Jake Lloyd, the actor who played Anakin Skywalker inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, has given a heartwarming update about his connection to the franchise and his mental health condition. One of the most important aspects ofThe Phantom Menace’s complex timelineis the introduction of Anakin Skywalker. When watching theStar Warsmovies in chronological order, Jake Lloyd’s Anakin is the first exposure audiences have to the Chosen One of the Force. However, Lloyd’s life since then has been difficult, making his rare update an incredibly important and touching one.
In aSubstackpost by Clayton Sandell, this update from Lloyd is presented. Sandell was responsible for outlining a somewhat harrowing update from Jake’s mother, Lisa, about Lloyd’s life in 2024 that explored the former actor’s experience living with schizophrenia and the prolonged acting break that came after his appearance inStar Wars. Upon reaching out for another update, Lloyd opted to speak to Sandell directly, providing a positive update about his life and his mental health condition:
“Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
Thankfully, this comment from Lloyd proves that he has been improving in recent months. This comes after overcoming a clinical neurological condition named anosognosia that causes a patient to be unconsciously in denial about their symptoms. Now, Lloyd can openly talk about living with schizophrenia and insists that hitting"rock bottom"is what was needed in order to fully accept his condition and take steps to overcome it.
Jake Lloyd Is Reconnecting With Star Wars
Beyond his positive mental health update, Jake Lloyd also mentions that he is reconnecting withStar Wars. Lloyd insists that he was always a fan of the franchise and that he largely managed to avoid the brunt of toxic online vitriol that spawned from his performance inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Nonetheless, Lloyd’s connection withStar Warshas been tumultuous, primarily due to living with schizophrenia since his performance in the series.
Thankfully, though, Lloyd’s positive update comes with an equally positiveStar Warsreconnection. Lloyd mentions how much he enjoyedAhsoka, one ofStar Wars’TV showsfrom 2023. He also mentions his playthrough of games likeStar Wars: The Force Unleashed.However, more importantly, Lloyd explains how his connection withStar Warsfans has always been positive, describing these meetings as therapeutic and outwardly stating how much he appreciates the support. On June 12, 2025, Lloyd intends to catch up on recent projects from a galaxy far, far away with his mother.
This Is A Heartwarming Start To 2025
As someone who has long kept up with Lloyd’s situation, this update is an incredibly heartwarming start to 2025. I have long been someone who outwardly pushes back against the toxic elements of online fandom, be that connected to theStar Warsfranchise or any other. This includes the hatred actors often face for their portrayals of certain roles, from Hayden Christensen - another Anakin Skywalker performer - to people of color like Kelly Marie Tran, Moses Ingram, and Amandla Stenberg. Lloyd certainly faced some of this, but it is refreshing to hear he escaped the brunt of toxicity aimed at him.
While I acknowledge that Lloyd’s situation is somewhat different in that his mental health disorder does not stem entirely fromStar Warsand that fans are certainly not to blame for his condition, I have always held the opinion that Lloyd’s performance inThe Phantom Menacewas maligned solely due to George Lucas' misfires in directing and screenwriting. As such, I cannot explain how saddened I often am to know of Lloyd’s life since then and the tribulations he has suffered, and I similarly cannot explain how happy I am to hear of his recent upturn.
Star Warswas always meant to be a franchise for everyone. The fact that Lloyd knows he is still part of it and finds such warmth in his interactions with fans is touching, to say the very least. Combined with the steps he is taking to overcome living with schizophrenia, I am overjoyed about Lloyd’s update. Decades on fromStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Lloyd’s update is rare yet increasingly promising, making for an exceedingly warming start to 2025.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Cast
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is set in a galaxy facing political turmoil, as Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi seek peace while encountering Anakin Skywalker, a slave with great potential in the Force. Meanwhile, the Sith begin their resurgence, threatening the stability of the Republic.
