The identity of Anakin Skywalker’s Force ghost in the original release of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi is definitive: it was Sebastian Shaw, the actor who portrayed the unmasked Darth Vader in his final moments. The decision to replace Shaw with Hayden Christensen in the 2004 Special Edition is one of the most debated and dissected decisions in Star Wars history.
Unmasking the Original Ghost: Sebastian Shaw’s Role
Sebastian Shaw, a seasoned British actor with a distinguished career in theatre and film, was cast to play the dying Darth Vader. His performance, though brief, was pivotal. He conveyed the vulnerability and eventual redemption of Anakin Skywalker, showcasing the good that still remained beneath the mask of evil. Shaw’s presence as the Force ghost cemented the idea that he, as the restored Anakin, had found peace. His gentle smile, observing Luke alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, provided closure to a saga-defining arc.
Shaw’s portrayal resonated with audiences, establishing a clear visual and emotional connection between the defeated Vader and the redeemed Anakin. The impact of his casting, both in the unmasked scene and as the Force ghost, cannot be overstated.
The 2004 Special Edition: A Forceful Change
In 2004, George Lucas released a revised version of Return of the Jedi as part of the Special Edition trilogy. This edition featured several alterations, the most controversial being the replacement of Sebastian Shaw’s Force ghost with Hayden Christensen. Christensen had portrayed Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Lucas’s rationale was to connect all six films visually and represent Anakin as he was before his fall to the dark side.
Reasoning Behind the Change
Lucas argued that Anakin’s ghost should reflect the younger, pre-Vader self, ensuring consistency across the entire saga. He believed that seeing Christensen, the actor who embodied Anakin during the Clone Wars, would provide a more complete picture of the character’s journey. This change, however, sparked significant backlash from fans who felt it undermined Shaw’s contribution and altered the original character arc. They felt the change disregarded the fact that Anakin was redeemed, and his spirit should reflect that, including the experiences that shaped him, both good and bad.
The Impact of the Alteration
The change was divisive. While some accepted Lucas’s explanation, many viewed it as an unnecessary alteration to a classic film. Critics argued that it diminished the significance of Anakin’s redemption arc, focusing solely on his youthful appearance rather than the wisdom and experience gained through his trials. Furthermore, it arguably contradicted the established lore of Force ghosts retaining the memories and personality from their lives, not reverting to a younger state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anakin’s Ghost
Here are answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker’s Force ghost:
FAQ 1: Why was Sebastian Shaw initially chosen to play Anakin’s ghost?
Shaw was chosen because he played the unmasked Anakin Skywalker in his final moments. It was a logical and direct connection to the scene where Vader’s humanity was restored. He visually represented the redeemed character, offering closure to the audience. The resemblance also reinforced the idea that Anakin’s true identity, buried under the persona of Darth Vader, was finally revealed.
FAQ 2: What was the reaction to the change in the Special Edition?
The reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Many fans felt it disregarded Shaw’s contribution and weakened the impact of Anakin’s redemption. They criticized Lucas for altering a beloved scene for purely aesthetic reasons, arguing that it negatively impacted the emotional weight of the ending.
FAQ 3: Did Sebastian Shaw know his scene was being changed?
Reports vary. Some suggest Shaw was aware, while others indicate he was unaware of the change until after the Special Edition was released. Regardless, there’s no public record of him explicitly expressing his opinion on the alteration.
FAQ 4: Does the change affect the Star Wars canon?
While the Special Edition is considered canon by Lucasfilm, the debate continues among fans. Many still consider the original theatrical release to be the “true” version of Return of the Jedi, rejecting the altered scenes, including the change to Anakin’s ghost, as non-canonical in their personal interpretations. The ongoing discussions highlight the subjective nature of canon acceptance.
FAQ 5: Are there any other changes to the Force ghost scene in subsequent releases?
While Hayden Christensen remains the on-screen representation of Anakin’s Force ghost in newer releases, some dialogue and visual tweaks have been implemented. These are mostly minor, focusing on enhancing visual effects and smoothing the transition between scenes. The core change of replacing Shaw with Christensen remains the primary alteration.
FAQ 6: Why didn’t Lucas use a de-aged Sebastian Shaw?
This is a common question. While de-aging technology wasn’t as advanced in 2004 as it is today, some fans believe it would have been a better compromise. Using a de-aged Shaw would have maintained the visual connection to the unmasked Vader while also presenting a younger version of the character. The decision to use Christensen suggests Lucas prioritized a visual link to the pre-Vader Anakin above all else.
FAQ 7: How does the change impact the overall narrative of the Star Wars saga?
Some argue the change undermines the weight of Anakin’s experience. By showing only a young Anakin, it arguably diminishes the importance of his redemption journey through pain, suffering, and ultimately, sacrifice. Shaw’s presence, scarred but at peace, represented the culmination of that journey more effectively.
FAQ 8: Does George Lucas ever address the controversy?
Lucas has consistently defended his decision, reiterating his desire to connect all six films and present a unified vision of Anakin Skywalker. He maintains that Christensen represents Anakin before his fall, which he believes is the more accurate portrayal for the Force ghost. He has acknowledged the fan backlash but stands by his artistic choice.
FAQ 9: Where can I find the original version of Return of the Jedi with Sebastian Shaw?
Finding the original theatrical release is increasingly difficult. Used VHS tapes and laserdiscs are your best bet. Be aware that bootleg versions also exist. Officially, Lucasfilm only releases the Special Edition and subsequent revisions.
FAQ 10: Has Hayden Christensen commented on replacing Sebastian Shaw?
Christensen has generally been supportive of Lucas’s vision. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be included in the iconic scene and defers to Lucas’s artistic choices regarding the saga.
FAQ 11: Did other actors who played Anakin, such as Jake Lloyd, feature in special edition consideration?
No, the options were limited to the actors involved in episode 6 and the prequels. While Jake Lloyd portrayed young Anakin in The Phantom Menace, his role wasn’t deemed relevant to the post-redemption Force ghost appearance.
FAQ 12: Does the change in Anakin’s Force ghost affect other Force ghosts in the Star Wars universe?
Not directly. The other Force ghosts, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and Yoda (Frank Oz), remained unchanged. However, the controversy sparked a broader discussion about the nature of Force ghosts and how they should be represented, influencing fan interpretations and potentially inspiring future creative decisions within the Star Wars universe. The focus remained mostly on Anakin Skywalker’s transformation.