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The Star Wars franchise has one of pop culture’s most vocal and outspoken fanbases. As a result, the franchise has seen a trend of its actors receiving unfair treatment from the fans, including the unnecessarily aggressive hate directed at Ahmed Best for portraying the comic relief character Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy.
The Phantom Menace started the Star Wars prequel trilogy (Credit: Lucasfilm).Like Best, actor Jake Lloyd, who played a young Anakin Skywalker in the first installment of the prequels, was also criticized for his acting chops. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia amidst an ongoing struggle with mental health issues. Nonetheless, the start of 2025 brought a positive update on Lloyd’s health, and here is what he had to say about his well-being.
Star Wars prequel trilogy actor Jake Lloyd gives update on mental health
Jake Lloyd played the role of a young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s The Phantom Menace, which marked the return of George Lucas to the director’s chair. The film received mixed reviews and was criticized for its poor performances, including that of Lloyd who was just ten years old at the time.
Jake Lloyd played young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace (Credit: Lucasfilm).Shortly after the film’s release, Lloyd quit acting. In an interview conducted in March 2024, Lloyd’s mother Lisa Riley revealed to Clayton Sandell of Scripps News that Lloyd had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She also debunked the rumors that Lloyd had quit acting because of harassment from fans and media. At the start of this year, Lloyd once again spoke to Sandell, who revealed a positive update on the former actor’s mental health in a Substack post.
Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.
Lloyd made the above statement during his conversation with Sandell, admitting that he continued to receive treatment and was seeking therapy amidst his battle with schizophrenia.
Following the negative reactions to his performance in the 1999 movie, the actor’s mother revealed that he started facing mental issues during his time in high school. As a result, the positive update on Lloyd’s health is a welcome sign given his long-standing struggles.
Jake Lloyd reveals he is reconnecting with the Star Wars franchise
In 2024, The Phantom Menace completed 25 years since it was originally released. Despite the polarizing reactions to the movie, it has since improved its reputation among the fanbase. However. the bullying and harassment faced by Lloyd and Ahmed Best left a dark mark on its legacy.
Jake Lloyd remains a fan of the Star Wars franchise (Credit: @Jake Lloyd | Facebook).In the same interview with Sandell, Lloyd revealed that he was reconnecting with the galaxy far, far away. The former child actor admitted that he remained a fan of the franchise. Furthermore, Lloyd described his experience with most fans as therapeutic.
I’m holding out for May the Fourth with my mom.
Lloyd made the above comment, expressing his desire to watch more of the recent Star Wars movies with his mother as his condition improves.
At the same time, Lloyd revealed he had watched and enjoyed Ahsoka and loves playing classic Star Wars video games, including The Old Republic and The Force Unleashed. Hence, Lloyd’s progress comes as a wholesome update to start the new year.
Star Wars movies and TV shows are streaming on Disney+.
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