• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Hayden Christensen, Darth Vader kick off Empire State Building 'Star Wars' campaign

4:03
Top moments and interviews from the Star Wars Celebration in London
Stephani Spindel/Reuters
ByStephen Iervolino
March 21, 2024, 9:46 PM

Hayden Christensen was on hand Thursday to kick off a "Star Wars" takeover of New York City's famed Empire State Building.

Christensen, who recently returned to the franchise as Anakin Skywalker in the Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and "Ahsoka," was joined by his alter-ego, Darth Vader, and a squad of Stormtroopers for the launch of the building's "March to May the 4th" campaign.

Actor Hayden Christensen participates in a Star Wars themed Empire State Building lighting ceremony on March 21, 2024, in New York.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust

The actor flipped an oversized ceremonial switch to turn the top of the building's lights Sith-red and officially start the festivities.

Related Articles

MORE: 'The Acolyte' trailer shows 1st look at new 'Star Wars' series: Watch here

Actor Hayden Christensen participates in a Star Wars themed Empire State Building lighting ceremony on March 21, 2024, in New York.
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Before he did, Christensen told the assembled media he was honored to represent the franchise, adding, "'Star Wars' has been a very important part of my life, and so it's a real pleasure to get to be here and see this amazing show that they're going to put on."

Hayden Christensen lights the Empire State Building ahead of the dynamic light show to celebrate the STAR WARS-themed takeover at The Empire State Building on March 21, 2024 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust

Editor’s Picks

Mark Hamill meets 'Star Wars' mom Natalie Portman in epic photo

  • Jan 09, 2024

New 'Star Wars' movie 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' announced

  • Jan 09, 2024

3 new 'Star Wars' films announced, including Daisy Ridley's return as Rey

  • Apr 07, 2023

The landmark will feature a "Star Wars" villain-themed window exhibition on Fifth Avenue, a giant Darth Vader Funko on the 86th floor observatory and a LEGO "Star Wars" exhibit for guests, among other fun activities.

There will also be a screening of "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" on Friday.

Disney is the parent company of Lucasfilm, ABC News and "Good Morning America."

Related Topics

  • Star Wars

Editor’s Picks

Mark Hamill meets 'Star Wars' mom Natalie Portman in epic photo

  • Jan 09, 2024

New 'Star Wars' movie 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' announced

  • Jan 09, 2024

3 new 'Star Wars' films announced, including Daisy Ridley's return as Rey

  • Apr 07, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Rihanna supports A$AP Rocky at 'Highest 2 Lowest' world premiere in Cannes

May 20, 2025

Billie Eilish adds new US leg to Hit Me Hard and Soft tour

May 20, 2025

Michelle Williams gets emotional discussing Heath Ledger and their daughter

May 19, 2025

'Sesame Street' headed to Netflix for reimagined season 56

May 19, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News