Anakin Skywalker’s story has long captivated audiences since his introduction in the Star Wars series. From slave to Jedi Knight, his journey is one of drama and excitement.
For those looking to emulate Anakin’s iconic look, these steps for creating your own costume will have you channeling the power of the Force in no time. A bit of effort and patience is all it takes to become the Jedi Knight you’ve always dreamed of being.
How to Dress Like Anakin Skywalker
Hair
Anakin Skywalker’s hairstyle is as much a part of his character as his journey from slave to Jedi Knight. In ‘Attack of the Clones’ and ‘Revenge of the Sith,’ Skywalker sports long brown locks, but in ‘The Phantom Menace’ he sports a shorter cut with an asymmetrical undercut.
Changing hair styles actually indicates a progression from Padawan to Master in the Jedi Order, so be sure to get this part right.
Most cosplayers choose to go with his full locks look from Revenge of the Sith, so if you already don’t have long-flowing hair, you will need to utilize a wig to capture this look.
Scar
Anakin Skywalker’s scar is a defining aspect of his appearance, and a necessary element to include when embodying the character through cosplay. While traditionally placed on the face, some cosplayers opt for a body scar. Whether you choose to place the scar on your face or body, the key is to use the right adhesive to achieve the desired effect.
While a special prosthetic adhesive is the easiest option, liquid latex or spirit gum can also be used as long as they won’t harm your skin. The scar is an iconic part of Anakin’s look, and a must-have when cosplaying as the Jedi Knight.
Jedi Robe
Anakin Skywalker’s wardrobe is mainly composed of Jedi garb, consisting of cream or tan robes and an over tunic. In the prequel trilogy, Skywalker wears an all-black suit underneath his Jedi robes that becomes a staple of his character as he becomes more bitter and sinister.
To dress like an Anakin Skywalker from either Star Wars trilogy, you’ll need to have an olive green or brown cotton tunic with an inner black button-up shirt and pants. You’ll also need an outer robe or cloak with an attached hood and an ephod that shows your character’s affiliation with the Jedi Order.
Authentic High Quality Anakin Costumes
Lightsaber
Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber is a visual representation of his character arc throughout the Star Wars saga. As any true Star Wars aficionado knows, a Jedi’s lightsaber is a reflection of their connection to the Force. In his days as a Jedi, Anakin wields a lightsaber that radiates a striking blue light, symbolizing his alignment with the light side of the Force. However, as he falls to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader, his lightsaber shifts to a ominous red.
While there are some high-quality lightsaber props available, for most fans, a more affordable toy version will have to suffice. The lightsaber, however, is a crucial accessory in completing the Anakin Skywalker costume and bringing his character to life.
What Else to Add
To truly embody the character of Anakin Skywalker, one must not only attend to the physical details of the costume, but also the vocal nuances that make the character so iconic. There are many ways to portray Anakin along his journey from fresh-faced slave kid to the powerful Sith Darth Vader, and every stage in between.
One of the more interesting versions of Anakin cosplay is a rendition of Vader’s broken mask look in the Disney Plus series Obi-Wan Kenobi. For this cosplay, an electronic voice changer, capable of giving the wearer a deep and menacing tone akin to James Earl Jones’ portrayal of Darth Vader, is a must-have accessory.
As Anakin Skywalker appears as a Force ghost after Luke’s duel with Darth Vader on the second Death Star, cosplayers may choose to take their look one step further by donning an all-white hooded robe over their costume, for an even more complete representation of the character.
In summary, recreating an accurate Anakin Skywalker costume requires attention to both visual and auditory details. Whether for cosplay or Halloween, taking the time to perfect the iconic look of this beloved Star Wars character is well worth the effort.
DIY Costume Tutorials
Related Costume Guides
Cosplay Examples
About Anakin Skywalker’s Look
Anakin Skywalker is an iconic Star Wars character who eventually becomes the ultimate villain, Darth Vader, after a dark and tortuous path from Jedi Knight to the cybernetic baddie. Born on the desert planet Tatooine to Shmi Skywalker and no-name enslaver, Anakin’s life takes an unfortunate turn when he is discovered to be an extraordinarily powerful Force user.
He becomes an apprentice of Obi-Wan Kenobi and joins the Republic’s Jedi Order. Still, he is driven to the Dark Side of the Force after being manipulated by Sith Lord Palpatine. Anakin eventually becomes an enemy of the Jedi and is seduced by Darth Sidious into doing his bidding to gain the power needed to save his pregnant wife, Padmé Amidala.
In the prequels, Anakin is portrayed as a handsome young man with long brown hair who wears traditional Jedi garb but becomes increasingly darker as time goes on, including a scar on his face and smoldering red eyes once he fully embraces the Dark Side.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to cosplaying as Anakin Skywalker, attention to detail is key. To truly capture the essence of the character, one must have all the necessary elements, from the clothes to the lightsaber, to accurately bring the Jedi Knight to life. Anything less and you risk appearing as just a man in a robe, rather than the powerful warrior you aim to portray.
So, before you embark on your cosplay journey, take the time to research and gather all the components necessary for an accurate portrayal of Anakin Skywalker. May the force be with you as you complete your transformation.
