Obi-Wan Kenobi: Hayden Christensen Reveals How He Filmed Bacta Tank Scene

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi
Credit: Lucasfilm

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi
Credit: Lucasfilm

Hayden Christensen spilled the details on how he filmed the infamous bacta tank scene as Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The actor famously made his return to the Star Wars franchise in the six-episode series where he reprised the role of Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker. His comeback was well-received by many fans.

Darth Vader was introduced in the series at the end of the second episode where he was seen inside a bacta tank, revealing his return and setting him up as a formidable figure for the rest of the six-episode run.

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Hayden Christensen's Bacta Tank Scene in Obi-Wan Kenobi Was Not CGI

Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader in bacta tank in Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Credit: Lucasfilm

In a new behind-the-scenes clip, Christensen revealed how he filmed his bacta tank scene in Obi-Wan Kenobi where he made his introduction as Darth Vader.

As it turns out, the scene was filmed practically since the actor actually submerged himself in the water without any CGI assistance.

"I had to be completely submerged in water holding my breath. [So] I got to work with a great dive coach, and he would teach me different breathing techniques," he said.

"I think my longest breath holds were around two and a half minutes. It was surprisingly peaceful in there."

Associate producer Stephanie Peters also explained the challenges of filming the scene considering that Christensen has prosthetics throughout his body.

"It was really important to test it out ahead of time to make sure the lighting was correct, the water color was correct, to make sure that the prosthetic held up, and there weren’t any air bubbles," she said.

"Because we weren’t cheating it. It was Hayden without any sort of breathing apparatus, doing breath holds."

It is an impressive behind-the-scenes tidbit about the series as it shows Christensen's unwavering commitment to the role and making sure that his character's introduction will make a great impression.

In the end, it was all worth it as the scene was effective and his introduction certainly made a mark on fans who were waiting for Christensen's return.

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