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Ryan Phillippe's Anakin Dream Dashed at 29

4/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

At just 29, Ryan Phillippe was deemed too old to play Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars," despite a screen test alongside Natalie Portman. Fellow contender Joshua Jackson felt the fierce competition among young actors, yet he never had the chance to meet George Lucas. Dreams of galactic fame slipped away for both.

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Story summary

At just 29, Ryan Phillippe was deemed too old to play Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars," despite a screen test alongside Natalie Portman. Fellow contender Joshua Jackson felt the fierce competition among young actors, yet he never had the chance to meet George Lucas. Dreams of galactic fame slipped away for both.