A Reno 911! Star Auditioned To Play Anakin Skywalker In The Star Wars Prequels – SlashFilm

The “Star Wars” prequels had been as soon as maligned however, thanks in no small half to the recognition of reveals like “The Clone Wars,” this period of the beloved franchise has been claimed by a youthful technology of followers. Anakin Skywalker is now a marquee character and Hayden Christensen is welcomed by a lot of the fandom with open arms. That wasn’t at all times the case, however as evidenced by his return in “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Ahsoka,” it actually is immediately. Nevertheless, in one other timeline, a radically totally different actor may have taken on this pivotal function.

Nick Swardson — sure, the exact same Nick Swardson who performs Terry on “Reno 911!” and has labored on a number of collaborations with Adam Sandler — was among the many names who auditioned for the function of Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episode II — Assault of the Clones.” Sure, actually. Throughout an interview on the “We Would possibly Be Drunk” podcast, the actor-comic revealed that he learn for the function for the parents at Lucasfilm, even when he did not have plenty of religion that it was going to go anyplace:

“That is true. I acquired a name from my agent …’They wanna learn you for Star Wars.’ And I’m going, ‘What do you imply?’ They go, ‘They wanna learn you for Anakin.’ And I’m going, ‘Me? Nick Swardson? Nick Swardson. My identify.’ They’re like, ‘Yeah, they wanna learn you.’ And I do, ‘I am a comic.’ They go, ‘They do not care, you will have search for it.’ Blah, blah blah.”

Swardson then clarified that he did not learn for George Lucas instantly. “I simply went in and browse at Lucas[film] and browse for f*****g Anakin,” he defined. Even so a few years later, he nonetheless appeared shocked this occurred in any respect. It is simple to see why, frankly.

Swardson was a bit of bit older than Christensen on the time of the audition, however he had a younger look to him. He was additionally however one among a number of actors thought-about for the function of Anakin in addition to Christensen, becoming a member of the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio. Sure, as tough as it’s to image the star of “Titanic” and the man from “Reno 911!” being thought-about for a similar large function, that is precisely what occurred.

As much as that time, Swardson was solely recognized for his work in comedy. “Reno 911!” hadn’t even made it to air but, so the one issues he actually had on his resume had been bit components in motion pictures like “Nearly Well-known” and “Spring Break Lawyer.” That is most likely why Swardson was shocked to get the decision. “I actually go, ‘Why am I right here?'” he added within the interview. As for the way the audition went? To quote Swardson instantly:

“I’m going, ‘I am honored, that is superb.’ However I’m going, ‘You noticed me on ‘Reno! 911.’ You thought possibly Vader would skate round house or one thing? This does not make any sense. I am by no means getting this half.’ They simply laughed.”

For no matter it could be value, Swardson has labored constantly within the years since this audition for “Star Wars,” so it isn’t as if his profession tanked or something. Christensen, however, labored very selectively for a few years after the prequel trilogy wrapped up. However “Star Wars” gives a type of immortality to any artist, even one with a tiny function. Simply have a look at Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch, for instance.

Enjoying Anakin Skywalker, although? That ensures conference appearances and a few type of infamy till lengthy after we’re all useless. It is really powerful to think about, with the advantage of hindsight, what “Assault of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith” might need appeared like with Swardson within the lead function. It’s, if nothing else, an enchanting little bit of alternate historical past to contemplate.

You’ll be able to seize the “Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Field Set” on Blu-ray from Amazon.