Long before Charlie Hunnam became a part of Netflix’s Rebel Moon, Zack Snyder’s take on Star Wars, the actor almost played an iconic role in the epic space opera franchise. The Sons of Anarchy star revealed he had auditioned for the part of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, and he was close enough to do it that he already had a meeting with the franchise’s creator, George Lucas.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hunnam admitted he had almost forgotten about vying for the role until he was asked about it, and he realized he had nearly become a part of the Star Wars world. “I had forgotten that until you said that, but yes, I did. Years and years ago, I met George Lucas,” he said.
The British actor believes the filmmaker doesn’t usually meet a lot of actors, so he feels privileged to be one of them. At the time, he recalled that there were only two or three actors they were considering playing as Anakin Skywalker. Though he couldn’t remember much, he knew he was nervous and felt awkward.
Hunnam realized he had blown the meeting and failed to get the part. “I just remember walking out and thinking, 'Well, I'm definitely not getting that role,' and I was correct,” he said. Eventually, the role went to Hayden Christensen, now famous for playing Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars universe.
What role does Charlie Hunnam play in Rebel Moon?
Charlie Hunnam plays the role of Kai in Rebel Moon. He’s a mercenary pilot whose Tawau-Class aircraft will greatly help Kora's journey. As a down-and-dirty hustler, he can do any fight and even hold all forms of hostile negotiation.
Talking about his training for his character, the 43-year-old said he was “really resistant to the training.” He revealed he had no idea it was badly needed, so it was a big surprise. He also didn’t want to show up on set because of team building. With everything they had been through for this epic space movie, Hunnam said everyone poured “blood, sweat, and tears” together in the gym.
Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire will be released on Netflix on Thursday, December 21, followed by Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver on April 19, 2024. Though Hunnam didn’t make it on Star Wars, at least he has become a part of Snyder’s epic project.
