Hayden Christensen, renowned for his depiction of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, recently shared an interesting anecdote about his quest to land the iconic character.During a candid interview with Empire, Christensen disclosed that he initially believed the role of Anakin Skywalker was destined for someone else – none other than Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio.

The revelation came as Christensen reflected on the audition process for the role. He mentioned hearing rumors about DiCaprio and several other actors being considered for the part, which solidified his belief that he wouldn't land the role. Despite his desire to portray Anakin Skywalker, Christensen had mentally prepared himself for disappointment from the outset, convinced that he wouldn't be chosen.

Christensen's mindset throughout the audition process was one of resignation, with him telling himself that getting the part was simply not a possibility. Surprisingly, this mindset served as a source of liberation for Christensen, enabling him to approach the audition with a sense of freedom and authenticity. This mental outlook allowed him to deliver a performance that resonated with casting directors and ultimately secured him the role.

Before Christensen landed the role, there were several other actors contending for the coveted role of Anakin Skywalker. Among them was DiCaprio, who was gaining prominence in the industry during that period.However, DiCaprio ultimately decided that the project wasn't the right fit for him. Other notable '90s actors such as Devon Sawa, Ryan Phillippe, James Van Der Beek, and Paul Walker also auditioned for the role.

Despite facing early doubt from certain critics and fans, Christensen's depiction of Anakin Skywalker garnered widespread acclaim. He portrayed the conflicted Jedi Knight turned Sith Lord in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" in 2002 and returned to the role in "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" in 2005.

Following the release of "Star Wars: Episode II," Christensen faced criticism, particularly regarding his performance and dialogue. However, he remained undeterred by the negativity and continued to embrace the character of Anakin Skywalker.

To the surprise of many, Christensen returned to the Star Wars universe in 2022 with great success. He revisited his role as Anakin Skywalker in the eagerly awaited Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi," co-starring alongside Ewan McGregor. Moreover, Christensen made an appearance in the Disney+ series "Ahsoka," reinforcing his position as a vital component of the Star Wars saga.