Hayden Christensen’s return as Darth Vader attracted “hundreds” of people to Obi-Wan Kenobi set

It’s been almost two decades since Hayden Christensen put on the iconic mask and cape of Darth Vader – but according to Ewan McGregor, it’s what the fans have been waiting for.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, McGregor said that “hundreds of people appeared” on the set of Obi-Wan Kenobi to see Christensen back in costume as Anakin Skywalker.

“I was like, ‘Why are there so many people here today?’,” he said.

“Hayden walks out in the suit, and I was like, ‘Oh, of course, that’s why everyone is here. Everyone is here to see this moment.’”

“I’ve never quite seen a crew react the way they reacted when he came on set for the first time as Vader. I mean, it was like one of the greatest moments on any film set that I have ever seen.”

Christensen reprised his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s fallen apprentice in the third episode of the titular show, which tells the story of Ewan McGregor’s Jedi Master between the end of Revenge of the Sith and the start of A New Hope.

He will also be making an appearance in the upcoming Star Wars spinoff Ahsoka, which follows the story of Ahsoka Tano (played by Rosario Dawson), Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice who becomes a rebel.

Despite being panned for his appearance in George Lucas’ original Star Wars prequel trilogy, Christensen said he was surprisingly “emotional” when the time came to wear the costume again.

“Being in the costume again was incredible. It’s an amazing, iconic costume, and it imparts a lot of feeling when you put it on,” he told Radio Times.

"For me, it was a very emotional experience and very cathartic, in a lot of ways."

And the journey might not be over for Christensen: he has also told ET Online that he would “absolutely” be interested in reprising the role in future.

“I think this is a character that resonates in our culture in a very profound way, and there’s certainly more there to explore."

He added: "There are so many other stories that have been told in these other mediums, and I would love to get to continue my journey with him."