As Jackson “Jax” Teller, Charlie Hunnam became known to an entire generation of series fans. For 92 episodes he played the biker in the acclaimed drama Sons of Anarchy, which from 2008 to 2014 was broadcast for the first time. However, the British actor’s career almost had a completely different outcome.
In December 2023, Hunnam spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the beginnings of his career. As it turns out, he was one of the rising stars in Hollywood at the time who was cast for the role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones were considered. But his audition failed.
Failed Star Wars casting: Charlie Hunnam was on the shortlist for Anakin Skywalker
Charlie Hunnam as Anakin Skywalker, who slowly but surely falls to the dark side of the Force? In Sons of Anarchy he was able to demonstrate his feel for ambivalent characters. However, he didn’t get anywhere with Star Wars creator George Lucas. He told Entertainment Tonight:
I made it to the point where I met George Lucas. I don’t think he meets many actors. There were maybe two or three actors they considered. I don’t remember much of it. Just remember that there is one very embarrassing meeting and I walked out and thought, ‘Well, I’m definitely not going to get the part’. And I was right. Sometimes it depends on the mood.
FX/20th Century Studios
Charlie Hunnam in Sons of Anarchy
For Anakin Skywalker, Lucas probably looked at every young actor in Hollywood who was remotely considered for the role. Leonardo DiCaprio, fresh from his Titanic success, is one of the first names to appear alternative Anakin castings be associated. Ryan Phillippe, Topher Grace and Paul Walker were also discussed.
Ultimately, the role went to Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin in Episodes 2 (2002) and 3 (2005) before becoming Obi-Wan Kenobi two years ago big Star Wars comeback celebrated. He also appeared as Anakin or Darth Vader in the Ahsoka series, which premiered on Disney+ in summer 2023.
What does Charlie Hunnam do next? Instead of Star Wars, he’s starring in the sci-fi epic Rebel Moon on Netflix
Hunnam has not (yet) made it to the galaxy far, far away. Since last year he has been playing one of the central roles in Zack Snyder’s failed Star Wars film, which has come to new life on Netflix under the title Rebel Moon. Part 1 came out in December April 19, 2024 follows part 2.