This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka.
Summary
- Anakin's Force Ghost appeared in various forms throughout Star Wars canon, guiding those he left behind and acknowledging his mistakes.
- Anakin has also returned in the books and comics, creating new moments just as crucial as those from the movies and TV shows.
- Anakin's various appearances raise questions about whether his spirit still has a dark side, which could be explored if his Force Ghost returns for future projects.
Anakin Skywalker may have died in Return of the Jedi, but he had returned as a Force Ghost throughout Star Wars canon. As the central character of George Lucas' Star Wars movies, Anakin left behind an important legacy, making him just as important to the saga after the fall of the Empire. Almost everyone in the galaxy was affected by Anakin's turn to the dark side, especially his friends and family, and this didn't end after Anakin's death. Luke Skywalker chose to honor the Jedi Anakin once was, Ahsoka Tano was conflicted over training Jedi because of what happened to her master, and Ben Solo followed in his grandfather's footsteps.
This made it crucial for Anakin's Force Ghost to return to Star Wars in some capacity, acknowledging his mistakes and guiding those he left behind. Most of Anakin's appearances happened in the movies and TV shows, but his return in the books and comics contained moments just as crucial to the Star Wars timeline. Whether watching over those close to him, helping someone in need, or helping to save the galaxy again, Anakin's Force had a significant role in the Star Wars saga. From the Battle of Endor to the Battle of Exegol, Anakin's Force Ghost has appeared six times in Star Wars canon.
Your browser does not support the video tag. 6 Anakin Skywalker's Force Ghost Joined Obi-Wan & Yoda In Return Of The Jedi 
Anakin's first appearance as a Force Ghost was at the end of Return of the Jedi, watching over his son alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Initially portrayed by Sebastian Shaw in the theatrical release, Anakin's Force Ghost was changed to Hayden Christensen for the 2004 DVD release, which is how he has appeared in every subsequent release. This moment was brief yet highly impactful, with Anakin looking at Luke with pride while Luke sees his father as the man he always imagined. It was a powerful way for Lucas to end his Star Wars saga, though it wouldn't be the last time Anakin's Force Ghost appeared in canon.
5 Anakin Helped Lina Graf's Crew Escape Vader's Castle 
Anakin's next timeline appearance came in Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader's Castle #5 by Cavan Scott. When Lina Graf and her crew arrived at Fortress Vader on Mustafar to rescue their friend, they were captured by Vaneé, a former servant of Vader who sought to bring his master back to life. The heroes escaped and left Vaneé trapped and breathing in toxic fumes that showed a person their worst fear, in his case, the spirit of Vader. Lina and her crew became lost in the mist until they saw a blue light that they assumed came from Lina, but it turned out to be Anakin guiding them to safety.
4 Anakin Helped Ahsoka In The World Between Worlds 
Although Anakin did not appear as a Force Ghost, his spirit helped Ahsoka Tano in the World Between Worlds following her near-death experience. Anakin used the World Between Worlds to take Ahsoka through her past, helping her understand what led Anakin to the dark side and how she could be better than he was. While Anakin's other Force Ghost appearances portrayed him as a beacon of light, Anakin showed his dark side while fighting Ahsoka, brandishing a red blade with his eyes turned yellow. It's interesting to consider whether Anakin's spirit still had darkness or whether he feigned aggression to help Ahsoka.
