During the filming of one of the most memorable scenes in the Star Wars saga, legendary actor Robert De Niro made an unexpected appearance on set. This revelation came from Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker in three Star Wars films, including Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
Starstruck Moments on Set
At the Fan Expo New Orleans earlier this month, Christensen shared his experience of De Niro’s visit while filming the climactic battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. He recalled, “I remember during one of the days that we were filming that fight, Robert De Niro showed up to set, just because he wanted to come see what we were doing – not us, but George; he wanted to see what George was doing.” This encounter left both Christensen and co-star Ewan McGregor in awe.
Christensen described the moment he and McGregor realized De Niro was on set, recalling, “Ewan says to me, ‘Is that Robert De Niro standing over there?’ And I’m looking over like, ‘Yeah, I think that is him.’” Their excitement was palpable, adding an extra layer of energy to the filming atmosphere.
A Shared Professionalism
The interaction between De Niro and Christensen was particularly memorable. Christensen noted that he often performed push-ups before takes to elevate his heart rate and create a sense of exhaustion. In a friendly gesture, De Niro approached him and said, “You know, I see you doing push-ups before the takes. I do that, too.” This shared approach to preparation resonated with Christensen, who appreciated the moment of camaraderie.
Christensen also remarked that many notable figures visited the Star Wars sets, adding to the excitement and creativity of the filming process. He mentioned that George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, would sometimes invite renowned directors like Francis Ford Coppola or Steven Spielberg to contribute to specific scenes, further enhancing the film’s legacy.
The unexpected visit of De Niro highlights the interconnectedness of the film industry, where icons from different generations can inspire and support one another. This incident, now shared by Christensen, offers a glimpse into the magic of filmmaking and the remarkable experiences that can arise on set.
As fans continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Star Wars, stories like this serve as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that defines the film community.
