Ahead of the 25th anniversary of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,' the mother of Anakin Skywalker actor Jake Lloyd shared insights into her son's mental health journey. Jake, who portrayed young Anakin in the film at the age of 8, faced mental health challenges in subsequent years. His mother, Lisa, revealed that Jake's decision to step away from acting was not influenced by the backlash surrounding 'The Phantom Menace' but rather by his diagnosis of schizophrenia in 2008.
Lisa emphasized that she shielded Jake from the negative reactions to the movie, ensuring he enjoyed a normal childhood. She attributed Jake's departure from acting to family issues, including a divorce, and his declining interest in auditioning. Despite his struggles, Lisa expressed hope for Jake's recovery and potential return to acting in the future.