Hayden Christensen Channels The Dark Side In Darth Vader-Inspired NASCAR Racing Car

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Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

Darth Vader in his helmet to the left and Anakin Skywalker from the Ahsoka show to the right in a combined image with a red background

Hayden Christensen helped Columbia introduce their brand-new Darth Vader themed helmet and NASCAR race car, designed by Lucasfilm SVP and Executive Design Director Doug Chiang. Darth Vader is easily one of the most iconic figures in Star Wars, and while Christensen wasn't the man behind the mask in the original trilogy, his has become the face associated with the character both in Star Wars movies and TV shows and in the real world as well. Darth Vader truly is one of Star Wars' best characters, and this incredible Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet are further proof of that.

In a video posted to Star Wars' official X account, Hayden Christensen and Doug Chiang show off the Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet by taking the car for a spin around the track. As Chiang explains in the video, the car was meant to be influenced not only by Vader the character but also by Christensen himself.

Chiang also indicated that a major focus for the design of the car was to fully incorporate the dark side and the iconic look of Darth Vader, both of which Chiang and Columbia pulled off very successfully.

What This Darth Vader NASCAR Car Means For Star Wars

Star Wars' Darth Vader clenching his fist.

This Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car reflects the staying power that Darth Vader and Star Wars both continue to have. Although Vader debuted nearly 50 years ago in A New Hope, the character continues to be incredibly compelling, and that's reflected in events such as this one with Columbia's race car and in recent events such as the Empire State Building 'takeover' (which Hayden Christensen also attended). In part, this is because Vader is an incredible villain as one of Star Wars' most powerful Sith.

The love for and interest in the character extends beyond just his status as a powerful villain, though. Particularly the prequel trilogy—and Christensen's performance in those movies—added a fascinating depth to Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader that continues to affect viewers. Even as recently as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka, this is a character who still speaks to and excites audiences.

Anakin Skywalker to the left and Darth Vader to the right in front of a blue background

Anakin Skywalker's Complete Star Wars Timeline Explained: Chosen One Prophecy, Fall To The Dark Side, & Redemption

Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader's influence on Star Wars cannot be overstated, and this complete timeline represents all the key events in his story.

Hayden Christensen Definitely Belongs In A Race Car

Hayden Christensen is also the perfect person to introduce this NASCAR race car, as Anakin Skywalker was one of the best pilots in the galaxy. That concept was introduced by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, but Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace drove the point home by having young Anakin be the only human being to ever complete (let alone win) a podrace. He then went on to effectively secure the win in the Battle of Naboo due to his piloting skills.

Of course, that version of Anakin was not played by Christensen, but he is nevertheless a perfect representation of the character, and both Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith further revealed Anakin's incredible piloting abilities. This stunning Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet really are a wonderful representation of the love audiences continue to have for Star Wars and for this character.

Source: starwars

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