Ryan Phillippe Reflects on Losing 'Star Wars' Anakin Role Due to Age

Ryan Phillippe reflected on losing the role of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels due to being considered too old to star alongside Natalie Portman, who was seven years his junior. Phillippe, who auditioned in his late 20s for the part ultimately given to 19-year-old Hayden Christensen, expressed that although it was a dream role, he has made peace with the rejection and emphasized the importance of resilience and letting go in an actor's career. Christensen himself admitted he expected to lose the role, which helped him perform without pressure. Other notable contenders for Anakin included Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Walker. Phillippe also mentioned learning from past roles where his character was killed off, limiting future opportunities, and has since moved forward in his career with new projects like the series Motorheads. The Star Wars franchise continues with Christensen reprising Anakin in the upcoming Ahsoka season two, expected in 2026.