19 Years Ago, Star Wars Made One Controversial Change — And It Paid Off

Will the real Anakin Skywalker please shimmer into view?

American actor Mark Hamill and British David Prowse on the set of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of ...

On May 4, 2023, Return of the Jedi will complete its limited theatrical re-release celebrating the 40th anniversary of the beloved film’s first release. However, the version of Return of the Jedi that’s briefly given some contemporary blockbusters a run for their money is not the same version of the film released four decades ago. It’s not even the same version that hit theaters in 1997 for the infamous George Lucas-led “Special Editions.” Instead, the version currently on the big screen is actually one that originated on the small screen.

Although the 1997 changes to the classic Star Wars trilogy have been endlessly discussed and debated, less attention is paid to the additional changes made by George Lucas after 1997. In terms of truly altering the canon, the biggest change happened in 2004, after Hayden Christensen joined the Star Wars family.

Hayden Christensen appears as the ghost of Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, a controversial decision first seen in 2004 that was stranger than fans may remember. First, this was about eight months before Revenge of the Sith even hit theaters. The first canonical glimpse fans got of Christensen’s “look” in Sith comes from his ghostly Return of the Jedi scene. Yes, his big Jedi mullet debuted on DVD, two months before the first Sith teaser trailer even dropped.

The change stuck, and fan outcry has died down, likely because a younger generation of fans more sympathetic to the prequels and Christensen’s role in them took over the discourse. Now, when one watches Return of the Jedi, the idea of Anakin’s ghost looking like Christensen hardly scans as strange, because it’s been that way for almost 20 years. When the 1997 special editions first hit theaters, it had been 20 years since the classic trilogy began. In 2023, it’s been nearly the same amount of time since Hayden Christensen replaced Sebastian Shaw as the ghost of Anakin.

ending of return of the jedi

The ending of Return of the Jedi , circa 2004 to present day.

Hayden Christensen’s ghostly Anakin has never before been on the big screen in a wide release until the 2023 Return of the Jedi re-release. This trilogy-capper has existed for 40 years, and Return of the Jedi’s lifespan is neatly bisected between the time before and after Christensen joined the franchise.

Over the years, George Lucas has defended the choice to replace Shaw with Christensen, saying the visage of the younger Anakin was the last time he was truly a Jedi and thus truly himself. The move changed the way we thought about how Force Ghosts work, but it also repositioned Return of the Jedi as the epicenter of a much bigger story. It no longer ends a trilogy; it finishes an epic sextet of space opera.

In 2004, before Revenge of the Sith hit theaters, the prequels were regarded much as the sequels are today, in that a cultural consensus had yet to be reached. But 19 years ago, when George Lucas stuck Hayden Christensen in Return of the Jedi , he saw through time. He knew that after a certain period of time, the new version would become the old version. He was right.

After Return of the Jedi leaves theaters, you can watch it on Disney+.

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Sebastian Shaw

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Sebastian Shaw ( May 29 , 1905 – December 23 , 1994 ) was an English stage , film , television and radio actor , as well as a director , novelist , playwright and poet . Over the course of his 65-year career, Shaw appeared in more than 40 film and television productions, but was mostly known for his dozens of stage performances. A self-described "rotten actor" as a youth, Sebastian claimed to mature as a performer after returning from service in the Royal Air Force during World War II . Shaw was particularly known for his performances in William Shakespeare productions, which were considered daring and ahead of his time. He also wrote a novel, The Christening , in 1975 .

One of Shaw's more famous roles is his brief but important performance in Return of the Jedi , in which he portrayed a redeemed Anakin Skywalker during the moment aboard the Death Star II when Luke Skywalker unmasks his dying father. Due to the extreme secrecy demanded by Star Wars creator George Lucas , Shaw knew no details of his part until he was guaranteed to play the role, and was forbidden from discussing it with anyone, even his family and friends, until after the theatrical release. Sebastian Shaw died of natural causes at age 89 in 1994 . Ten years later, his image as a Force ghost during the final scene of Return of the Jedi was replaced with that of prequel actor Hayden Christensen for the movie's 2004 DVD re-release.

  • 1.1 Early life
  • 1.2.1 Casting
  • 1.2.2 Secrecy
  • 1.2.3 Filming
  • 1.2.4 Response
  • 1.4 Return of the Jedi re-release changes
  • 2.1 Filmography
  • 4 Notes and references
  • 5 External links

Biography [ ]

Early life [ ].

Sebastian Lewis Shaw was born at Holt , Norfolk in England on May 29 , 1905 . His father, Dr. Geoffrey Shaw, was the music master at Gresham's School , a North Norfolk independent coeducational boarding school , where Sebastian Shaw began his education. [1]

Return of the Jedi [ ]

Casting [ ].

Anakinredeemed

Sebastian Shaw and Mark Hamill during their Return of the Jedi scene.

In 1982 , Sebastian Shaw was chosen for the brief, but crucial role as Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi , the third and final movie in the original Star Wars trilogy . Although David Prowse played the costumed scenes and James Earl Jones portrayed the voice of Darth Vader, just as they had in the first two films, Shaw was to play a single scene with Mark Hamill , during the moment aboard the Death Star when Luke Skywalker unmasks his dying father. Since the scene was arguably the emotional climax of the film, the casting crew wanted an experienced actor for the role. At the time he was approached for the film, Shaw was playing such Shakespearean roles as Charles VI in Henry V and First Gravedigger in Hamlet at London's Barbican Centre . Shaw was familiar with the previous two Star Wars films and enjoyed them particularly for the visual effects, which he described in an interview with science-fiction film magazine Starlog as "brilliant techniques which, in many ways, were revolutionary, something quite new." [3]

Secrecy [ ]

Shaw participated in an audition for the Return of the Jedi part but, due to the secrecy regarding the production, was not allowed to see his portion of the actual script until he had guaranteed to take the role and promised not to reveal any film secrets to anyone. His contract included a stipulation that he could not even tell family or friends the part he would be playing; Shaw told Starlog when asked by his loved ones about the role, he would answer, "I'm sorry, I'm not at liberty to tell you." Shaw received many press inquiries about his part in the movie once word of his casting was leaked, but he did not discuss his participation in the film until George Lucas gave him permission after the film's 1983 theatrical release. [3] When Shaw arrived at the set for filming, he ran into his friend Ian McDiarmid , the actor playing Emperor Palpatine , but Shaw did not tell him anything about the part. When McDiarmid asked him what he was doing there, Shaw simply responded, "I don't know, dear boy, I think it's something to do with science-fiction." [4] McDiarmid later reflected upon the comment, "That was Sebastian. The Star Wars saga had passed him blissfully by." [4]

Filming [ ]

Spirits copy1

Sebastian Shaw portraying Anakin Skywalker as a Force ghost alongside Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi during the original final scene of Return of the Jedi .

Shaw's scene in Return of the Jedi was filmed in only one day at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire , England. His presence during the filming was kept secret from all but the absolute minimum cast and crew. Director Richard Marquand directed the scene, but George Lucas was present for the entire length of filming. Shaw found the mask costume to be physically challenging during his scene; he had difficulty breathing through the two small holes in the quarter-inch thick Darth Vader mask that covered his entire face and head. His head was shaven, white make-up was applied to his face, black make-up was applied around his eyes and fake burn scars were applied to his head and cheeks. Regarding the screenplay by Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan , Shaw told Starlog his unmasking scene "was so beautifully written that we never altered the dialogue at all." The scene was filmed in only a few takes, although some of Mark Hamill's close-ups took multiple takes because Shaw said "he was so terribly anxious to get it right." Shaw said the young actor was enjoyable to work with and appreciative of Shaw's experience. [3]

The unmasking scene lasts two minutes and seven seconds and includes twenty-four words of dialogue spoken by Shaw. [5] George Lucas personally directed Shaw for his appearance in the final scene of the movie, in which he is a Force ghost of Anakin Skywalker dressed in brown and white robes, his prior burns and injuries completely healed. The footage was shot against a green screen and the characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda , with whom Anakin exchanges glances and smiles, were added later. Shaw did not know the purpose of the footage and believed it to be publicity , not for the film. When directing the scene, Lucas simply advised the actor, "Look happy, smile." [3]

Response [ ]

Shaw received more fan mail and autograph requests from Return of the Jedi than he had for any role in his career; he said most of the letters he received were from boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen, but he also heard from older people who were unexpectedly touched by the film. Shaw later reflected that he very much enjoyed his experience filming for Return of the Jedi and expressed particular surprise that an action figure was made of him from the film. [3]

Sebastian Shaw died of natural causes on December 23 , 1994 at age 89 in Brighton , East Sussex , England. [2] A funeral service was held February 15 , 1995 at St Paul's, Covent Garden , commonly known as The Actors' Church due to its long association with the theatre community, in Covent Garden , London. Actors Ian Richardson and Ben Kingsley read works by William Shakespeare; stage actress Estelle Kohler read The Ways of Love by Victorian poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning ; actress Sheila Allen read Life by Welsh poet George Herbert ; and actor Kenneth Branagh read from the works of Canon Henry Scott Holland . One of Shaw's own poems, Gemini , was also read. Baritone Stephen Varcoe sang Wie bist du meine Konigin by Johannes Brahms , accompanied by Graham Johnson on the piano , and guitarist Martin Best performed and sang his composition of Ariel's Songs from The Tempest . Shaw was survived by his partner Joan Ingpen , daughter Drusilla MacLeod, sisters Susan Bonner-Morgan and Penelope Harness, and sister-in-law Olga Young. [6]

Return of the Jedi re-release changes [ ]

JediGhosts-ROTJ

Sebastian Shaw's image was replaced with that of Hayden Christensen during the final scene of Return of the Jedi , in the 2004 DVD edition.

In the 2004 DVD edition of Return of the Jedi , several changes and modifications were made to the scenes involving Sebastian Shaw. The unmasking scene with Mark Hamill remained mostly intact, but Shaw's eyebrows were digitally removed from his face due to the fact that they would be burned off Anakin Skywalker in the 2005 prequel , Revenge of the Sith . Shaw's eyes were also digitally colored to look more like those of Hayden Christensen , who played Anakin in the prequel films. A far more drastic change, however, was the replacement of Shaw's image with that of Christensen during his appearance as a Force ghost in the last scene of Return of the Jedi . This attempt to tie the prequel and original trilogies together proved to be one of the least popular changes in the Star Wars re-releases. [8] [7] Others, however, defended the move; although author and pop culture expert Will Brooker said George Lucas "totally Stalinized" [8] Shaw by removing him from the scene, Brooker also disputed a claim that Luke Skywalker would not have recognized the young Anakin, explaining his connection to the Force allowed him to do so. [8] Film reviewer Roger Ebert described the change as "actually a little poetic" [7] because it meant Anakin became one with the Force before he turned into Darth Vader. [7]

Filmography [ ]

Sources [ ].

SWInsider

  • Star Wars: The Complete Vader
  • Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – The Official Collector's Edition

Notes and references [ ]

  • ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Leech, Richard. "Better Than Beefcake: Sebastian Shaw," The Guardian , December 29, 1994, Features (section), pg. T12.
  • ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Sebastian Shaw Obituary," The Daily Telegraph , January 2, 1995.
  • ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Pirani, Adam. "Sebastian Shaw: The Return of Anakin Skywalker," Starlog , July 1987, Vol. 11, Iss. 120, pg. 56-57,+96.
  • ↑ Star Wars : Episode VI Return of the Jedi
  • ↑ "IN MEMORIAM Mr. Sebastian Shaw," The Daily Telegraph , February 15, 1995. Retrieved on 2008-08-01.
  • ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Ebert, Roger . "Anakin's fans strike back," Chicago Sun-Times , May 1, 2005, Sunday Showcase (section), pg. 3.
  • ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Johnson, Derek. "Star Wars fans, DVD, and cultural ownership: an interview with Will Brooker; Interview," Velvet Light Trap , September 22, 2005, pg. 36-44.

External links [ ]

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  • 1 The Bad Batch Season 3
  • 2 Project Necromancer
  • 3 Darth Sidious

Ahsoka Made George Lucas's Most Controversial Star Wars Change Pay Off

Ahsoka

This article contains spoilers for the "Ahsoka" season 1 finale, "The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord."

George Lucas has been making changes to the original theatrical releases of the "Star Wars" movies since day one. "A famous filmmaker once said that films are never completed, they are only abandoned," Lucas said in an interview from a January 1997 issue of Starlog . "So rather than live with my 'abandoned' movies, I decided to go back and complete them."

For the original "Star Wars," before it was given the title of "A New Hope," there really is no original theatrical edition, as it was a different film depending on how you saw it. If you caught it in mono as opposed to stereo, there were different quirks to the dialogue (and even some actors). For "The Empire Strikes Back", the ending shots of the Rebellion's fleet were added weeks after the initial release. 

No one seemed to notice these more minor modifications, but in 1997, George Lucas released the "Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition." There were definitely some decisions that made the new versions of the films unquestionably better, but other changes made some fans scratch their heads and others launched debates that still won't die. For instance, Greedo firing his gun in that famous standoff with Han Solo .

But every time there came an opportunity to revisit and realign the films with his original vision, George Lucas kept making alterations. Jabba the Hutt's appearance in "A New Hope" has gotten better with each iteration as technology has gotten better. Han went from firing first, to firing second, to firing at Greedo at the same time after Greedo says "Maclunkey."

For the 2004 DVD release of the original "Star Wars" trilogy, George Lucas made a change that is, in some circles, highly controversial. But now, thanks to "Ahsoka," it might hit a little bit differently. 

Anakin Skywalker's Force ghost

At the end of "Return of the Jedi," Luke Skywalker turns his back on the Ewok's victory celebration and looks on as the Force ghosts of Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his father, Anakin Skywalker appear. Originally, Anakin was played by veteran actor Sebastian Shaw . He appeared in the scene where Vader's mask is first taken off and appears here at the end on the forest moon of Endor in full Jedi robes alongside his former masters.

But in 2004, a full year before the release of the final installment of the prequel trilogy, George Lucas removed Sebastian Shaw from this moment in the film and replaced him with Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin in "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith."

For some, this was a bridge too far, and they swore off "Star Wars," for at least a little while. They felt that it somehow betrayed Sebastian Shaw or the integrity of "Star Wars. Though they thought it made enough sense that Shaw's version of Anakin could appear in Jedi robes, him appearing as a younger version of himself, the last time he was truly good and likely the way he thought of himself, made no sense.

For fans of the prequels and "Star Wars" in general, this moment enhanced the cohesiveness of both trilogies. And for people who loved the conflict and character of Anakin Skywalker, it provided a much more emotional moment for him at the end.

The Clone Wars

One thing George Lucas and Dave Filoni did for Anakin Skywalker that movies might have only hinted at was to flesh out his character and make him far more sympathetic. Part of that was in giving Anakin a Padawan in the form of Ahsoka Tano. Together, they formed a bond like one we would have hoped Anakin could have formed with his children, had he not turned to the dark side.

Ahsoka became an incredible character in her own right, stepping out from the shadows of Anakin and becoming her own person, though, as we saw in earlier episodes of "Ahsoka," she still felt the darkness of that shadow inside her. She hoped for the best for her former master and was shocked to discover that he had become Darth Vader.

It's unknown if she's aware that he had turned to back to the light at the end, though it seems likely, since she did connect with Luke Skywalker. But she's never had a reunion with him since that point.

Anakin's ghostly pride

At the end of the first season of "Ahsoka", there could be no more powerful image than that of Ahsoka's former master looking over her and watching out for her. Since Hayden Christensen was already back on board for the show, playing the character in Force vision flashbacks, it made perfect sense to bring him back for this one, beautiful moment. 

Had George Lucas not made the change in "Return of the Jedi," this moment would have been confusing and had very little impact. But because George Lucas had the forethought to make the change in the first place, future generations of "Star Wars" viewers, who won't know or care about the previous versions of the movies beyond what is streaming on Disney+ , will see a unified connection between the various eras of "Star Wars," including those emotional anchors that make the shows something truly special.

To see his little smile there at the end, as the last shot of the show, giving his quiet approval and pride to his former Padawan, felt like a moment of catharsis and the perfect way to end the season.

All eight episodes of the first season of "Ahsoka" are available to stream on Disney+.

Star Wars: How Anakin Skywalker Became a Force Ghost in Return of the Jedi

Due to canon changes in the last two decades, Anakin Skywalker's appearance as a Force Ghost in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi has become a bit questionable.

In 1983, the conclusion of the original Star Wars   trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi , contained a scene that featured the  Force ghosts of former Jedi congregating on Endor after the destruction of the second Death Star. Among those in the scene was Anakin Skywalker, who saved his son, Luke Skywalker, from Emperor Palpatine prior to his death. However, the only problem with this heartwarming scene of redemption and acceptance is that, canonically, it does not make much sense.

The ability to appear as a Force ghost is one of the many aspects of  Star Wars  canon that's changed since  Return of the Jedi 's release. While originally an innate ability,  Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith  revealed that training was required to become a Force Ghost when Yoda told Obi-Wan that an "old friend" had "learned the secret to immortality." This “old friend” was the late Qui-Gon Jinn, who Darth Maul killed during the events of Star Wars: Episode I -  The Phantom Menace . Later, Star Wars: The Clone Wars ’  sixth season elaborated on this reveal with the episodes “Voices,” “Destiny” and “Sacrifice.” In these episodes, the deceased Qui-Gon speaks to Yoda, prompting him to go on a journey to discover how to retain his consciousness after death.

Related: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Was Right NOT to Bring Back Anakin as a Force Ghost

Anakin, Yoda and Ben Kenobi as Force ghosts

It is highly unusual for any individual to remain aware of themselves after they die and return to the Force. All living things return to the Force after death, and a Force ghost can only exist through the aforementioned training by a Force-sensitive individual dedicated to the light, meaning Sith Lords could not gain the skill . Anakin, who spent more than half his life as the sinister Darth Vader, probably did not train to retain his individuality in the Force like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, who appeared as ghosts with him in Return of the Jedi.

This leaves a big question as to just how Anakin was able to return as a Force ghost.  Star Wars: The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi , a junior novel written by Ryder Windham, explained that Obi-Wan called out to Anakin before he died and his consciousness faded into the Force. Obi-Wan told his former pupil that he could teach him to remain in corporeal space — not only because he considered Anakin to be the Chosen One, but also a friend.

Related: Star Wars: Clones Obeyed Order 66 For a WAY Darker Reason in Legends

While  The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi  is no longer canonical, it does offer a way for Anakin to become a Force ghost. The possibility that Obi-Wan’s kindness and Anakin’s remorse allowed the characters to forgive one another  while also allowing Luke a glimpse of the person his father once was is a sweet idea. However, as it is no longer canon, the question of Anakin's Force ghost remains unanswered. It is reasonable to assume that Anakin would only have been able to gain this ability either directly before his death in Return of the Jedi,  or immediately after, as in The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, which does not give him much time to go through the  elaborate process . The answer could lie in the fact that Anakin’s journey to becoming a Force ghost was simply different than the journey Obi-Wan and Yoda took.

While prior to his death Qui-Gon trained with the Shaman of the Whills to learn how to become a Force ghost, he died before he could finish his training, so he couldn't use the ability in the same way. Given the nature of Anakin’s appearance at the end of Return of the Jedi , it is possible that he is in a similar position to Qui-Gon Jinn. In the 2004 re-release of Return of the Jedi , prequels actor Hayden Christensen replaced original actor Sebastian Shaw, which was meant to reflect Anakin’s return to the light by showing him as he appeared when he was last recognizably Anakin. However, Anakin never speaks in this scene. In fact, the only time Anakin’s voice is heard after his death is in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , with a small army of other dead or presumably dead Jedi. Anakin's presence in the sequel trilogy is a reminder that he did become a Force ghost alongside his former masters, and though he could have physically appeared in the sequels, his ghost has not been seen since Return of the Jedi.

Force Ghost

Related: Star Wars: Clone Wars Almost Had a Different Ending for Anakin and Ahsoka

In the end, George Lucas probably wasn't thinking about the logistics of the ghosts in Return of the Jedi  at the time of filming, and instead thought that Anakin’s presence would provide catharsis. Lucas said in the DVD commentary from Return of the Jedi  that the "scene where [Luke] burns his father's body, it wasn't originally in the script," but he believed that the act gave "more closure in terms of Luke's relationship with his father." Lucas also mentioned that Anakin's appearance at end of  Return of the Jedi was Anakin being "able to retain his original identity" and he attributes that to Obi-Wan and Yoda. What Anakin’s ghost was meant to do was succinctly close a chapter in the Skywalker saga, as he was redeemed in the eyes of his son. Lucas explained that it is “because of Obi-Wan and Yoda” that Anakin was able to do this, and for now that is about the best explanation canonically available.

However Anakin became a ghost, whether it was Obi-Wan's intervention or some other twist of fate, his presence in the film does provide the audience with the knowledge that Anakin is no longer Darth Vader by the end of Return of the Jedi . As mentioned earlier, a Sith cannot become a Force ghost, and Anakin's appearance beside Obi-Wan and Yoda solidifies his return to the Jedi and the light. So how Anakin became a Force host is ambiguous, but his redemption isn't.

KEEP READING: Obi-Wan: Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn Should Appear as a Force Ghost

Star Wars Officially Confirms Why Anakin's Force Ghost Returns In The Ahsoka Finale

Anakin's Force ghost smiling

It's no secret that Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker shows up a number of times throughout "Ahsoka," but what is arguably the most surprising appearance of the Togruta's former mentor comes in the finale. After Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) and her allies fail to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) from escaping Peridea, they find themselves stranded on the extragalactic planet with nowhere to go. It's a pretty suspenseful ending, with the villains ostensibly claiming victory this time around.

Nonetheless, the final minutes show that not all is lost, with Ahsoka's group beginning to settle into their new home under the watchful eye of Anakin's Force ghost . Some fans may be wondering why Anakin appears at the  end of "Ahsoka" Season 1 , but as it turns out,  "Star Wars" has an official answer to this question, giving a clear reason in an article breaking down the finale: "The convor Morai and the Force spirit of Anakin Skywalker both appear to give Ahsoka Tano signs that she's exactly where she is supposed to be."

Anakin's Force ghost has a consistent track record

The idea that Anakin's Force ghost appears to Ahsoka as an indicator that she's meant to have been stranded on Peridea actually makes quite a bit of sense — it's not the only time in which he has operated in line with this idea.

The most obvious example is his appearance at the end of "Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi." As Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his allies celebrate their ultimate victory over the Empire on Endor, the recently deceased Anakin (Sebastian Shaw) sheds his Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) persona and returns as a Force ghost alongside Yoda (Frank Oz) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). It's a clear indication to Luke — and the audience — that their victory is the proper outcome. Simply put, Luke is who and where he should be at that point in time.

Conversely, in "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens," Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is frustrated by the fact that Anakin's Force ghost won't appear to him despite devoting himself to following in the footsteps of Darth Vader. Of course, Kylo Ren has been led astray by the dark side, and he's certainly not who and where he's supposed to be, so it follows that Anakin wouldn't appear to him in this context.

Den of Geek

How Star Wars: Ahsoka’s Anakin Return Could Validate Biggest Change to Original Trilogy

Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Star Wars: Ahsoka Disney+ series. But how is that even possible?

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Star Wars Ahsoka Anakin Skywalker

The Prequel era is back in full force. Not only will we see the return of Ewan McGregor in next year’s Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series but also Hayden Christensen, either reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker in a flashback/vision or as Darth Vader for a never-before-seen confrontation with his old master. Either way, McGregor and Christensen’s first scene together since 2005’s Revenge of the Sith will be a huge moment on Disney+ in 2022.

But Christensen’s Star Wars comeback isn’t stopping there. THR reports that the actor will also appear in the upcoming Ahsoka series opposite Rosario Dawson, although it’s again unclear whether he’ll show up as the troubled Jedi hero or the Sith monster he became after parting ways with his former padawan. Either way, Christensen’s debut in the post-Original Trilogy era does present some very interesting possibilities for what this could mean for Star Wars as a whole.

Remember that Ahsoka will take place during the same era as The Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett , which are set five years after Return of the Jedi . This means Darth Vader has been canonically dead for half a decade when the show begins, and that the Anakin Skywalker that Ahsoka knew ceased to exist over 20 years ago. So how is Christensen’s return even possible?

Anakin vs. Ahsoka

There are already a few of theories. One is that Ahsoka and Anakin will reunite in a flashback, either during their time as master and padawan in the Clone Wars, or as rivals in the age of the Empire. The latter scenario is one Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni first dreamed up for the Rebels animated series. It was on that show that Ahsoka learned of her master’s fate after Order 66 and came face to face with Darth Vader for the first time, delivering the heart-wrenching moment fans had steeled themselves for since the final days of The Clone Wars . While their duel inside an ancient Sith temple remains one of the best moments in Star Wars history, but it had no clear winner.

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After their duel, Ahsoka spent years inside a mystical plane known as the World Between Worlds ( it’s a long story that involves time travel ), which is meant to retroactively explain why she wasn’t in the Original Trilogy, before finally resurfacing in a Rebels epilogue set after the fall of the Empire. It’s during this epilogue that Ahsoka sets out on her quest to find Grand Admiral Thrawn , a journey she’s still on in The Mandalorian , and presumably her solo series.

But we don’t know exactly when Ahsoka escaped the World Between Worlds, so it’s possible she had a rematch with Vader just before the climactic events of Return of the Jedi and before the villain faced Luke for the final time. A flashback to a second duel between the two, this time in live-action, would certainly be an early defining moment for the show.

Anakin’s Force Ghost

There’s another, less convoluted way in which Christensen could appear on Ahsoka , though: as a Force ghost that visits Dawson’s Jedi for an overdue heart-to-heart. It wouldn’t come out of left field, either. After all, Christensen has appeared as a Force ghost once before, thanks to one of George Lucas’ most controversial changes to the Original Trilogy.

While the 1997 Special Edition digital remasters of the Original Trilogy saw Lucas make the heaviest changes to his beloved movies, his further tinkering for the 2004 DVD re-release of the films resulted in his most egregious tweak in the eyes of many fans: replacing original Anakin actor Sebastian Shaw with Hayden Christensen for the final scene of Return of the Jedi . It’s in this scene that Luke meets the pre-Vader form of his father for the first time, accompanied by the ghosts of Obi-Wan (still Sir Alec Guinness, thankfully) and Yoda.

Sebastian Shaw and Hayden Christensen as Ghost Anakin

Depending on who you ask, this massive change either makes canonical sense or is one addition too many. Sure, it makes sense that Anakin’s Force ghost would appear to Luke in his Jedi form. After killing the Emperor to save his son, Anakin is redeemed and his Force ghost reflects the goodness that was inside of Vader all along. That could be why we see Anakin as he was in his Jedi days (although he never wore those particular robes in the Prequel Trilogy).

But it can also be argued that Christensen’s cameo is a bit distracting and strips the final scene of its emotional pay-off. Just a few minutes before the party on Endor, Luke had unmasked his dying father, seeing his real face for the first and final time. And it’s Shaw’s heavily scarred face Luke meets, not Christensen’s. So when Luke later sees Shaw’s unmarred face in the final scene, it’s an emotional moment for both father and son, and particularly cathartic for Luke, who finally gets to see a version of the father he knew as the good man he always hoped he’d be. To some, replacing Shaw with Christensen robs the final scene of some of that meaning.

Ahsoka is a different story, though. It makes much more sense for Ahsoka to see her former master as she knew him: as the face of Hayden Christensen before his gruesome transformation on Mustafar. It would also help make Christensen’s Return of the Jedi cameo feel a little less like an awkward retcon and more like the true, canonical version of Anakin’s Force ghost he was meant to be (with apologies to Mr. Shaw). Perhaps his appearance in Ahsoka could even provide an in-universe explanation for why the Force ghost looks like young Anakin and not the old man who died on the Death Star.

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And like with Hamill and Shaw in Return of the Jedi , Christensen’s Anakin reuniting with Ahsoka will bring real gravitas to the show. Here’s Ahsoka’s chance to not only spend time with Anakin the way she remembers him but also to find her own peace. When Ahsoka learned that Anakin had become Darth Vader in Rebels , she felt guilty that she hadn’t been around to try and save him from turning to the dark side (not that Anakin’s baggage has ever been Ahsoka’s responsibility). It goes a long way to explain why she’s spent so much time trying to find Ezra Bridger, a missing Jedi who was last seen getting sucked into hyperspace with Thrawn on Rebels . Maybe for Ahsoka, saving Ezra means making up for her inability to save Anakin?

Ultimately, we’re not sure where Ahsoka’s path is headed, or how Anakin fits into it after all this time, but we’re looking forward to finding out when Ahsoka hits Disney+ in the next few years. While you wait, check out the complete schedule of upcoming Star Wars movies and TV series here .

John Saavedra

John Saavedra | @johnsjr9

John Saavedra is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Den of Geek. He lives in New York City with his two cats.

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10 More Star Wars Changes George Lucas Made That Were Completely Justified

2. replacing sebastian shaw with hayden christensen - return of the jedi.

Star Wars Return Of The Jedi Vader

Take a deep breath as we make an argument for what's easily one of the most contentious and controversial changes in the history of Star Wars.

In Return of the Jedi's original final celebration scene, Luke (Mark Hamill) sees the Force ghosts of Anakin, Yoda, and Obi-Wan, with Anakin of course being played by Sebastian Shaw at that time.

But with Anakin being played by Hayden Christensen in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Lucas opted to replace Shaw's Force ghost with a new Christensen version for Return of the Jedi's 2004 DVD release.

Many objected to the sheer notion of the prequels creeping into the "sacred" originals in such an overt way, while some suggested it also didn't make much sense for Anakin's Force ghost to resemble his decades-younger self.

Yet the fan consensus has become murkier in recent years as the prequels have grown more popular, with many coming to defend the change.

First and foremost, it can be said that Anakin "died" when he became Darth Vader, so it's certainly emotionally fitting that his Force ghost looks like his uncorrupted, pre-Vader self.

And beyond that, it provides a neat circling back to the prequels in the final moments of the original trilogy.

Sure, digitally superimposing Christensen's head on top of Shaw's doesn't look perfect , but it's ultimately easy to appreciate why Lucas did it, and in the scheme of things it's not nearly as objectionable as some fans insist it is.

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.

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sebastian shaw return of the jedi ghost

Official Thread: Hayden Christensen replacing Sebastian Shaw as Anakin's Force Ghost

Discussion in ' Classic Trilogy ' started by Ben R , Jun 5, 2005 .

Ben R

Ben R Jedi Grand Master

Especially now that I've seen Revenge of the Sith a few times, I am totally OK with Anakin's ghost looking like Hayden Christensen at the end of Return of the Jedi. In fact, I recently let people who never saw the original trilogy borrow my old VHS tapes to see those movies after they saw the prequels recently. (I typically would never part with my DVD's.) The more I thought about it, I drove over and gave them my DVD's to watch, instead. I wanted their impression of episodes 4, 5, and 6 to be as positive as possible. The DVD's look way better. I like most of the newest changes. I especially realized that seeing an 80-year old Sebastian Shaw as the force ghost would be completely weird to them. So, I gave them my DVD's to borrow, instead. This made me really think about it. The only people who think that the 80-year old shaw works best are those who saw it for the first time in the 80's and always accepted it that way. I saw it for the first time in 1983, too. ...But, I seem to be more open to improvements and noodling than most people my age. I am able to "unlearn what I have learned." In context of the entire saga (now completed), Hayden Christensen as Anakin's ghost, looking as he would have - had he not turned to the dark side, is now touching to me. I like that Luke can see who his dad really was back when he was a good guy. It works for me much better than having luke look on some old man with weird hair, who is older than Obi-Wan, who we never saw like that ever in the saga. What is your opinion now that you've seen episode 3? What works more as a ghost for people in the future seeing the saga in numerical order for the first time: Hayden Christensen or Sebastian Shaw? BAC EDIT: See last post for lock information.  

Darth_Xcitor

Darth_Xcitor Jedi Youngling

first of all Shaw was 78 in '83 but I digress, I accept and like Hayden as Anakin a lot better for two reasons. Vader would have been in his 40's if he was 9 in EP1, he would have been 19 in 2 and about 22 in 3, he would be somewhere in his 40's at the time of his death, second of all, Anakin never got the chance to look like Shaw, he was burnt to a crisp in his 20's so he would never grow to look like that, plus I am of the opinion that when you die your spirit looks how you did in your prime, but that is just a personal belief and has no proof to it.  
"first of all Shaw was 78 in '83 but I digress" Are you even serious at all with that statement??? Anyway... So, you vote for Hayden, then?  

Freazl

Freazl Jedi Youngling

After seeing RotJ, I'm happier having Hayden as the ghost, but I don't see how he can be a ghost - having not been tought this ability due to being evil and destroying things like rebels while Obi was learning it. I dunno, the age thing is a problem too. I still prefer Shaw.  

KennethMorgan

KennethMorgan Jedi Youngling

The big problem I have with it is that it assumes that Anakin "died" when he turned to the Dark Side and, thus, that's how he'd appear in the afterlife. However, the whole point of his redemption is that he didn't "die"; there was still good in him. Now, admittedly, I'm a bit of a purist about this, and that certainly influences my opinion. However, I'm not going to go all ballistic about it.  

ClonedEmperor

ClonedEmperor Jedi Padawan

Personally, I prefer the Sebastian Shaw Anakin, but the Hayden Anakin isnt THAT bad.  

colivo

colivo Jedi Youngling

I've never had any problems with the changes Lucas made to the OT, but this is the only one I don't like. I like Sebastian Shaw as Anakin. Sure he is a little bit older than he should be, but I always thought it was a very symbolic image of Old Ben, Old Anakin, and Yoda. I really can't describe it, it has nothing to do with nostalgia, or "I grew up with it so don't change it," it just doesn't look right with Hayden Christenson.  

jedimaster11

jedimaster11 Jedi Master

I'm also from "the old school" who saw it back in '83...I like it much better with Hayden. I never heard or cared to research the explination to why it was done other than continuity and visual. I actually wish they could have aged him a bit..I also wish GL would have somehow popped Hayden's face into the unmasking scene and done a voice-over. Maybe they'll do it when they re-package all the dvd's when ROTS comes out...  

Boba_Phat

Boba_Phat Jedi Padawan

After seeing ROTS it only reinforced my belief that Hayden should not be at the end of Jedi. At the end of the story I don't want to be reminded of the child-killing, Sandpeople-murdering version of Anakin.  

Felton

Felton Jedi Youngling

"He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I have told you was true... from a certain point of view." I like Hayden. If Yoda and Obi brought Anakin back as a ghost (as some have suggested) then wouldn't they bring back the image of him that the remember?  

thesuperstarwarsfan

thesuperstarwarsfan Jedi Youngling

jdijade

jdijade Jedi Youngling

Personally I think there's a bit of an odd reward system going on in the afterlife here... Apparently, if you're a loyal, powerful Jedi who lived your life as close to the ideals of good as possible, you get to spend eternity shriveled and old. BUT if you are selfish and evil, wreak havoc and death on the galaxy for a couple decades first, then sneak in a good deed at the last minute, you get to retain an identity that shimmers in the prime of your youth. Sucks to be Obi-Wan and Yoda! Maybe they should have knocked a couple of younglings around.  

whiteeagle

whiteeagle Jedi Master

obiwan and yoda spent less than 20 years in isolation. they spent the rest of their years with the jedi. i like having hayden in the final scene.  

PadmesDaughter

PadmesDaughter Jedi Youngling

I'm a little torn... I'm Old School, and I certainly don't want Hayden inserted in Vader's death scene, but the age is so off... I don't mind seeing a wrecked looking guy under the mask because he should look like hell, he's been covered all this time... I liked seeing Hayden, it did connect the films for me. But. Regardless of what GL wants, my children will watch the Saga in the order it was made, not the episode order. I just think overall they work better that way, particularly because of the fourth film introducing the Force and all that. And because I don't want the greatest movie surprise of all time spoiled for them (although when my daughter recently saw the father revelation she said, "hey, just like Toy Story 2!") Anyway, I'm taking my seven year old through the movies now, she hasn't seen the PT. We watched ROTJ recently and when Hayden showed up she said "who's that guy?" So that's a problem. And after seeing ROTS it seems like the spirits of Yoda and Obi-Wan might want to kick the crap out of the Anakin spirit, but that's just me.  

appleseed

appleseed Chosen One

I was always okay with it, and ROTS didn't change that. The old man Anakin never even existed. Young Anakin was the way he appeared before he turned. It's fine with me.  

Dark Lady Mara

Dark Lady Mara Manager Emeritus VIP - Former Mod/RSA

I was never okay with it, nor with Lucas's reasoning for the change, which pretty well undermines the whole point of the saga in my opinion. I like it even less after RotS, though. As someone else mentioned, now we get to look at him and remember child-murdering Anakin. He just doesn't have the same sort of presence beatific old Shaw did. And what do you mean old Anakin didn't exist? He was right there behind the mask. Presumably what we see at the end of RotJ is what he would have looked like if he'd never been scarred, because there's no point in keeping your scars in the afterlife when you get to choose your own appearance.  

Arwen Sith

Arwen Sith Jedi Grand Master

I'm a bit torn. Having Hayden at the end was certainly the one change I used to hate the most in the SE before seeing RotS. Now it's easier to accept in a way, but in another it confuses me. Just which Anakin is it supposed to portray? The one who killed the Tusken raiders? I can accept that he killed the men in an act of vengeance, but not the women or kids, no matter how barbaric their culture was. The one who killed Mace Windu and swore allegiance to Darth Sidious? Or the one who killed the younglings? Well, there may be a solution... Look at the robes Anakin's ghost is wearing at the end of RotJ. They're cream and brown, as in his time as padawan, not black as they were in RotS. I'm uncomfortable with the idea that getting rid of the biggest evil in the universe would somehow redeem the death of thousands of innocent people. Millions probably, counting Alderaan.  

Lars_Muul

Lars_Muul Jedi Grand Master

He is the Anakin who died on the Death Star, wearing a face that looks the way it did before it was destroyed. Anakin Skywalker is good /LM  

DARTHFINGERZ

DARTHFINGERZ Jedi Padawan

It's not perfect......but I have always accepted it. I was going to make a post asking this exact question -"after seeing ROTS do you accept Hayden as the ghost more?" It is cool to see that some people do. At the same time we all have to realize that this will probably go down as one of those SW things fans are torn down the middle on......with both sides having good reasons to feel their own way. I like Hayden as the ghost.....no disrespect thought to Shaw who did do a great job originally in the ghost scene and the death scene. I also can see why that younger image of Hayden can remind people of the evils he did BUT...that same image was also of a GOOD kick ass Jedi (esp. at the begining of ROTS) who refused to leave his master behind and didn't just gleefully prance over to the darkside.....he was used, decieved and tricked. He was in tears even on Mustafar. Not saying that justifies his evils.......just something to keep in mind for people who ONLY attach the negative to that younger image of Anakin as played by Hayden.  

PrinceHector

PrinceHector Jedi Youngling

Well I was always ok with Hayden as the ghost, because I never saw the OT in the theatre (something to do with age) and even after that I never got used to Shaw. Hayden is much better for continuity purposes, and is better looking.  

JediJuddus

JediJuddus Jedi Youngling

maby its what Anakin would look like at his age if he wasnt burnt  

Forcechoked

Forcechoked Jedi Youngling

I saw ROTJ in the theater in 1983 as well and was pleasantly surprised at the "Hayden" ghost at the end in the DVD. I like it as well. It's more complete; since the whole saga is about Anakin's rise/fall/redemption it's much more touching to see him as a Force ghost the way he looked before he turned and burned. Really cool. If they would've left Shaw in there it would've been like "uh?" after watching the whole 6 movies. Although I think it would have been cool to put the original ending (cheesy Ewok song-shudder-and all) as an extra on the DVD.  

emilsson

emilsson Force Ghost

I used to dislike the idea, not because they put Hayden as Anakin's ghost, but because he's not aged. But then I realised it depends on how the blue ghost appearance relates to the one who's watching. If it's only Luke that can see the ghosts at Endor then it makes sense that Anakin appears young. In other words, if a Force user that has achieved immortality can chose his/ appearance then Anakin has no idea of what he'd look like as an old man. Because I'm quite convinced he doesn't want to turn up as a man with loads of scars.  
Padmes Daughter said: "Anyway, I'm taking my seven year old through the movies now, she hasn't seen the PT. We watched ROTJ recently and when Hayden showed up she said "who's that guy?" So that's a problem." Your daughter would NEVER have had that reaction if you had shown her the movies in numerical order, the way they are intended to be seen. If you had showed them to her the CORRECT way (1 thru 6), and Shaw was the ghost, you would have had the following exchange with her... Daughter: "Who the hell is that old crank with the idiotic dork hair?" You: "That's Anakin." Daughter: "No, it's not. He never looked like that. I just saw all 6 movies and never saw someone that age who looked like that. Quit lying to me! You're raping my childhood of a few hours ago." You: "But, sweet heart... that's the Anakin that I grew up with." Daughter: "Mom, get a clue! Anakin never became that old. Why is he 78 years old? Even Obi-Wan isn't that old? Ananin got burned in his 20's and died in his 40's. That's the stupidest thing I've ever seen! Couldn't they have gone back and super-imposed Hayden for that shot? ...Or, at least cast someone younger than Obi-Wan? Why would his ghost look like a man that Anakin never was and never became? Shouldn't he look as he once did? Mom... if you die in your forties, will your ghost look like an 80-year old different person?" You: "Awww, crap! I suck. Look... it's the Anakin I remember as a kid and I can't let go of what I remember." Daughter: "Oh, get over it, Mom. Face it... in context of the whole story in order, Sebastian Shaw as a 78-year old ghost sucks @$$." You:  
Technically speaking, appearing in his younger prime does make more sense even if only for the reason that atleast at some point in his life Anakin did appear in that form. Before though, the older Shaw version of Anakin was just a "what may have been version"......but that older version never had hair or limbs though. The age was a bit too much as well.....78. Shaw was acceptable for years though because there was no PT concept of Anakin when ROTJ came out. Now there is...and that is part of the reason for the change.  
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Yardbarker

20 facts you might not know about 'Return of the Jedi'

Posted: January 9, 2024 | Last updated: January 9, 2024

<p><em>Star Wars</em> was a film-changing sensation. <em>The Empire Strikes Back</em> wasn’t quite as successful, but these days, it’s considered by many the best film in the series, and one of the best sequels ever. That’s lofty stuff for <em>Return of the Jedi</em> to live up to. It ended the <em>Star Wars</em> trilogy, back when it was truly just a trilogy. Grab a stuffed Ewok and kick back to read these 20 facts you might not know about <em>Return of the Jedi</em>.</p>

Star Wars was a film-changing sensation. The Empire Strikes Back wasn’t quite as successful, but these days, it’s considered by many the best film in the series, and one of the best sequels ever. That’s lofty stuff for Return of the Jedi to live up to. It ended the Star Wars trilogy, back when it was truly just a trilogy. Grab a stuffed Ewok and kick back to read these 20 facts you might not know about Return of the Jedi .

<p>Due to how stressful directing <em>Star Wars</em> was, Lucas had declined to direct <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_facts_you_might_not_know_about_the_empire_strikes_back/s1__37680896#slide_1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Empire Strikes Back</em></a>, and he did not want to direct <em>Return of the Jedi</em> either. Instead, he wanted his buddy Steven Spielberg to handle it. However, Lucas had quit the Directors Guild over <em>Empire</em>, and Spielberg was having a feud with the DGA as well. This led to Spielberg being effectively banned from directing the movie.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_best_gen_x_films_112323/s1__34553291'>The 25 best Gen-X films</a></p>

Lucas couldn’t have his first choice of director

Due to how stressful directing Star Wars was, Lucas had declined to direct The Empire Strikes Back , and he did not want to direct Return of the Jedi either. Instead, he wanted his buddy Steven Spielberg to handle it. However, Lucas had quit the Directors Guild over Empire , and Spielberg was having a feud with the DGA as well. This led to Spielberg being effectively banned from directing the movie.

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<p>Can you imagine David Lynch directing a <em>Star Wars</em> movie? Or David Cronenberg? These are two directors who make films awash in violence and body horror. And yet, both were indeed offered the opportunity to direct <em>Return of the Jedi</em>. Both also declined to do so. This led to Richard Marquand getting the role.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

Two surprising directors were offered the role

Can you imagine David Lynch directing a Star Wars movie? Or David Cronenberg? These are two directors who make films awash in violence and body horror. And yet, both were indeed offered the opportunity to direct Return of the Jedi . Both also declined to do so. This led to Richard Marquand getting the role.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.

<p>Lucas had originally titled the movie <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, but his screenwriting partner Lawrence Kasdan didn’t like the title, thinking it was “weak.” This led to the title being changed to <em>Revenge of the Jedi</em>. Eventually, the title would be changed back to <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, but not until production had already begun under the title <em>Revenge of the Jedi</em>.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/laugh_tracks_18_of_the_funniest_songs_in_rock_history_120923/s1__38889806'>Laugh tracks: 18 of the funniest songs in rock history</a></p>

The title was changed (and then changed back)

Lucas had originally titled the movie Return of the Jedi , but his screenwriting partner Lawrence Kasdan didn’t like the title, thinking it was “weak.” This led to the title being changed to Revenge of the Jedi . Eventually, the title would be changed back to Return of the Jedi , but not until production had already begun under the title Revenge of the Jedi .

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<p>Ford has never been as enthusiastic about his role in <em>Star Wars</em> as others. He also was not contracted for another sequel, unlike Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. That’s partially why he had been frozen in carbonite at the end of <em>The Empire Strikes Back</em>. Even Lucas was skeptical that Ford would return. However, eventually, he was talked into returning.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

It wasn’t clear if Harrison Ford would be back

Ford has never been as enthusiastic about his role in Star Wars as others. He also was not contracted for another sequel, unlike Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. That’s partially why he had been frozen in carbonite at the end of The Empire Strikes Back . Even Lucas was skeptical that Ford would return. However, eventually, he was talked into returning.

<p>Ford was up to return, but he wanted Han to die through sacrificing himself. Kasdan also liked the idea of having Han die early in the movie, so filmgoers wouldn’t be sure who else may not survive. Lucas, though, hated the idea. The rumor is that Lucas didn’t want Han to die because it would hurt merchandise sales. Ford even told ABC News in 2010 that Lucas, “didn’t see any future in dead Han toys.”</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_internet_will_never_forget_these_20_celebrity_interviews/s1__39784955'>The internet will never forget these 20 celebrity interviews</a></p>

Ford didn’t want Han to live

Ford was up to return, but he wanted Han to die through sacrificing himself. Kasdan also liked the idea of having Han die early in the movie, so filmgoers wouldn’t be sure who else may not survive. Lucas, though, hated the idea. The rumor is that Lucas didn’t want Han to die because it would hurt merchandise sales. Ford even told ABC News in 2010 that Lucas, “didn’t see any future in dead Han toys.”

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<p>The Ewoks are synonymous with <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, having been added into the mix for the climax of the movie. Originally, though, the battle was supposed to happen on the Wookiee planet. This was even in the script, though it was changed to Ewoks and Endor later.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

The Ewoks were a late addition to the script

The Ewoks are synonymous with Return of the Jedi , having been added into the mix for the climax of the movie. Originally, though, the battle was supposed to happen on the Wookiee planet. This was even in the script, though it was changed to Ewoks and Endor later.

<p>Baker, of course, played R2-D2 in <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, a role he played in the two previous movies as well. On top of that, Baker played Paploo, one of the Ewoks.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/actors_who_have_the_most_acting_oscar_nominations_without_winning_120923/s1__33638051'>Actors who have the most acting Oscar nominations without winning</a></p>

Kenny Baker pulled double duty

Baker, of course, played R2-D2 in Return of the Jedi , a role he played in the two previous movies as well. On top of that, Baker played Paploo, one of the Ewoks.

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<p>In <em>The Empire Strikes Back</em>, the Emperor was played by Rick Baker’s wife in a mask with chimp eyes superimposed with another actor doing the voice work. For <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, where we see more of the Emperor, that wouldn’t work. Lindsay Anderson was offered the role but had a scheduling conflict. Alan Webb got the role, but then he had to drop out due to an illness. Ian McDiarmid ended up with the role.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

A few people were considered for the role of the Emperor

In The Empire Strikes Back , the Emperor was played by Rick Baker’s wife in a mask with chimp eyes superimposed with another actor doing the voice work. For Return of the Jedi , where we see more of the Emperor, that wouldn’t work. Lindsay Anderson was offered the role but had a scheduling conflict. Alan Webb got the role, but then he had to drop out due to an illness. Ian McDiarmid ended up with the role.

<p>For the first two films, David Prowse played Darth Vader, while James Earl Jones provided the voice. In <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, Vader is unmasked, giving us our first look at Anakin Skywalker. This version of Anakin is played by Sebastian Shaw. Shaw also plays the force ghost version of Anakin.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_2000s_movies_that_are_so_bad_theyre_good/s1__39784595'>20 2000s movies that are so bad they’re good</a></p>

A third actor was added to the Darth Vader mix

For the first two films, David Prowse played Darth Vader, while James Earl Jones provided the voice. In Return of the Jedi , Vader is unmasked, giving us our first look at Anakin Skywalker. This version of Anakin is played by Sebastian Shaw. Shaw also plays the force ghost version of Anakin.

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<p>Michael Pennington plays Moff Jerjerrod, the commander of the new Death Star. It’s a nice role for a character actor, but an unknown actor also auditioned for the role. Alan Rickman tried out to play Moff Jerjerrod, but he didn’t get the role. His first movie role ended up being a little film called <em>Die Hard</em>.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

A future acclaimed actor auditioned for a role

Michael Pennington plays Moff Jerjerrod, the commander of the new Death Star. It’s a nice role for a character actor, but an unknown actor also auditioned for the role. Alan Rickman tried out to play Moff Jerjerrod, but he didn’t get the role. His first movie role ended up being a little film called Die Hard .

<p><em>Star Wars</em> was a phenomenon beyond anything that had happened in movies previously, and expectations for <em>Return of the Jedi </em>were high. As such, the production was done under the working title “Blue Harvest” with the tagline “Horror Beyond Imagination.” This was to keep fans and the press away, but it was also to avoid being gouged by businesses.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_facts_you_might_not_know_about_beetlejuice_122223/s1__37660945'>20 facts you might not know about 'Beetlejuice'</a></p>

The production hid what they were making to try and avoid complications

Star Wars was a phenomenon beyond anything that had happened in movies previously, and expectations for Return of the Jedi  were high. As such, the production was done under the working title “Blue Harvest” with the tagline “Horror Beyond Imagination.” This was to keep fans and the press away, but it was also to avoid being gouged by businesses.

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<p>There are a lot of puppets in <em>Return of the Jedi</em>, including Yoda and Jabba the Hutt. Also, the rancor is a puppet filmed at high speed. This wasn’t what Lucas wanted. He was hoping to use a performer in a suit, a la Godzilla. That simply wasn’t working, unfortunately, so Lucas relented to using a puppet.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

Lucas didn’t want the rancor to be a puppet

There are a lot of puppets in Return of the Jedi , including Yoda and Jabba the Hutt. Also, the rancor is a puppet filmed at high speed. This wasn’t what Lucas wanted. He was hoping to use a performer in a suit, a la Godzilla. That simply wasn’t working, unfortunately, so Lucas relented to using a puppet.

<p>Jabba the Hutt is a pretty big puppet. Sure, he doesn’t move as much Yoda, but there is some movement required. To puppeteer Jabba, a whopping six people were required.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_best_opening_scenes_in_movie_history_122223/s1__39111279'>The best opening scenes in movie history</a></p>

Making Jabba move was an ordeal

Jabba the Hutt is a pretty big puppet. Sure, he doesn’t move as much Yoda, but there is some movement required. To puppeteer Jabba, a whopping six people were required.

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<p>Warwick Davis was all of 11 years old when he got to play Wicket, one of the Ewoks. Fisher was looking out for the young kid, as the Ewok costumes were quite hot. The actress gave him cookies and chocolate milk between takes, and Davis remembered it fondly in April 2010, writing for the <em>Daily Mail</em>, “She was everything an 11-year-old Ewok could possibly wish for.”</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

Carrie Fisher was quite nice to Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis was all of 11 years old when he got to play Wicket, one of the Ewoks. Fisher was looking out for the young kid, as the Ewok costumes were quite hot. The actress gave him cookies and chocolate milk between takes, and Davis remembered it fondly in April 2010, writing for the Daily Mail , “She was everything an 11-year-old Ewok could possibly wish for.”

<p>Sound effects artists and sound designers are known for getting creative to get the sounds they want for a film. For example, those sounds of Jabba the Hutt slithering around? They were made by sound designer Ben Burtt running his hands through cheese casserole.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_worst_blockbusters_of_all_time_122223/s1__39107135'>The 25 worst blockbusters of all time</a></p>

Food helped bring Jabba to life

Sound effects artists and sound designers are known for getting creative to get the sounds they want for a film. For example, those sounds of Jabba the Hutt slithering around? They were made by sound designer Ben Burtt running his hands through cheese casserole.

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<p>We are used to TIE Fighters by now as <em>Star Wars</em> fans, and the spacecraft are seen in all three movies. However, it’s not until Lando mentions them by name in this movie that we actually hear “TIE Fighter” said. By the way, “TIE” stands for “Twin Ion Engines.”</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

This is the first movie where TIE Fighters are mentioned by name

We are used to TIE Fighters by now as Star Wars fans, and the spacecraft are seen in all three movies. However, it’s not until Lando mentions them by name in this movie that we actually hear “TIE Fighter” said. By the way, “TIE” stands for “Twin Ion Engines.”

<p>It’s a trick! Doesn’t sound familiar? How about, “It’s a trap!?” Yeah, that might sound familiar. This is Admiral Ackbar’s iconic line. In the script, it was written as, “It’s a trick.” However, they changed it after a test screening — giving us the famous line we all remember.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_underrated_drama_films_that_are_worth_a_watch_120923/s1__39018861'>25 underrated drama films that are worth a watch</a></p>

One line was changed in post production

It’s a trick! Doesn’t sound familiar? How about, “It’s a trap!?” Yeah, that might sound familiar. This is Admiral Ackbar’s iconic line. In the script, it was written as, “It’s a trick.” However, they changed it after a test screening — giving us the famous line we all remember.

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<p>Movies are traditionally released on a Friday, though blockbusters are a different story these days. The original release for <em>Return of the Jedi</em> was set for May 27, 1983. Then, it was moved up two days to May 25. Why? Because that was the day that <em>Star Wars</em> had been released in 1977.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

The release was moved a couple days to hit an anniversary

Movies are traditionally released on a Friday, though blockbusters are a different story these days. The original release for Return of the Jedi was set for May 27, 1983. Then, it was moved up two days to May 25. Why? Because that was the day that Star Wars had been released in 1977.

<p><em>Star Wars</em> became the highest-grossing movie ever, and while its sequels couldn’t match that, they were both super successful. Like the two films that came before it, <em>Return of the Jedi</em> was the highest-grossing movie of its release year. It made $309.3 million in the United States and Canada, plus $475.3 million worldwide.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_old_school_comedies_that_are_still_worth_a_watch_112323/s1__28669511'>25 old-school comedies that are still worth a watch</a></p>

It was the highest-grossing movie of its year

Star Wars became the highest-grossing movie ever, and while its sequels couldn’t match that, they were both super successful. Like the two films that came before it, Return of the Jedi was the highest-grossing movie of its release year. It made $309.3 million in the United States and Canada, plus $475.3 million worldwide.

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<p><em>Return of the Jedi</em> was nominated for four technical Oscars, but it did not win in any of those categories. That being said, it did win a Special Achievement Academy Award. All three <em>Star Wars</em> movies from the original trilogy were actually given Special Achievement Oscars.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

It won another Special Achievement Oscar

Return of the Jedi was nominated for four technical Oscars, but it did not win in any of those categories. That being said, it did win a Special Achievement Academy Award. All three Star Wars movies from the original trilogy were actually given Special Achievement Oscars.

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.

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Sebastian shaw roles: where you know return of the jedi's darth vader.

Sebastian Shaw famously played the unhelmeted Darth Vader in Return Of The Jedi, but here's a guide to his other movie and TV acting credits.

Here's a guide to the career of Sebastian Shaw, best known for playing the helmetless Darth Vader in Return Of The Jedi . While obviously best known for his brief appearance as Vader in the Star Wars sequel , Shaw did most of his most acclaimed acting work on the stage. The English thespian appeared in many acclaimed productions of Shakespeare plays, including Romeo And Juliet , Cymbeline , Macbeth and many others. He also received praise for his performance as the judge in the classic play Whose Life Is It Anyway?

Sebastian Shaw made his film debut with 1930's Castle , a British drama written by Peeping Tom director Michael Powell. In the years that followed Shaw would appear in many more British movies, including 1933's Little Miss Nobody and 1935's Brewster's Millions , based on the novel of the same name; Richard Pryor remade the movie with Walter Hill in 1985. Despite a busy stage and screen career, the actor didn't rate his own abilities very high during this period. He felt his career was largely down to his good looks and believed he only matured as an actor after serving with the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Related: Why Mark Hamill Didn't Make A Movie For Six Years After Return Of The Jedi

Following his time with the RAF, Shaw had to restart his acting career again. In addition to more stage roles like a 1945 production of The Gambler , he appeared in TV movie Hamlet playing Claudius and the 1949 romantic drama The Glass Mountain . The years that followed saw the actor jump between TV shows and movies, with the most notable being Scotch on the Rocks , disturbing war drama The Glass Mountain and a 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream .

Why Sebastian Shaw Was Cast As Anakin Skywalker

sebastian shaw return of the jedi ghost

He also appeared in a 1972 episode of cult BBC horror anthology Dead Of Night , but his outing "Death Cancels All Debts" is one of five episodes that are now lost. Shaw was also a writer, penning the play Take A Life in 1961 and later publishing his only novel The Christening . In what might have been an intriguing piece of alternate history, he submitted a proposal for a comedy series about four female friends sharing a flat to the UK's Granada Television. While they considered producing it, they instead opted to make Coronation Street , a classic soap opera that's been running since 1961.

In 1983 he was cast as Anakin Skywalker for Return Of The Jedi . Shaw was in his late 70s when he shot his scenes, with George Lucas deciding a veteran performer was needed to pull off the emotion of Darth Vader's unmasking and death. Despite only having two minutes of screentime, Shaw gives a heartbreaking performance. The role also earned him a lot of fanmail in the aftermath. Sebastian Shaw stayed busy for the remainder of his career, including appearances in Sam Neill spy drama Reilly: Ace Of Spies , romantic comedy High Season and the cult sci-fi miniseries Chimera . Shaw passed away in 1994 at the age of 89, with his final credit being an episode of TV show Growing Rich .

Next: Star Wars Reveals Leia Is More Like Anakin Than You Ever Realized

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  4. Petition · Restore the ORIGINAL Anakin Skywalker force-ghost: SEBASTIAN

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VIDEO

  1. Sebastian Shaw edit (OG Anakin actor) #starwars #comparison #edit #playboicarti #memes #class

  2. Quick edit (Sebastian Shaw again) @DarthKraytsolosCanon500 @sunildesha5598

  3. Sebastian Shaw Is HANDSOME And FANCY!

  4. STAR WARS Jedi: Ghost star hidden in the Night

  5. SEBASTIAN SHAW BUFF META

  6. RETURN OF THE JEDI

COMMENTS

  1. Why George Lucas Replaced Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost In Return Of

    Updated Apr 30, 2023 George Lucas controversially changed Return of the Jedi's ending so Hayden Christensen replaced Sebastian Shaw as Anakin's Force ghost. Here's why. Here's why George Lucas changed the original Anakin Force Ghost from Sebastian Shaw to Hayden Christensen in Return of the Jedi.

  2. 19 Years Ago, Star Wars Made One Controversial Change

    In 2023, it's been nearly the same amount of time since Hayden Christensen replaced Sebastian Shaw as the ghost of Anakin. The ending of Return of the Jedi, circa 2004 to present day....

  3. Sebastian Shaw (actor)

    In 1983, he appeared in the third installment of the original Star Wars Trilogy, Return of the Jedi, as the redeemed Anakin Skywalker, as well as Skywalker's ghost in the original 1983 theatrical release of the film. Early life

  4. Star Wars

    0:00 / 3:19 Star Wars | Sebastian Shaw's Force Ghost Restored Quotes Direct 587 subscribers Subscribe 263 11K views 2 years ago Sebastian Shaw's force ghost restored in the victory celebration...

  5. Sebastian Shaw

    [1] Return of the Jedi I've no idea why they fixed on me. The point was, they decided that they needed a very experienced actor to play that very difficult scene. It wasn't easy to bring off. ―Sebastian Shaw

  6. Return of the Jedi

    Return of the Jedi - Sebastian Shaw as the ghost of Anakin Skywalker mielr 10.4K subscribers Subscribe Subscribed 6.5K 2.2M views 17 years ago WARNING: This original 1983 version IS NOT...

  7. Why George Lucas Cast A Third Vader Actor For Return Of The Jedi

    Casting Sebastian Shaw as the dying Anakin Skywalker, however, was a wise move by George Lucas, as Shaw's brief scenes in Return of the Jedi provided the movie with some of its most heartfelt moments. Next: How Star Wars Retroactively Improved Return of the Jedi Key Release Dates Rogue Squadron Release Date: 2023-12-22

  8. Star Wars Finally Has A Reason For Lucas' Anakin Force Ghost Change

    Published Mar 29, 2022 George Lucas famously edited Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker into Return of the Jedi - and Star Wars tie-ins have finally justified his choice. Star Wars finally has a reason for George Lucas' decision to add Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost in Return of the Jedi.

  9. Ahsoka Made George Lucas's Most Controversial Star Wars Change ...

    Originally, Anakin was played by veteran actor Sebastian Shaw. He appeared in the scene where Vader's mask is first taken off and appears here at the end on the forest moon of Endor in full Jedi ...

  10. Star Wars: How Anakin Skywalker Became a Force Ghost in Return of the Jedi

    The ability to appear as a Force ghost is one of the many aspects of Star Wars canon that's changed since Return of the Jedi 's release. While originally an innate ability, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith revealed that training was required to become a Force Ghost when Yoda told Obi-Wan that an "old friend" had "learned the secret ...

  11. Sebastian Shaw

    In 1982, Shaw was approached by George Lucas to make an appearance in the final episode of his Star Wars films, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) . The role was the small but crucial one at the film's climax of the unmasked Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and in the final scene as Anakin's ghost.

  12. Star Wars Officially Confirms Why Anakin's Force Ghost Returns ...

    As Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his allies celebrate their ultimate victory over the Empire on Endor, the recently deceased Anakin (Sebastian Shaw) sheds his Darth Vader (James Earl Jones)...

  13. How Star Wars: Ahsoka's Anakin Return Could Validate Biggest Change to

    But we don't know exactly when Ahsoka escaped the World Between Worlds, so it's possible she had a rematch with Vader just before the climactic events of Return of the Jedi and before the...

  14. Star Wars: Why George Lucas Replaced Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost

    In both Return of the Jedi 's 1983 theatrical cut and the 1997 special edition, Sebastian Shaw's version of Anakin's Force Ghost is seen accompanying Obi-Wan and Yoda, watching over Luke as he reflects on his journey. The implication is that Luke is seeing his father and mentors as he remembered them, or the age they were when they died.

  15. Star Wars Is Finally Revealing How Anakin Became A Force Ghost

    Whether it was the original cut's Sebastian Shaw or the remaster edition's Hayden Christensen playing Anakin Skywalker, showing up at all following his death is currently confusing. This is why Mike Chen's Anakin story will likely be the standout story from the upcoming From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi (releasing September 5th).

  16. 2. Replacing Sebastian Shaw With Hayden Christensen

    In Return of the Jedi's original final celebration scene, Luke (Mark Hamill) sees the Force ghosts of Anakin, Yoda, and Obi-Wan, with Anakin of course being played by Sebastian Shaw at that time.

  17. Official Thread: Hayden Christensen replacing Sebastian Shaw as Anakin

    I especially realized that seeing an 80-year old Sebastian Shaw as the force ghost would be completely weird to them. So, I gave them my DVD's to borrow, instead. This made me really think about it. The only people who think that the 80-year old shaw works best are those who saw it for the first time in the 80's and always accepted it that way.

  18. 20 facts you might not know about 'Return of the Jedi'

    This version of Anakin is played by Sebastian Shaw. Shaw also plays the force ghost version of Anakin. You may also like: 20 2000s movies that are so bad they're good

  19. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi 2011 Blu-Ray Ending with Sebastian Shaw

    Return of the Jedi Blu-Ray ending with Hayden edited out and Sebastian edited in. I don't own Star Wars of course, all rights go to Lucasfilm.

  20. Clone Wars Secretly Explains Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost Mystery

    In that same The Clone Wars panel, Filoni mentions the importance of George Lucas introducing Hayden Christensen's likeness as Anakin's Force ghost and removing Sebastian Shaw's in Return of the Jedi.Not only did this help bridge the original trilogy and the prequels, but it also speaks to how Force ghosts work. Both Filoni and Lucas have previously mentioned that when Anakin was ...

  21. Restore the ORIGINAL Anakin Skywalker force-ghost: SEBASTIAN L. SHAW

    Sebastian L. Shaw played the original force-ghost of the redeemed Anakin Skywalker, in the final scene of Return of the Jedi.He MUST and NEEDS to be reinstated as such, and permanently. When Obi-Wan Kenobi became a force-ghost, he didn't miraculously rejuvenate. Neither did Yoda. Joining the force doesn't bestow youth!

  22. All 6 Times Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost Has Appeared In Star Wars

    Anakin Skywalker may have died in Return of the Jedi, but he had returned as a Force Ghost throughout Star Wars canon. As the central character of George Lucas' Star Wars movies, Anakin left behind an important legacy, making him just as important to the saga after the fall of the Empire.

  23. Sebastian Shaw Roles: Where You Know Return Of The Jedi's Darth Vader

    Here's a guide to the career of Sebastian Shaw, best known for playing the helmetless Darth Vader in Return Of The Jedi. While obviously best known for his brief appearance as Vader in the Star Wars sequel, Shaw did most of his most acclaimed acting work on the stage. The English thespian appeared in many acclaimed productions of Shakespeare ...

  24. Sebastian Shaw Anakin Skywalker Return of the Jedi Ending Ghost 13

    This here is my Anakin Skywalker Masterpiece Edition Figure that I won on ebay for $25!!! This figure is based off of the ending scene in Return of the Jedi ...