Issue Date: October 28, 2001

Psst: Darth Vader still lives with his mommy

But before he wields his light saber, Hayden Christensen is a troubled teen in "Life as a House".

by Michele Hatty

VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN before filmmaker George Lucas chose him to play Anakin Skywalker in the next two installments of the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, Hayden Christensen is determined not to let a once-in-a-lifetime role define his career. Before he transforms into one of cinema's most evil villains, Darth Vader, the 20-year-old Canadian actor will portray a troubled teenager who moves from darkness into light in the moving new drama "Life as a House", out nationwide next week.

We recently chatted with the young actor:

After playing Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars", Mark Hamill didn't get many roles because he was so identified with that character. Are you afraid it will happen to you with Anakin?

If I'm remembered as Anakin for the rest of my life, I don't think it's such a bad thing. I love reinventing myself. If I continue to diversify my roles and really stretch, it'll be difficult for people to typecast me.

Do you relate more to the boy you play in "Life as a House" -- the blue hair, getting high ...?

It really was an eye-opening experience. I was involved in a completely different circle of people when I was in high school. I wasn't even aware that sort of drug abuse and feelings existed for someone at that age.

So you were a nice boy. Did you go through a rebellious period?

No, I didn't. I'm a pretty good kid, I'd like to say. In general, I don't do such bad things.

You really are difficult to typecast -- from a troubled teen to Mr. Baddie, Darth Vader.

My characters are polar opposites. They're telling two completely different stories, and it will affect people in two completely different ways.

How did you prepare for your role in "Episode II", which comes out next year?

I played the "Star Wars" games on my Nintendo religiously. When I got a "Star Wars" game, I made sure that I was able to become a Jedi Knight.

What was it like to hold a light saber for the first time?

It was so cool, I can't tell you. It was extremely empowering. It's every boy's dream, really.

We want to know: When does Anakin turn bad? In "Episode II"?

"Episode III". He shows glimpses of the dark side in this one, but it's not until "Episode III" that he really reveals his new self.

And then he turns into perhaps the worst villain in the universe. What's the meanest thing you've ever done?

I can't tell you. I don't want to come across as a mean person.

Does evil exist in Hollywood?

Yes. That's why I still live at home. I'm 20 years old now and I could reasonably be living on my own, and I just can't move out of home yet. I can't move away from my mommy. [Laughs.]

Evil in Hollywood? "Yes. That's why I can't move out of home yet."

This month, Christensen co-stars with Jena Malone in "Life as a House". You'll see him in "Star Wars: Episode II" in 2002.