Hayden Christensen helped Columbia introduce its new Darth Vader NASCAR themed helmet and race car, designed by Lucasfilm Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Design Doug Chiang. Darth Vader is easily one of the most iconic figures in history. Star Warsand although Christensen was not the man behind the mask in the original trilogy, he became the face associated with the character in both Star Wars movies and TV shows and also in the real world. Darth Vader is actually one of the Star Wars best characters and This incredible NASCAR race car and helmet inspired by Darth Vader are further proof of this.
In a video posted on Star Wars official accountHayden Christensen and Doug Chiang show off their Darth Vader-inspired NASCAR race car and helmet, taking the car for a spin around the track. As Chiang explains in the video, the car was supposed to be influenced not only by the character Vader, but also by Christensen himself.
Chiang also indicated that the main focus for the car’s design was to fully incorporate the dark side and iconic look of Darth Vader, both of which Chiang and Columbia accomplished 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 and Star Wars both continue to have. Although Vader debuted nearly 50 years ago in A New Hopethe character continues to be incredibly compelling, and this is reflected in events like this one with the Columbia race car and in recent events like the ‘takeover’ of the Empire State Building (which Hayden Christensen also participated in). In part, this is because Vader is an incredible villain as one of the Star Wars most powerful Sith.
The love and interest in the character goes beyond his status as a powerful villain. The prequel trilogy in particular – and Christensen’s performance in those films – added a fascinating depth to Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader that continues to affect viewers. Even as recently as Obi Wan Kenobi and Ahsokathis is a character who still speaks and moves the audience.
Hayden Christensen definitely belongs in a race car
Hayden Christensen is also the perfect person to introduce this NASCAR race car, as well as Anakin Skywalker was one of the best pilots in the galaxy. This concept was introduced by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, but Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace made clear by making young Anakin the only human to complete (let alone win) a pod race. He then effectively secured victory in the Battle of Naboo due to his piloting skills.
Of course, this version of Anakin wasn’t played by Christensen, but he’s still a perfect representation of the character, and both Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith further revealed Anakin’s incredible piloting skills. This impressive Darth VaderThe NASCAR-inspired race car and helmet are truly a wonderful representation of the love the public continues to have for Star Wars and for this character.
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