Hayden Christensen reveals Robert De Niro visited Revenge of the Sith set

Actor says De Niro stopped by Star Wars set to watch George Lucas film Anakin and Obi-Wan’s iconic duel

Hayden Christensen has shared a behind-the-scenes story from the production of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, revealing that legendary actor Robert De Niro once visited the film’s set to observe one of its most memorable scenes.

Speaking at Fan Expo New Orleans, Christensen said De Niro appeared during filming of the climactic lightsaber duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, portrayed by Christensen and Ewan McGregor. According to Christensen, the visit was driven by De Niro’s interest in seeing what Star Wars creator George Lucas was working on at the time.

Christensen recalled noticing De Niro standing nearby with McGregor and initially questioning whether it was really him. Once De Niro approached the actors, Christensen said he was struck by how approachable and friendly the Oscar-winning actor was.

The actor also shared a brief personal exchange, explaining that he often did push-ups before takes to raise his heart rate and add a sense of physical fatigue to his performance. Christensen said De Niro noticed the routine and told him that he used a similar technique himself, an interaction Christensen described as especially affirming.

Christensen made the remarks while attending the convention to promote his ongoing involvement in the Star Wars franchise. He is set to return as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka season 2, which has not yet received a release date. The first season concluded with Anakin appearing as a Force ghost, suggesting his presence may continue in future episodes.

The next Star Wars theatrical release will be The Mandalorian and Grogu, scheduled to arrive in cinemas on May 22, according to Disney and Lucasfilm.