Charlie Hunnam: He almost played Anakin Skywalker

Charlie Hunnam
He almost played Anakin Skywalker

Charlie Hunnam (43) will soon be seen in the first part of the sci-fi spectacle “Rebel Moon”, which is intended to compete with “Star Wars”. 20 years ago, the actor almost became part of the star saga himself. Like the Brit Entertainment Tonight revealed that he auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker. With this, Hunnam confirmed rumors that had been circulating for a long time. But the role in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (2002) went to Hayden Christensen (42).

In the interview, Charlie Hunnam remembered an almost forgotten meeting with “Star Wars” mastermind George Lucas (79). According to the later “Sons of Anarchy” star, he got pretty far in the casting process. Because not many actors are allowed in to see Lucas himself. After his role in “Queer as Folks” (from 1999), Hunnam was a promising young actor at the time.

Charlie Hunnam recalls ‘awkward meeting’ with George Lucas

“I just remember it being a very awkward meeting,” Charlie Hunnam said in the interview. After the meeting he thought, “Well, I’m definitely not going to get the role.” He was right. “Sometimes it’s about the vibes,” Hunnam said of his encounter with George Lucas.

Hunnam vaguely remembers that two or three other actors were on the shortlist for Anakin Skywalker. These are said to have included later superstars such as Paul Walker (1973-2013) as well as established names such as Ryan Phillippe (49) and Leonardo DiCaprio (49). The latter confirmed back in 2000 that he was in the running.

George Lucas finally chose the unknown Canadian Hayden Christensen for the role of the later main villain Darth Vader. In “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” Jake Lloyd (34) portrayed the young Anakin.

“Rebel Moon – Part 1: Child of Fire” with Charlie Hunnam in one of the main roles will be released on Netflix on December 21, 2023.

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