Which actor played young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace?

Jake Lloyd played young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace. Released in 1999, the film introduced Anakin as a gifted nine-year-old slave living on Tatooine who dreams of becoming a pilot and escaping his harsh life.

Lloyd was chosen after a lengthy search involving thousands of candidates. His mechanical interests and energetic personality helped convince director George Lucas that he suited the role. Before Star Wars, Lloyd had appeared in television and films including Jingle All the Way.

A common mix-up is confusing Lloyd with Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin as a teenager and young adult in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Liam Neeson played Qui-Gon Jinn, while Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi. Because the later films follow Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader, the role was divided among actors at different ages.