The Force is still with Hayden Christensen, even if he doesn't share it with fans very often.

Christensen, now 35, played Anakin Skywalker through his transformation into Darth Vader in the second and third prequels, "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" in 2002, and "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" in 2005.

Then he kinda disappeared. He still had credits in smaller films, but he was frozen in carbonite fell off the radar for a while, only seeming to re-emerge recently to film the action thriller "First Kill" with Bruce Willis.

Now, the official Star Wars site says Christensen will return to Star Wars Celebration Orlando for the first time since 2002 for the special "40 Years of Star Wars" panel on April 13. The event is meant to gather Star Wars creators and stars from throughout the saga. Christensen will meet fans and sign autographs at the show, which will also feature panelists Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor/Darth Sidious), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Kathleen Kennedy (Lucasfilm president), Dave Filoni (executive producer, Star Wars Rebels), and more.

This tease from Lucasfilm's announcement suggests fans can expect more surprises:

"Never before have this many involved in bringing Star Wars to life — from the original trilogy to the prequels to the current Star Wars Rebels animated series — joined together in one place to discuss a galaxy far, far away. Plenty of surprises are in store so fans will not want to miss this very important kick-off to Celebration."

It's kind of amazing to think that "Star Wars" is turning 40 this year, but it's good to see Hayden Christensen return to the fold to celebrate that milestone. Star Wars Celebration Orlando is being held April 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Florida.

[via: StarWars.com]

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