Hayden Christensen, the riveting actor who plays gifted young Anakin Skywalker in Episode II will be at Celebration II in the Indiana Convention Center this May. Christensen will celebrate with Star Wars fans the coming premiere of Attack of the Clones in what will be his only convention appearance this year.

Christensen, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in last year's drama Life As a House, was the perfect choice for the complex role. He will carry Anakin through his transformation from earnest Padawan learner to the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader.

Robin Gurland, Casting Director for Attack of the Clones, said about Christensen, "Hayden has those special qualities you hope to find in an actor. He pops off the screen. And he had two of the characteristics that I was really seeking for the character of Anakin: He has the vulnerability, and he has the edginess that's needed. We really had to have that combination, and it's rare to find an actor who can go back and forth so well."

When the then 19-year-old Canadian actor was selected as the new Anakin for Episodes II and III, he knew he would be filling a key role in the Star Wars saga -- a part played by actors ranging from eight-year-old Jake Lloyd in The Phantom Menace, to 82-year-old Sebastian Shaw in Return of the Jedi.

Christensen's screen credits include The Virgin Suicides, Strike, and In the Mouth of Madness. His television credits are Purple Haze, Free Fall, and he was a regular on the series Higher Ground.

Christensen is a 6-foot-1-inch athlete who has played everything from hockey to football. He plays competitive beach paddle tennis with his brother; works out on the trampoline; goes skateboarding, rollerblading and mountain biking. Christensen even practiced stage fighting -- a skill that he honed while working with Attack of the Clones Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard.

"Star Wars has always been big for my generation," Christensen said. "When Episode I came out my entire high school went to the theater for the first showing. It was a big event, and to be a part of that now is very special."

Christensen will be on stage for interviews at Celebration II, and to answer questions from the audience. Hear what it's like to learn to use a lightsaber, to work in a Star Wars film, and to portray the greatest Jedi of all time, Anakin Skywalker.

Visit the official Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Celebration II site to register for three spectacular days of Star Wars fun in Indianapolis, May 3, 4 and 5, and learn the details on programs, guests, displays, and special events.