Actor Hayden Christensenbest known for portraying Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in “Star Wars” prequel trilogy and several other Lucasfilm projects, has drawn the ire of fans hoping to catch him at Spacecon in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday. The actor left the convention early to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Hayden Christensen leaves Space Con early to make it to the NBA Finals
Christensen appeared on a panel alongside actor Jimmy Smits and Ian McDiarmid at Spacecon on Saturday, before announcing that he would “try to capture the other half of the game” in a clip uploaded to TikTok by an attendee.
This was reported by several witnesses TMZ they were “upset” that Christensen left the event early, especially since it cost them a pretty penny to attend. In addition to the cost of the panel, the actor charged $175 for autographs, $225 for autographs on special items and $210 for photo ops.
Play Now Podcast Claims Actor ‘F-cked Over Fans’
The Now Playing Podcast responded to one video that featured Christensen holding up a jersey. The video, posted by the San Antonio Spurs, included the caption: “The Force is with us tonight (and so is Anakin! Hayden Christensen is in the building tonight.”
The podcast channel responded to the post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to explain “the story behind this photo” and claimed that “Hayden fucked over his fans to get the photo.”
They claimed the actor “somehow has a clause that no other guest has — for him to do a panel at a con, he wants more money, so they make it a paid, ticketed event.”
“In 25 years of scamming I have NEVER seen people pay to attend panels (which are usually pretty boring). People paid *$100* per ticket to see Hayden with Ian McDermid (sic) and Jimmy Smith (sic) (both of whom would have attended the panel for free…but not Hayden),” they claimed.
They went on to say that the panel was scheduled for 8:15 p.m., long before the NBA Finals were announced, but they decided to move it to 8 p.m. 20.00 due to the game. Although the beginning of the panel “went well”, Hayden reportedly got up and left twenty minutes into the panel.
Ian McDiarmid and Jimmy Smits reportedly stayed for the full panel
Although McDiarmid and Smits apparently stayed the entire time, the podcast channel claimed that “participants say all the energy left the room with Hayden.”
They concluded: “The unparalleled greed and ego that Christiansen (sic) has shown for this photo op is really a sign of unjustified entitlement and a way to screw over fans (not me!) who paid $100 ON TOP OF A CONTACT BADGE just to hear him speak.”
In the comments, many fans pointed out that they had attended pay panels in the past, especially at night. A fan attending the same Spacecon that Christensen left noted that Tom Hiddleston also had a paid panel; however, it was the day before and he stayed the whole time. Other fans also questioned the “clause” Christensen allegedly had and doubted its validity.
At this time, it is unclear whether disappointed participants will be refunded.
Hayden Christensen returns as Anakin Skywalker in ‘Ahsoka’ season 2
Although he may have upset some fans with his decision to leave the convention early, Christensen will return to his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in Season 2 of “Ahsoka,” as announced by The Hollywood Reporter in April 2025.
The announcement was made at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, Japan. Show the creator Dave Filoniexecutive producer Jon Favreauand “Ahsoka” actress Rosario Dawson discussed the inspiration behind the show and the making of Season 1.
They then showed a clip between Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka on screen before Christensen walked out to thunderous applause. “There’s not much I can share, but Anakin will be back in season two,” Christensen said at the time.
Although Season 2 of “Ahsoka” was filmed in 2025 and many fans expected it to be released on Disney+ in 2026, the series’ second outing has been delayed to 2027.
