Charlie Hunnam, known for his roles in various films and the acclaimed series “Sons of Anarchy,” recently made headlines for landing a significant space opera role in Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon.” Interestingly, Hunnam had come close to another major sci-fi opportunity nearly two decades ago when he was considered for the role of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels.
Hunnam shared that he had a meeting with George Lucas regarding the iconic Star Wars character before Hayden Christensen ultimately joined the cast for “Attack of the Clones.” Reflecting on the experience, Hunnam mentioned feeling surprised and slightly nervous about meeting the creative mind behind the Star Wars universe. Despite his nerves, Hunnam left the meeting with the realization that he likely wouldn’t secure the role, which turned out to be accurate.
While Hayden Christensen, relatively unknown at the time, ultimately portrayed Anakin Skywalker, the casting process for the role involved several prominent actors vying for the part. Notable names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul Walker, and Topher Grace were also in consideration. It’s intriguing to ponder how the story might have unfolded if someone like DiCaprio had taken on the role, especially considering his potential return to the franchise in projects like “Ahsoka.”
Hunnam, however, continued to establish himself in the early 2000s with roles in movies like “Nicholas Nickleby” and “Green Street Hooligans.” Had the casting gone differently, envisioning Anakin Skywalker with Hunnam’s distinct portrayal could have added an intriguing dynamic, perhaps even altering the character’s persona with a unique accent.
This near-miss opportunity for Hunnam wasn’t the only significant one in his career. He was initially attached to play Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, but his commitment to “Sons of Anarchy” prevented him from taking on the role. Given the acclaim and success of “Sons of Anarchy,” Hunnam’s decision to prioritize the series appears to have been a wise choice.
Meanwhile, Hayden Christensen, after receiving renewed appreciation for his performance, seems likely to return to the Star Wars universe for upcoming movies and series. While some have re-evaluated the prequels positively, opinions about movies like “Attack of the Clones” still vary considerably among audiences.
