In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, I Was Almost Anakin Skywalker | 'Almost Famous' by Op-Docs
It was the late 1990s, and 3,000 young actors around the world were scouted for the role of a lifetime. On the ride home from school, Devon Michael’s mom told him he’d be auditioning for one of the most anticipated movies ever. “The Phantom Menace” - then the next installment of the “Star Wars” franchise - was in production, and they were searching for young Anakin Skywalker.
Growing up, Michael had small roles in commercials, television shows and movies. At 9 years old, he understood that an opportunity like “Star Wars” could change his life. From 3,000, the producers narrowed it down to three, and soon Michael was at Skywalker Ranch doing a test screen with George Lucas and Natalie Portman. The role ultimately went to Jake Lloyd, who experienced a level of criticism and bullying that would be alarming for even an adult actor. In Ben Proudfoot's "The Unchosen One," Michael shares his experience as a child actor and urges the public not to forget that they’re just kids.
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Credits
Director: Ben Proudfoot
Editor: Minh Hieu Bui
Featuring: Devon Michael
Producers: Elizabeth Brooke, Abby Lynn Kang Davis, Gabriel Berk Godoi, Ben Proudfoot, Brandon Somerhalder, Sarah Stewart
Co-Producer: Jeremy Lambert
Cinematographer: Byron Kopman
Original Score Composed and Orchestrated by: Nicholas Jacobson-Larson
Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer: Sean Higgins
Colorist: Stephen Derluguian
Post Production Supervisor: Dillon Brown and Laura Carlson
Cultural Consultant: David Faddis
Assistant Editor: Cody Wilson
Sound Designer: Tom Boykin
Additional Music: Erik Kertes
Musicians: Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, Erik Kertes, Garth Neustadter, Saxophone Greg Agid
Vocals: Loren Battley
Story Reported by: Dillon Brown
Consulting Cinematographer: Brandon Somerhalder
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Op-Docs is the New York Times’ award-winning series of short documentaries by independent filmmakers. Learn more about Op-Docs and how to submit to the series. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NYTopinion).
“Sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck”
Sometimes blessings come disguised as shortcomings.
Amen to that, given how difficult life was for Jake Lloyd after playing the role. I wonder what George’s feeling are on that.
@@RetrocadePodcast Yeah I think I saw an interview video where he was going to community college. Can’t George give him another million or two?
@@RetrocadePodcast he sold his studio to Disney because of all the criticisms, that's his reaction
Quite.
It’s strange, because looking at the auditions, he was clearly the best actor, and he deserved to get the part. And yet not getting it is the best thing that ever happened to him.
I don't know if he was the best, but in retrospect he was the best for the role considering Hayden's choices.
Dodged a bullet on that score.
I don’t agree I think jake did the best in the audition, jake was the most natural
In MY opinion, he was better than the third kid, but he kinda "UNDERacted". To be fair, I also feel Jake "OVERacted", but Jake did a bit better all things considered. In terms of looks though, he reminds me more of Hayden Christensen and Mark Hamill than Jake. It's sad (and somewhat weird) that being a part of something so magical had such a negative impact in both of their lives. I wonder how the third kid dealt with that as well. It's disgusting how toxic fans can be at times. I was a teenager back when EP 1 came out, a little older than them I think, and I really enjoyed the prequels. I disliked the sequels though, to the point of leaving EP 9 in the first 20 mins, but I never took it on the actors, after all it is so stupid to do so. Directors, producers, writers, these people are the ones to blame! They are ultimately the ones responsible for how the story unfolds, how the actors play their part in it, and how things end up in the big screen.
Jake Lloyd was much better. And his performance in the films was great! I can't actually recall another performance by a child actor that felt so genuine and compelling.
If I’m being honest, if I were George, I would’ve given the two losing boys a cameo or something just because of how crazy the idea of being in Star Wars is to young children.
Those throwaway parts were already given to George's three kids.
Yeah. I would have stuck them in the movie or used my weight to try and get them into a different movie (Lucas was/is friends with Spielberg, for example). Granted, that would have been like getting a participation ribbon and a pat on the head, but Michael looked like he had a lot of talent, and it would have been cool if Lucas didn't let that go to waste. I wonder what the other kid's story is. There were 3 in the end after all.
@@ScooterinAB No need to go after George's weight now.
Nah, he decided to cast his own children......
@@Schwansonian_Townsonian There are more than 3 or 4 children in the galaxy.
My heart breaks for Jake Lloyd. People really tried to destroy him.
They actually DID
tried? they did his schoolmates bullied him relentlessly
thankfully, star wars fans never harassed any actors ever again
They did
Those who say fans aren't toxic have never heard the tragedy of jake lloyd 😢
That deliver of "I won't always be" gave me chills, for real.
That single line could have resonated and envigorated the whole prequel trilogy
@@eyedunno8462 He goes from that little kid to kind of a dark subtle tone and look. The kid knew who Anakin was. I like Jake tho, shame things ended badly.
I thought the samething!
@@BoYcLuE Right?? The kid was on point!
It had depth.
I think he looked the part, he had a similar darkness behind his eyes that Hayden Christensen had in the role. Although not getting the part of Anakin was probably the best thing that ever happened to him. It completely broke and destroyed Jake Lloyd’s life.
I've been thinking the exact same thing watching this the entire way through
It makes you wonder though… he was SO much better than Jake and the other kid in the screen test. He was told the casting crew wanted him, but George wanted Jake. Would it have been different? Could he have done something more- better- than Jake Lloyd had, or was it all George’s direction that fouled it up? “Some people audition better.” Yeah… Because they’re better actors, Georgie! I do feel bad for Jake Lloyd tho. It’s horrible what the fandom did to him.
@@spaceguitar3290 y'know, even if he been cast it's possible his performance still could have failed due to the bad script, dialogue and directing.
I doubt it would have made a difference regarding the backlash. Haters didn’t like the fact that Darth Vader/Anakin was depicted as a precocious talented kid and wanted him to start out as a bad@ss jedi knight. I think haters would have attacked any actor regardless of their performance. They was a lot of hate directed toward Hayden too for being too whiny.
@@spaceguitar3290 Jake had more sincerity and more of what George was looking for at that point for the character. George was fundamentally trying to tell the story of how an innocent, angelic kid could turn into Hitler - it's the very idea that made him want to make the PT in the first place. He wasn't looking for darkness behind the eyes at that point. He was looking for a sweet kid who could display earnestness, affection and generosity - the way the character was written on the page. To my eyes, Jake's audition was much more sincere and less coached than the others. Of the ones auditioned, I think he was 100% the best choice.
That low key intensity of his performance. It's not that of an innocent little kid--which Anakin really wasn't, being a slave and all working for a trashy junk dealer. It's this Vaderish hint of intensity. It's thrilling.
I picture him in the Jedi Council scene and how better the scene would've been with that kind of ominous performance, foreshadowing what Anakin would become in EP2 and 3..Unfortunately apparently George had a completely different idea in his mind for the movie with the role of Anakin acting opposite of Jar Jar lol. In a way there's a complete disconnect between EP1 Anakin and his EP2 and 3 counterpart, as a kid before I knew Star Wars all that well, I honestly had no idea that this Anakin and the grown one were the same person lol
8:48 When he said 'I won't always be' there was so much depth behind it! Such a maturity. He would have been great in the role.
Jake would have been better in a pure comedy, something like Nativity. He didn't suit the fundamentally tragic character. But this is really an issue with Lucas, ep1 is very childish
@@oliverford5367 The way Jake said it though, was said with optimism. He didn't deliver the line the wrongly, just differently. Devon said it with a sombre almost foreboding tone, like he was already conflicted with something. They are both different takes which are equally effective.
@@samhain81 Devon's is way better for future Vader tho
He dodged a bullet, as far as I can see. He was far too good for Lucas's writing and directing - and both contributed to Jake Lloyd's (and Hayden Christensen's) ridicule for doing exactly what the writer/director wanted. I'm sure Devon actually wonders in those "what ifs" how he would have fared. He was clearly the best choice. Even as a child (with ONE line) there was something that showed the latent darkness lurking inside of Anakin through his delivery. It didn't have to be throughout the performance, just a few times, and what happened to him later would be more believable.
This isn't a story about self-sabotage. Devon tried his best, made it to the finals, and didn't get the part through no fault of his own. I admire him for not letting that rejection define the rest of his life.
It's a story of self-sabotage on George's part..
There were many, MANY people who thought Devon was "the one" once they saw his audition. Even now... he still looks like "the real" Anakin Skywalker.
well said
What is really sad is that both actors lives were changed for the worse.
@@MrDannyhak I don’t think he would do that purposely
The empathy he showed towards Jake Lloyd really got me. Great vid. Devon seems like a nice dude
I know right so beautiful
Really good vibe
same here
@@Fulcrum1313 yeah I’ve seen people say they came out with 7 to 9 no idea what they mean?
@@Fulcrum1313 me too.
It really shows how disgusting we humans could be. Attacking a kid who just played a character of a movie they don't like, at the end causing personal issues in his life and ending his career. Mark Hamill spoke up about this issue. As times goes by, we are losing more and more of the beauty we humans had. It's so upsetting that we have to accept this reality. 😢
Very few people attacked him. There was a small number of weirdos out there who take certain things very seriously but they are a minority. I am afraid that young boys problem probably came about from being in entertainment.
@@bighands69 um no. "very few" of a fanbase in the millions is still thousands of people
Star wars fans are toxic
@@ivanandrade1375 Most are not they are just normal people that love entertainment. They do not like a corporation taking advantage of their goodwill.
Kind of the directors fault that he put terrible line deliveries in the movie. I mean acting matters but if u do enough takes u can get it right. Many of Loyds lines were just terrible. Like on a grammar school play. George doesn’t seem good at recognizing human behavior or dialogue
Devon’s performance of Anakin makes it believable that he is actually the same person as Hayden Christensen’s Anakin. 8:48 That look in his eyes tells you that he DESIRES something, and he’s gonna get there one day. That’s the same Anakin from Ep2 and Ep3! “I’ll become the most powerful Jedi ever!” “I’ll even learn how to stop people from dying!”, Anakin always WANTS something, and Devon portrayed that excellently.
As Jake Lloyd was Anakin Skywalker first, what you're really saying is Hayden Christensen was the wrong choice for adult Anakin.
@@MaryBrownIsTheBlairWitch The prequels came out a over decades ago, we’re not in 1999 anymore, Hayden Christensen IS the definitive Anakin Skywalker. Perceptions changes over time, it won’t always stays the same. I might not see Jake Lloyd’s version as a problem before this video came out. But once I’ve seen this video, I can say that Devon’s version could’ve been the better piece of puzzle that fits the first part of the prequels. The whole point of the prequels is to tell the story of Anakin’s fall to the dark side because he is the kind of person that I described in the OP. So what I’m really saying is George Lucas dropped the ball in picking Jake Lloyd over Devon if we’re looking at the overall picture of Anakin’s story
@@yokgor4675 So what you're really saying is you wanted the first actor to evoke a successor the casting team wouldn't meet for another three years? Err... ooookay 🤨
@@MaryBrownIsTheBlairWitch Well more like evoking a character that’s been existed for two decades. I can see the Vader in Devon’s Anakin, I can see the Vader in Hayden’s Anakin. My point being they CONNECTS, Jake’s version feels out of place in comparison to Devon’s. What’s done is done, I’m just saying what could’ve been better in terms of serving the flow of the overall story in my opinion
Yep, I KNEW it, he was the one: when they showed the special features I was like "Why didn't they pick THAT kid?" All respect to Jake Lloyd though, he didn't deserve the cards he was dealt.
this guy was worse than Jake Lloyd.
@@stevenobrien557 Interesting take, have you tried not being wrong?
He didn't get picked because George was in the room. George Lucas obviously was looking for happy go lucky and not introspective and a bit sad. I would have picked the subject of this documentary as well. He fit my imagined tone of what a child slave would be.
@@majorlazor5058 Introspective and sad is exactly what I got from Devon's audition too, and it seemed perfect for Anakin when I 1st saw the doc on the DVD. That "I won't always be" line feels sad, but with a bit of heat on it, like "The Good Son" film vibes.
@@futurestoryteller after I left your mother, I swore I would never be wrong ever again
I actually remember watching part of this documentary and I thought specifically that Devon was the superior actor in the auditions.
And looked more like Luke Skywalker. George legit chose the wrong kid, imo
Same here! Been thinking this for years, was so shocked to see this video exist. Felt like it was made for me
Indeed.
guys please don't attack Jake Lloyd he did his best and It wasn't his fault
@@euximgarcia4066 didn’t attack him. Just said Devon gave the best audition.
I was almost Robin in Batman Forever. I felt the same way when Chris O'Donnell landed the part. When I watched the film I was glad I didn't get it. Totally understand his perspective. Great mini doc!!!!
Talk about dodging a bullet!
I heard that they wanted Leorando DiCaprio for Robin in that bullet.
Lol
Nobody believes you shaun…
@@blazingboi9913 Its the truth.
I worked with Devon over 10 years ago. Always considered him a friend and great guy. Learned a lot about Hollywood through conversations with him and his dad. That's awesome that someone at the NYT followed up with Devon to produce this story. Very neat!
Did you learn how evil holywood elites are and the true nature of the industry
The force is strong with this one.
how many times do you think this poor guy has been called brain laundrie this week
Hey movie man markkkkk
When I saw his audition tape on the DVD special edition way back in 2000 me and my friends looked at each other and said "that kid should've been the obvious choice."
Yep same here
Sadly there are a lot of stories like Devon's but there aren't many stories like his. He didn't let Lucas' rejection of him define his life and he's now found peace and a new career and a lovely wife who loves him. That's a much better ending than The Phantom Menace.
I used to work for Devon’s dad and worked with Devon. I consider him to be a friend. I had conversations with him and his dad about child acting, Hollywood, and Star Wars. I believe he made peace with the fact he didn’t get the role, but it’s something he won’t ever forget. Talk to them long enough and you will learn that he didn’t get the Anakin role. Devon is an awesome guy and I would suggest you look up his book “Graveyard Children”. His brother played Rusty on Full House.
I think George didn't want any darkness in Anakin as a child to show the contrast when he was a teen, sadly it would've been much more interesting if he went with the other kid
I can't say I blame him. Objectively, we all knew who Anakin was gonna become, so we didn't need foreshadowing. He wanted the contrast, as you said. Also, thanks :)
@@Fenrir827 Devon, I just finished watching this video and my praises for you are very extensive and superlative! What a GREAT and NATURAL ACTOR you are and a very compelling storyteller! And very, VERY HANDSOME as a kid and still now! You literally took my breath away! Literally Perfect! The Hair, The Eyes, The Face, The Style, The Talent, The Everything! Perfect, perfect, perfect...That's literally what I was thinking the whole time while I was watching this video! Don't know what George Lucas was thinking at the time but he sure missed out on you BIG TIME! Your partner is so lucky!! You're so perfect in every way OMG!!! Wish you were mine! I'm just 12 so forgive me for fangirling so hard like this!! But you literally made me fall in love in this video!!! Didn't think I'd ever have a type, but now I do! Now I know I'd love to be married to someone in the future who looks and acts EXACTLY like you! (Same blonde hair color as you, same bangs hair style as you, same eyes, same face!! I'm not even kidding, I literally fell in love and I think you're the most handsome guy I've ever seen! Please reply to me it would literally make my day! I LOVE YOU
I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I think George wanted Anakin to display genuine hope and light as a child, saving the intensity and darkness for his later years. Regardless, I agree that the other child came across as more of what Anakin should have been.
yea and I completely disagree with George. I think it's rather fairy tale-ish to go that root the most innocent kid becomes one of the darkest man. In my opinion Anakin should always have something in there, a possibility of darkness.
This shows that some dreams are best left unfulfilled
T. E. Lawrence talked of the dangers of the dreamers of the day.
He seems like a beautiful soul.
*tips hat*
And also hot
@SARA HOTGIRL VLOGS why?
Right? Shame that he didn't pursue acting because he really would be great. He nailed that audition. Put a lot of depth into those lines at just 9.
I always thought his audition was the best. Maybe George didn't want the intensity that was there because it was "too soon" in the story for there to be a darkness in anakin so he went with the seemingly happy go lucky delivery in Jake
That’s a good point, but considering he was obviously be the best actor of the three, that could have been easily remedied through direction. Just because he was “dark” in his audition doesn’t mean that’s all he could play. He could have easily toned it down, had Lucas directed him to.
Cause beeing a slave child is easy.
@@dreamawake2670 bahaha
That makes sense, I think you basically summed it all up. But I'll try to go in-depth just a bit more: I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
@@Nick-lz5lx That would have required George Lucas to direct his actors, which he famously doesn't do
"I won’t always be." Your look and your eyes said it all, I don't know how you did it, but there was a ton of feelings there. To me your audition was the best, no one can say what would have happened to your life if you had gotten the part. But no one can deny that you were the best actor in that audition.... And your message to adults who rudely criticize children, just because they are a public figure, is worth gold. All the best to you and your future family
@Fornax1984 Thanks, never drink and comment at the same time on social networks.
Thank you, and the same to you and yours :)
He’s a handsome man, they should bring him in for The Mandalorian!
That is a GREAT idea!
He certainly has some very striking eyes.
Yeah I think that'd be nice, even if it was a small role
Kyle Katarn maybe?
Why ? Acting and being a celebrity isn't the be all end all of life. He seems pretty happy with his decision.
Give him a part in one of the new Disney+ shows. He's earned it.
After what happened to Jake Lloyd's life because of winning the role, maybe deep down he's relieved....
Earned it, how exactly?
Please don't limit him to be involved in star wars. Star wars at this point is a cursed
He earned it by not getting this part and feeling sad about it? I empathise with him and understand that it would be heartbreaking but I wouldn't go so far as to say he earned it just because he wasn't given the role he wanted. If he earned it, then there are millions of people who are owed a movie role for their failures.
@@stormb3948 Found the libertarian.
I told a friend about this audition some years ago as I had seen it on KZhead. I said there was this kid, who was in the running for Anakin Skywalker and the moment he asks Natalie Portman “Are you an angel?” The hairs on my neck stood up, as I felt “this is the kid, this is the kid who grows up and puts on that helmet and wields that lightsaber and becomes Darth Vader! This is the person, who is now the focus of your documentary. Jake did a great job with what he was given but ultimately the call was down to George Lucas and what he was thinking, I’ll never know.
I remember watching the film of that audition process when it released; after having seen each boy's audition, I seriously though Devon was the best. Jake Lloyd didn't do poorly, but Devon embodied what I, at least, was what Anakin Skywalker would be at that age. In appearance and demeanor.
Somebody get this man a cameo role in the next star wars tv show
Yeah that be cool
Personally I think he resembles a young Sebastian Shaw aka Anakin from Return of the Jedi scene with Mark Hamil
If Lucas ends up doing a Luke Skywalker Jedi Temple show in the future, I’d love to have all three finalists show up as cameos, maybe even be small parts as Luke’s students. That’d be a great fan deep cut and just a redemptive moment for these guys, especially Jake. Then again, I don’t know if any of the three would like to be a part of it, seeing how the reaction turned out.
I could see him starring in a Star Wars video game!
Mandalorian cameo needed. At least that show has some credit amongst the fans 👍👍
His performance was so much more real and impactful. I wonder if this maybe ended up being a subconscious cuteness contest for George Lucas
I thiught he was cuter than Jake Lloyd, as well as giving a better performance, but it's all a matter of opinion.
I also thought his performance was better than Jake Lloyd's in the test, but Jake was good too. I think it's possible that Jake reminded George Lucas of himself at that age, and that's why he gravitated towards him. I thought Jake acted better in his screen test than in the movie itself, and that's not Jake's fault, that's the director's fault. I really like Devon's attitude about it, he's not trashing Jake. He's sorry he didn't get the role, but his life wasn't ruined because of it. Good for him.
@@latebloomerabroad 100%
What evidence is there in any of these movies that George Lucas understands naturalistic acting?
@@futurestoryteller Ahahaha, such a good point 😂
Just watch Natalie's natural reaction to every kid's line at 8:06. The strongest was definitely Devon.
I was so impressed by her - talent, presence, intensity - I'm surprised I got out a single line.
@@Fenrir827 I got the lead role in a FF when I was 11. Funding "fell through" two weeks before filming was due to start. Remember thinking "what a ridiculous business to be in". As you know, everything that glitters ain't gold. (p,s I have a very good life). Be well.
@@Fenrir827 I remember watching your audition years ago and thinking 'wow, that kid is good'. It turns out though that, just like Jake, your talent might not have been enough to spare you from a really dark fate. Even Natalie Portman's talent and presence was muted in the prequels to the point that she caught a lot of negative feedback from the fans as well. George has never been an openly emotive person and as such his directing skill tends to lack the ability to pull emotion from others. Neither Natalie or Jake deserved all the nasty and vicious attacks they received as they performed their roles exactly as asked. Your own natural talent for delivery, timing and storytelling are evident even in your interview here and it would be interesting to see you return to acting at some point in the future. Lastly, I truly admire your kind words for Jake. There are many, many of us who feel horrible for how his situation played out. He did a fantastic job and didn't deserve the weight of the world crushing his soul at that young age. I really do hope he is doing well these days.
I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
@@Vandicoup I don't think George really knew what he was doing at that point. Anakin needed to be dark, even as a kid.
I remember watching the documentary for the first time, and getting to the auditions for Anakin. Jake obviously felt right since he was the one who was cast and who we'd seen on-screen, but when they showed Devon's rehersal with Natalie? It was like night and day how much better he was, and my instant reaction was to ask the gods why he wasn't cast. He was clearly the superior choice. Don't get me wrong - Jake was a Hollywood darling and it's clear that George wanted a charming, adorable little cherub for the role, but that's not what Anakin needed to be. Happy, bubbly, bright, and optimistic are not the traits of a character that develops into that universe's most notorious villain. What Devon gave the character, however - the emotion in his eyes, and that ever-so-slight undertone of darkness in that last line, the weight of personality he brought to the screen...he could have easily set the tone for what Anakin should have been in the prequels, and the movies would have been SO much better for it.
"Happy, bubbly, bright, and optimistic are not the traits of a character that develops into that universe's most notorious villain". But that's.... the entire point of Anakin's character. That he was a good, kind, optimistic person that turned bad.
@@misssoso5859 "Happy, bubbly, bright, and optimistic are not the traits of a character that develops into that universe's most notorious villain" would have worked if Anakin is a freeborn. Intensity is needed to portray Anakin's slave background.
Uh look at Jake Lloyd now. The happy bubbly optimistic kid doesn't exist anymore because he had a tough childhood just like Anakin.
Much more on-screen chemistry between him and Natalie too.
I remember seeing the documentary and thinking they made a big mistake not choosing Devon. I'm glad he found his own path and you can tell by this doc that he is a fantastic storyteller. Not to forget to mention Ben, fantastic work once again!
He’s still acting. He’s story telling seemed like he was working a script. Including carefully calculated facial expressions. Interesting.
Its the best thing that happened to Devon. The movie ruined Jake's life mentally
He’s a good storyteller.
Did this make anyone else cry? What a well made documentary that poses the question of how we treat children who are in the public eye. This documentary had me quiet emotional and I hope that both Devon and Jake are doing well.
Clearly this kid should have played young Anakin...
He looks like Leonardo DiCaprio, even as a kid. He even talks like him.
That's what George thought initially
Dude wtf, he does 😂
Him and Leo sound the same
It’s the eyes
@@Zaron_Gaming Interesting. I didn't know that.
Well then, it’s a good thing he didn’t play Anakin. He really dodged a bullet.
I’ll have to disagree. He could have portrayed young Anakin better or differently. So there’s no guarantee what the public reaction would be. Besides George Lucas directed it. Actors only follows the directors orders and vision for the movie.
@@iMadrid11 Exactly, you just proved my point. Unless the film itself was directed differently, it was always going to fail. Whether or not Jake was Anakin wouldn’t have fixed the other glaring issues this movie had. The only actors whose careers were not destroyed by this movie were Natalie Portman, Samuel Jackson and Liam Neeson.
@@jayguero2123 Harry Ford
@@sorintatarciuc talking about Phantom Menace specifically.
@@jayguero2123 and Ewen McGregor
Imagine George watching this and being like “I should of cast that kid.” In his nonchalant unassuming down to earth George voice 😂
lmfao, I can hear it.
I hear it in the Gob Bluth “I’ve made a huge mistake” voice.
Bahaha, he' d be punchinf his desk
I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
It's not everyone's fault. Humans makes mistakes. Plus, star wars at this point is a curse. Every famous actors or any newer actors are having this curse and it would never go away. Everything is a mess and the fan community is a curse because ever fan or toxic fan would physically troll the actors and spreading lies and hate against them on Purpose. The star wars fans are just toxic and annoying. Some fans casually dislikes star wars and yelled "Boooooo I Hate Star Wars" in the theatre and then walking their way out.
I cannot believe I remember this guys brother from full house.😂
This was at once painful and lovely. I wish Devon Michael and Jake Lloyd peace and grace. The Hollywood machine, the fame machine, is cruel to children, and this is a poignant reminder that we are all complicit in that.
Jake Lloyd needs as much as he can get
I used to work for Devon’s dad and with Devon. They taught me a lot about what happens behind-the-scenes in Hollywood. It’s a tough business and the worst part are the parents who will trample over anyone if they think it gives their kid an edge to get a role.
That “All my life” line during the screen test had so much importance to the character. Lloyd says it like he was asked if he brushes his teeth, or cleans his room: with weariness and disinterest. The 2nd kid says the line flatly, no emotion. You said it as if you were pleasantly surprised at the question. Like, “Yeah, all my life, isn’t it cool?” But then, I’m not George Lucas.
But look at what Lloyd is doing during the audition; he's interacting with what's on the table, he's not directly just looking right into Natalie Portman's eyes. He's acting like a kid who's tired at a junkshop and trying to get things done while he's talking to a customer. I think that, and the way he played "I won't always be" (in a way that didn't make the line sound absolutely disgusting when you think about what it means, but more like, "hey, life changes, you know"), are what sealed the deal, for Lucas. His absentmindedly fixing the stuff on the table is a good link back to Luke working on parts while he's talking to the droids about his life during his second scene in the movie in the first "Star Wars", and I can see Lucas innately appreciating that since he was the guy who directed Mark Hamill to do that during that scene in the first place.
@@blofeld39 exactly!
they say it's never a good idea to meet your hero, it's true. obviously, the "wizard behind the curtain" didn't know what he's doing after all.
The way he said "I won't always be" was the only reading out of the 3 that reflected the gravitas of that line. That line refers to the central through line of the entirety of the Lucas saga. And he carries it with depth, yearning, darkness, and everything that it entails thematically. None of the others had that.
@@pseudonymousbeing987 Ironically, the line was cut from the finished film.
When you really want something badly and it's taken from you, it's the worst type of pain that will always be there. He doesn't care the film was poorly received, he wanted that role and he knows he could have made the film better. I hope he finds peace.
I went to high school with Jake. There were 1000 people on my class alone, so I didn't know him or met him. I didn't speak English back then, so that didn't help. He walked around highschool very quietly but the whispers of others were always there as the kid who played Star Wars. The Star Wars kid... I'm not sure he quite ever looked proud of having done the role. Maybe and hopefully he was, but he sort of never walked around like that
May The Force Be With You… Almost Anakin.
Ha
His performance so much better than Jake Lloyd's. Pity they didn't cast him. Pity what happened to Jake Lloyd in the end too.
Not Jake Lloyd's fault whatsoever, but yeah. You could really see it in the initial clip with Portman.
I really don't think it's performance. They were all pretty talented. With a few instructions, any of them could play Skywalker. He was just a little older and looked more mature than Jake. No matter who played Skywalker, the films were mediocre.
No one escapes Star Wars unscathed. Everyone pays a price.
Prequels would have still sucked
I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
Devin was definitely a deeper actor. His last line was delivered in a world of hurt. We all know where that leads. Jake was the most open and fun audition, that's what G.Lucas wanted. In hindsight, though, and knowing the grip the darkside has on Anakin, Devin would've been the right cast. I kinda wish they filmed it with both boys and chose at the end.
This documentary is better than the Phantom Menace.
His eyes look beautiful
See, this is why Devon is lowkey one of the coolest and most chill people I’ve had the pleasure to meet, I never knew he audidioned for SW. What a cool experience to have. Very inspiring. Keep it up, Dev, you’re a real one.
Shoutout to the guy who wrote the music to this video. It's so perfectly Star Wars without being Star Wars
Jake was the Anakin Lucas wanted. Devon was the Anakin the fans deserved.
But for real, how was he not cast? His audition tape was far and away the best of the three. The way he said "I won't always be" made me go cold realizing that was tiny Vader
Probably because George cast Jake Lloyd for his resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio who he wanted to play grown up Anakin
You answered the question. I think Lucas didn't want the audience "go cold" watching Anakin. He wanted him to be the kind of kid people wouldn't ever think could turn out to be a mass murderer. I agree that Devon seemed to be the most talented, but he went for what he assumed tiny Vader should be. George had a different approach in mind. I wouldn't say Jake wasn't talented, either. We shouldn't forget, these three were selected from 3000 kids. Jake was kind of a soap opera type, while Devon was like a little Batman/Bruce Wayne after his parents got killed (I'm exaggerating a bit). Different set of skills for different genres. And Lucas always loved the 1950s and '60s serials that were a little cheesy. Jake was closer to that. I'm sure Devon could have pulled off the Anakin George wanted to see, but... I think George was aware that talking with the actors and giving them specific directions wasn't his strongest side. He looked for someone who is closest in attitude and personality, on his own, to the Anakin he imagined.
@@starlighter930617 Exactly. I love that assessment. While I don't blame anyone, people can be a bit too quick to already prefer a different actor/actress over the other. George had his reasons at the end of the day and I think you nailed the possible reasons!
Disagree. I think Jake had the best delivery and felt more natural
@@detectivehawk4976 not agree
absolutely mistified by this guy's piercing blue eyes. they have a very alien and deep quality to them
Wow. That scene where he tells Padme "I won't always be"? I can see how the room in that moment would tear up. He was so earnest. I wanted to be a child actor at that age *desperately*. I'm glad it didn't work the way I wanted. I also hope Jake Lloyd is doing well. Fanboy fanatics are just as cruel now as they were then.
Jake was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020. I hope he is getting the treatment he needs and that we continue to highlight the need to protect children in any business where a LOT of money is involved.
"It occured to me that this..." *dramatic pause* Holy Unholy he's still acting even in small moments
I don't understand how a child can think "this could be my way out". He sounds like an adult who has made some bad decisions and finally has a chance to turn things around.
Wow...in his audition he actually made that stilted, wooden dialog sound natural and gave it some emotional weight while conveying the inherent sadness and darkness of the character with his eyes. He couldn't of saved the movie had he got the part, but I feel he definitely would've made it better.
Couldn't have* saved the movie.
Whelp...looks like we found that one kid who always reminded the teacher that they hadn't assigned homework yet.
@@DementedDistraction Sorry. It's just a really grating thing for me when I see that particular mistake in written English. Because I know it comes from people mishearing the spoken "would've," which just reminds me further that nobody is reading anymore. I fully acknowledge that it's my problem, but if you do care about having proper command of your language hopefully you will remember that "would of" is actually "would've." Or, you can keep writing it wrong just to prove to me that I can't influence you. Whichever.
@@Progger11 You're correct. It's bad when people try to correct slang or a dialect. But "could of" is just a silly mistake made by illiterate people.
@@zammmerjammer Just let people say things guys, it's not like they're addressing congress with a declaration or whatever. They're speaking in a comment section, so let them make mistakes just as a normal human would in regular speech. Slipping up doesn't make you stupid or illiterate, nor does using more unique patterns of speech such as "could of" make one a nuisance or destructive to the english language as a whole. No need to mess up someone's day by criticizing something so trivial.
As someone who was an assistant to an incredibly well known actress and didn’t have it go well… I get the “inescapable” almost torture of it. Can’t imagine that for a kid. But watching the union movement and shared stories from others working in the industry… my inner story has changed. I’m now relieved I left the industry.
I did a TV show here in Toronto and the direction the series took was devastating and utter exploitation. The system is like a cult in terms of how things are done. I always wanted to work in show buisness, but with the advent of the internet and KZhead, this is the future of the entertainment industry. No longer run by the studios bias but by independent creators with no limits of imagination.
How bad could it have been being Wynona Ryder's assistant? She's on Stranger Things. Big hit show.
@@I_WANT_MY_SLAW you don't know who it is, why are you assuming?
@@kimberleywilliams7802 It's Wynona Ryder.
People almost always seem happy to leave that industry
Teared up. What a turn around. Finding your own story instead of pursing the ideal one we all can see, really liberates you
It really must be like dodging a bullet after he saw what happened to poor Jake...
He was by far the better of the 3 finalists. Lucas’ instincts were wrong.
It's weird too, because Lucas is really good at casting; he launched a bunch of careers with American Graffiti and SW.
@@21stcenturyhiphop in a behind the scenes documentary or webisode thing Lucas talks about how it was difficult about casting a kid and how he was wrong about not knowing how difficult it would be
He had Leonardo DiCaprio in mind for AOTC Anakin, and Lloyd looked the most like him. Maybe that's another reason. Sucks because this kid looks the most like Hayden in addition to being the better actor.
What I wanna knw is, how did tht 3rd kid make it to the finals??? 😂
@wespozo Right, because Lucas was also right about the dialogue choices made in the prequels...
The crazy thing is that the adult version of him actually looks similar to when Vader removes his helmet at the end of Return of the Jedi.
What a wonderful story. Just recently I auditioned for the Galactic starcruiser hotel at Disneyworld. Made it past almost 4000 people. Ten others and I tried for rolls in LA. I ended up not making it and felt really heartbroken. This really put things in perspective. Thank you.
The other finalist for the role (Michael Angarano) starred in Sky High, that's an underrated film
He was also nominated for an Emmy for his role in This is Us.
Pony 'Eleven? Eleven!'
So, in short, the fate is smiling to the other two almost famous, but not to Jake Loyd.
Beautiful mini-doc. Disney should give him a cameo in one of their many upcoming Star Wars projects.
He deserves better than Disney’s interpretation of Star Wars.
@@johnnyfavorite1194 lol
Since he's now an author maybe he can help write the script for the next Star Wars.
Why would he accept a role from Disney now? He's obviously made peace with his decision to leave acting behind. Accepting a random role in Star wars would be like Disney handing him a participation trophy, for 'almost being cast as Anakin,' roughly 18 years ago. That's bad enough, but then there's the fact that they had nothing to do with Star Wars back then.
It was interesting hearing what Devon thought about how to play Anakin. His attempt to "look calm and focused" was probably what made him seem less natural to the casting group. I think he had the acting talent to give them what they wanted, though, if he'd only received clearer direction. Jake Lloyd lucked out that he guessed better at how they Lucas and the others wanted Anakin to be played. Unfortunately, Jake was then unlucky in that he still didn't get much good direction during the filming. You can tell even the experienced adult actors struggled with much of the dialogue in TPM. Jake was clearly talented, but he was still a kid and needed more direction.
Indeed on Jake needing more direction. And unfortunately for him, George Lucas has not ever really been an “actor’s director,” so that issue especially crops up with child actors who are naturally going to need much more direction. Jake Lloyd needed a director more like Chris Columbus who was notoriously known for being a great director when it came to kid actors, hence why they got him for the first two Harry Potter movies.
I still see that talent in his eyes even after all these years
Wow, that was very well done and very moving. I’d wondered what became of him after the doc was released so long ago. He auditioned so well from the small clip released, I was always surprised George did not pick him. Glad he’s doing well.
loved this documentary. Also thought this man looked a bit like James McAvoy.
I remember watching the behind the scenes foe episode one and seeing those screen tests and immediately thinking wow, we kind of missed out on the perfect kid for anakin skywalker. There was just something super real about his expression, how he spoke. It was almost like he already had that slightly darker side to him which is so much more compelling. Shame man!
Devon Michael’s captured the mature aspect of Anakin’s personality, almost close to Hayden Christensen. But Jake Lloyd was the innocence of Anakin, a 9 year old boy who dreamt of flying away, a boy who would eventually loose his childhood. I think that’s what George wanted, to demonstrate the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker, the boy who become Darth Vader.
I always wondered what happened to him after I saw the Phantom Menace documentary back in the day. I vividly recall thinking how perfect his audition was. He was clearly the best choice for the role, but I guess George thought otherwise. I'm glad he's been able to make peace with what happened. Side note: Let what happened to Jake serve as an example of why it's important to be unconditionally kind to people, regardless of what you think of them and of their work.
Tears. You have those kids Devon and you continue to celebrate your beautiful life. The reason you weren’t chosen was because you simply outclassed the biggest Thud in cinematic history.
Shame this one rejection brought him down to the point where he decided to quit acting.
you missed the point
@@jeronimodeltoro9572 H O W ?
This was just made so well! Great narration! There is so much love and insight in the editing! What a great deal of respect for the material, people involved and the many stories united under the title of Star Wars.
Really interesting to hear what happened to him. As soon as I saw the audition tapes Devon definitely caught my attention and seemingly most of the cast and crew. Just a bit sad to hear it was such a let down to him that that he quit acting all around, that there was no fun in it anymore... he seemed like a promising young actor. Funny how one event like that can change your whole life trajectory, and maybe it was better if that rejection came earlier rather than later. Must've also stung to be THAT close, second runner up, because you've subconsciously built up all that hope and excitement and thinking "maybe I can do this". I've had my fair share of auditions as a youngster too but I was more doing it for the experience/money than actual interest in acting so whenever I didn't get something it didn't bother me much. So close but so far away... I promise there's another universe where you got picked... but glad you found a way to leave that behind you in this one and not let it define you. Also my jaw dropped when you said Rusty is your brother ! Now I see the resemblance haha.
I searched for these auditioned child artists years ago. Thank you for posting this video today.
Jake Lloyd didn't have it any easier either, he ended up going to jail because of a schizophrenic episode. I think this is a story about a near-miss disaster.
Yep and unlike Lloyd he seems to have had a much stable and happier life post Phantom Menace. So in the end losing the part was a silver lining for him.
its not like he delevoped Schizophrenia 100% because of star wars! He probably would have gotten sick anyways
Schizophrenia isn’t caused by being a child actor!
@@sarcasticallyrearranged but trauma and extreme stress can trigger, or worsen it.
@@sarcasticallyrearranged schizophrenia is triggered by trauma.
The first time I saw that documentary, it was physically painful to see how great that kid was. I would have loved to see him in the movie. It helps to know he’s doing well regardless. I’m happy to see that losing this part didn’t ruin his life.
This was so eye opening! Thank you for creating this interview both Ben and Michael 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Editor who edited this video is an absolute genius. Especially the ending portions videos
I remember watching this documentary in the DVD back in 2000 and the first thing that came to my mind was "this guy was perfect for the part! He looks so mature and wise for his age". I'm so sorry Devon didn't get it.
I've watched a number of your Op-Docs now, Ben, and you always mange to find just the right takeaway from each of your subjects, the universal in their specific. Beautiful, beautiful work!
Congratulations Ben, This was really well done. Great storytelling & editing.
Very well made documentary, didn't plan on finishing but the story-telling and production quality was enthralling.
An amazing story told by an amazing storyteller. Thank you so much to Devon Michael, Ben Proudfoot and the crew for bringing this to light.
I remember seeing him in the special features on the 2000 dvd of the movie, and even back then I thought he was the better actor. But seeing what Jake Lloyd experienced after, he probably lived better without getting that role.
Considering what happened to Jake Lloyd, I'd say Devon Michael didn't miss out on much.
I remember seeing these auditions in the DVD features and going "Okay, so they had one kid who read it like a school play, one kid who read it totally flat, and one kid who played it perfectly, looked more believably like a young version of Hayden Christensen's Anakin, and played it in a way that would have perfectly led into the character in episodes 2 and 3 And Lucas went with the one who read it like a school play"
True 🤦♂️
Oh...You said he looked like a young Hayden Christensen Anakin before Hayden was even cast to play Anakin eh?
I ❤️ the humility of this man. God bless you, sir!
This is beautiful! ❤️ I love people who turn their pains into lessons and make them transform into better people.
This was so beautifully impactful. I was expecting to relate to it, but man, I was so invested. Such an incredible little documentary
He was the best out of them by far, but man did he dodge a bullet by not getting the role. Poor Jake
Wow his more serious and mature take on Anakin in that shop scene was honestly better. That almost felt like what anakin was supposed to be. He gave him that sinister undertone even as a child
But then Qui Gonn would never have believed in him, if he thought he was sinister.
I haven't seen a op-doc thats made me cry so much at the end. Well done... :)
A beautiful story with engaged responses from us viewers. These releases are exactly the kind of entertainment I like! Keep 'em coming, Ben.
He really grew up to look at lot like Sebastian Shaw, crazy
Get this man in the next Star Wars production ASAP I love his story Make it happen!
Ben, It is is always a plus to dig deeper into a back story. I had seen Devon clips on other making-of feeds and felt he could be the one. Your story captures how everyone sees the world differently(Lucas) and that things don't always line up in life. Devon does a great job of reminding us all of this in your film.