Which Anakin are we going to get inStar Wars 9? That seems to be a question on J.J. Abrams' mind right now. One of the biggest controversies surrounding the release of the originalStar Warstrilogy on DVD and Blu-ray back in 2004 was the choice to remove Sebastian Shaw’s version of Anakin Skywalker and replace him withHayden Christensenin the Force Ghost scene fromReturn of the Jedi. George Lucas personally directed the original Force Ghost scene in 1983 and replaced Shaw to tie-in the prequel trilogy into the original.Star Warsfans were and are still livid over Lucas' choice to take Shaw’s original Anakin out of the movie. However, some new concept art descriptions fromStar Wars 9may indicate that J.J. Abrams is thinking about bringing back him back.
Original concept art for 2015’sThe Force Awakensfeatured three different versions ofAnakin Skywalker. One of them was a normal-looking Hayden Christensen, the second was a hybrid of half Anakin/half Darth Vader, and the last was a hooded Darth Vader. It’s believed that Anakin is still struggling between the light and dark, even in the afterlife. In someStar Wars 9concept art descriptions, it appears that J.J. Abrams is revisiting some of those ideas. Yet, he’s also toying with the idea of resurrecting the image of Sebastian Shaw likeRogue Onedid with Tarkin, leaving Hayden Christensen in the employment office. A description of the art reads.
“A set of three Anakin Force Ghosts behind an anonymous figure in a cave. The obscured figure appears to be Luke; however, the face is shadowed. Each Force Ghost of Anakin shows a different phase, one with short hair, one with long, and the last, an older Anakin Skywalker wearing a hood.”
The Anakin Skywalker with short hair is believed to be the phase that is most common to fans from the character inAttack of the Cloneswhile the second, long-haired version, is fromRevenge of the Sith. The third is an older version of Anakin. It is rumored that J.J. Abrams is considering bringing backSebastian Shaw’s likeness for a Force Ghostscene inStar Wars 9that would bring him back to the franchise in a fitting way, but also as a way to appease fans. This could be seen a respectful nod to Shaw’s work, the original untouched trilogy, and the fans that grew up watching the movies in theaters or on VHS back in the day. It would also make the original theatrical version ofReturn of the Jedifrom 1983 canon.
It’s believed that the shadowy figure behind the three Anakin Skywalker Force Ghosts in theStar Wars 9concept art is Luke Skywalker, which would make the most sense. Fans are still waiting to hear ifMark Hamill will be back as a Force Ghostin the final installment of the latest trilogy, and as usual, Hamill is toying with hardcore fans on social media about his possible return. It would be pretty cool to see the father and son reunited as Force Ghosts, which could be what J.J. Abrams is going for.The Last Jediprovided the reunion between brother and sister, so why not throw in another family reunion?
Unfortunately,Sebastian Shawpassed away in 1994 at the age of 89, so if J.J. Abrams is going to pull this off forStar Wars 9, it’s going to have to be through digital means. If past rumors about George Lucas coming on to consult with Lucasfilm and Abrams for the sequel are true, we could end up seeing a return of Shaw as the older Anakin Force Ghost. Abrams and the studio pretty much turned their backs on Lucas forThe Force Awakens, which could mean that there are some compromises this time around by both teams. This news has not been officially confirmed, but you can check out a video detailing theStar Wars 9concept art below, thanks to Zeroh’s YouTube channel.
