Hayden Christensen helped Columbia introduce their brand-newDarth Vaderthemed 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 inStar 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 inStar Warsmovies and TV showsand in the real world as well. Darth Vader truly is one ofStar Wars’best characters, andthis incredible Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet are further proof of that.
In a video posted toStar 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
This Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car reflects the staying power that Darth Vader andStar Warsboth continue to have. Although Vader debuted nearly 50 years ago inA 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 ofStar 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 asObi-Wan KenobiandAhsoka, this is a character who still speaks to and excites audiences.
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, asAnakin Skywalker was one of the best pilots in the galaxy. That concept was introduced by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, butStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacedrove 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 bothStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the ClonesandStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithfurther revealed Anakin’s incredible piloting abilities. This stunningDarth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet really are a wonderful representation of the love audiences continue to have forStar Warsand for this character.
