'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Actor Hayden Christensen Shares Why Darth Vader Let Obi-Wan Live After Their First

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'Star Wars' fans had many questions after Darth Vader let Obi-Wan Kenobi escape, but Hayden Christensen explains the reason why.

Published on June 13, 2022

The moment many Star Wars fans were waiting for in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series was a duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Part 3 gave fans a taste of what that duel could be. But it was a one-sided affair with Darth Vader clearly being the winner. Now, some fans are confused about why Darth Vader let Obi-Wan go after the fight. And actor Hayden Christensen might know the reason why. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader fight in the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series

Ewan McGregor returns as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the new Disney+ series of the same name. Also returning is Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. The two encounter one another for the first time since Obi-Wan left Anakin to burn on Mustafar in Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. While their eventual duel will surely be epic, Obi-Wan Kenobi gave fans an early preview in Part 3.

Darth Vader and Obi-Wan met on the planet of Mapuzo as Obi-Wan tried to get Princess Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair) back home. Obi-Wan had been disconnected from the Force for quite some time. So Vader had the high ground here in terms of power level. After burning Obi-Wan in a sea of fire similar to their Mustafar battle, Vader appeared to have Obi-Wan right where he wanted him. 

However, when another fire rose up, he allowed Obi-Wan to be rescued and healed. Many Star Wars fans are wondering why Vader just let him go. But Christensen believes there is an answer to that. 

Hayden Christensen shares why Darth Vader let his former master go

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Christensen gives his reasoning for why Darth Vader let Obi-Wan go. The actor says that while it would have been easy for Vader to kill him, Vader wanted Obi-Wan to put up more of a fight. 

“Well, I think that came as a shock to Vader to see how disconnected from the Force Obi-Wan is at this point,” Christensen says. “I think Vader wants Obi-Wan to be able to put up more of a fight. I don’t want to say too much [about what’s to come.]”

This is a moment that Vader has been waiting for, and he wants to savor his revenge. However, Vader may receive little satisfaction from defeating Obi-Wan in the current state he’s in. While we do know that Vader eventually gets his final revenge in Episode IV — A New Hope, it will be exciting to see a round two between the former allies in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Who is the voice of Darth Vader in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’?

While Christensen is in the suit, James Earl Jones is once again the voice of Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jones, 91, voiced the character in the original trilogy and returned as the voice in Rogue One and Star Wars Rebels. Still, Christensen wanted to make sure his performance could be seen in the suit and that the emotions portrayed in the voice matched the body movement.

“You know, this is the first time we’ve seen Vader sort of chronologically this close to the Anakin Skywalker character, so there are some indications of Anakin in there,” Christensen told The Hollywood Reporter. “But for the most part, we’re trying to remain true to what we know and love about this character, and make sure we honor the way he moves and sounds to stay true to that continuity.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi is now streaming on Disney+. 

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