star Wars Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005) — We love a hot villain and Hayden Christenson starring as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in 2005’s Star Wars Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith is no expception. What a look!

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Hayden Christensen at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards

Hayden Christensen at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards — Hayden Christenson showing off his rock and roll swag wearing a black, SMET – Porte de la Chapelle t-shirt of french rockstar, Johnny Hallyday paired with a black and gold baseball hat. It was at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles on June 3, 2006.

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Hayden Christensen in Virgin Territory (2006)

Hayden Christensen in Virgin Territory (2006) — Hayden Christensen had everyone’s attention when he starred in 2007’s Virgin Territory. He gave off a serious look in this photo.

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Hayden Christensen at the 2008 MET Gala

Hayden Christensen at the 2008 MET Gala — The power couple, Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson showed off their natural superpower together as a couple at the ‘Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy’ Costume Institute Gala at The MET. It was on May 5, 2008.

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Hayden Christensen at the Christian Siriano Show (2009)

Hayden Christensen at the Christian Siriano Show (2009) — “Je m’appelle, Hayden Christensen”. Hayden showed off his cultural style when he arrived in baret and cashmere cardigan at the Christian Siriano Show, Fashion Week, in New York on September 12, 2009.

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Hayden Christensen in ‘Takers’ (2010)

Hayden Christensen in ‘Takers’ (2010) — Hayden Christensen stole everyone’s hearts when he starred as A.J. in 2010’s American action thriller film, Takers. Look at that hat!

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Hayden Christensen at the Vanishing on 7th Street Film Screening

Hayden Christensen at the Vanishing on 7th Street Film Screening — Fresh and Clean. Hayden Christensen looked fresh as ever when he arrived in a fitted navy suit at the Vanishing on 7th Street, Film Screening in New York on February 7, 2011.

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Hayden Christensen Out and About

Hayden Christensen Out and About — Cool and casual. Hayden Christensen made a quick cameo when he hit the streets in Los Angeles with then girlfriend, Rachel Bilson on July 12, 2012.

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Hayden Christensen at George Lucas and Mellody Hobson’s Wedding Reception

Hayden Christensen at George Lucas and Mellody Hobson’s Wedding Reception — Cute Couple Alert! Hayden Christensen and ex girlfriend Rachel Bilson pose for a quick picture during George Lucas and Mellody Hobson’s wedding reception at Promontory Point in Chicago.

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Hayden Christensen at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of “American Heist”

Hayden Christensen at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of “American Heist” — Hayden Christensen arrived wearing a gray trench coat with a red and and blue scarf at the premiere of “American Heist” at the Princess of Wales Theatre. It was during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2014.

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Hayden Christensen in NYC

Hayden Christensen in NYC — Hayden Christensen wearing a blue botton down shirt with blue fitted pants and a suede jacket in NYC on September 9, 2015. He also carried a bag.

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Hayden Christensen Bike Ride with Daughter Briar Rose

Hayden Christensen Bike Ride with Daughter Briar Rose — Hop on, Briar! Hayden Christensen seen having a dad and daughter day with daughter, Briar Rose as they take a bike ride in Los Angeles on November 7, 2017.

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Hayden Christensen at the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2018).

Hayden Christensen at the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (2018). — Hayden Christensen looked casual in a black t-shirt, gray blazer and black sneakers at the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards in Canada. It was on August 26, 2018.

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Hayden Christensen at Farmer’s Market with daughter, Briar

Hayden Christensen at Farmer’s Market with daughter, Briar — Hayden Christensen seen out at a Farmers market with his daughter, Briar
in Los Angeles. It was on March 10, 2019.

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Hayden Christensen Slides into Happiness

Hayden Christensen Slides into Happiness — Hayden Christensen has a blast at the farmer’s market with his daughter Briar. The pair were seen having a blast at the farmer’s market riding the rides and Hayden was seen riding the inflatable slide about five times. The father daughter duo were seen smiling ear to ear on February 16, 2020.

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Hayden Christensen at the New York Comic Con (2021)

Hayden Christensen at the New York Comic Con (2021) — Hayden Christensen wore a baseball cap, jeans and sneakers visiting the Empire State Building to celebrate New York Comic Con. It was on October 8, 2021.

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Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson at LAX

Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson at LAX — Former couple Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson were seen at LAX Airport in Los Angeles with their daughter Briar Rose on March 31, 2023. Briar looked ready for the travel day with an ipad and blanket.

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