10 Movie Re-Castings That Ruined Iconic Characters
1. Anakin Skywalker - Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones
Original - David Prowse/James Earl Jones
Recast - Hayden Christensen
There are many negative traits to describe Anakin Skywalker AKA Darth Vader. He is impulsive, impatient, ruthless, hardened, disciplined, and fanatical.
However, Vader should never ever be referred to as whiny, sulky, petulant, and childish. And yet, that's how Hayden Christensen portrayed him in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Although Jake Lloyd was also criticised as Anakin in The Phantom Menace, it wasn't his fault. His performance suffered due to a lack of direction and a bad script. (Not even Daniel Day-Lewis could make, "I'm a person and my name is Anakin." sound good.)
The script is just as bad in Attack of the Clones but Hayden Christensen's performance (or lack thereof) has got to be the low point of the prequels. His chemistry with his co-stars is non-existent and he utters every line like it was the first take.
As you watch the franchise's most iconic villain having tantrums like a toddler, you never buy this man will become the most terrifying figure in the galaxy. Although fans were fascinated at the chance to see Anakin transform into Darth Vader, this performance has sullied the iconic villain's legacy.