The Star Wars prequel movies were some of the hottest blockbusters in Hollywood when they premiered, and Anakin Skywalker was a very popular role for young actors.
Booking the part launched Hayden Christensen onto the map. He famously made his debut in the franchise playing the man who would eventually become Darth Vader in 2002′s Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
However, he faced stiff competition before he was cast. 1999′s Episode I – The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin as a child played by Jake Lloyd.
However, a 10-year time lapse meant that the role had to be recast for the sequel. Before Hayden booked the part, 300 actors reportedly auditioned.