Hayden Christensen (Anakin) lopes into a room with an aura that exudes both polite reserve and an underlying sense of confidence. Without cockiness.

Christensen understands that his debut in George Lucas' amazing franchise will change his life, perhaps giving him fame in ways not so appealing. Along with a close family relationship, the young actor says the best way to deal with movie stardom is to "think of it as just a job--an unusual one, but still a job. I get my fulfillment from the work and from playing these characters."

Lucas himself gave Christensen a valuable lesson. "He told me the most important thing was to only pay peripheral attention to the fame thing and not embrace it ... to deal with it all with humility."

Speaking of humility, that started right on the set of Episode II. Christensen kept having problems keeping his pants on--so to speak. "For some reason--mainly because I jump around trying to save people a lot--my pants kept splitting, right in the most embarrassing places. They just kept splitting. I was embarrassed but [co-star] Ewan [McGregor] loved it! Every time it happened, he accused me of trying to steal the scene."

Since Anakin Skywalker will eventually become Darth Vader, one had to wonder if Christensen tried to imitate James Earl Jones' classic Darth voice. "I must admit I did practice. ... I tried to emulate him, but I just can't quite get that voice. I really don't know how they will justify my voice becoming Darth Vader--when we get to that point. But I'm sure they'll think of something."

As for future roles, Christensen has many options to consider, but one might strike some as surprising. "I am a huge fan of 'The Simpsons,' and have been since I was a really young kid. It's just a classic television show--so well written. I would kill for a cameo on that show."