‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Confirmed To Bring Back An Infamous Sith Lord

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story may be even more highly anticipated that Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, considering its place in the saga and they way in which it tackles a story only mentioned in the most minor ways in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Even so, the burning question of whether the most famous Star Wars villain would make an appearance in Rogue One has been on the minds of Star Wars fans worldwide… until now.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Will Receive A Visit From Darth Vader

Rogue One is unique in that it will go back to a time between Episode III and Episode IV to tell the story of how the rebels stole the plans for the first Death Star, and the fact that this will require going back to a time when the primary Star Wars characters were almost 40 years younger has only served to complicate matters. It has left even the most casual Star Wars fans wondering if Darth Vader would play a part in Rogue One and how that could be accomplished.

While rumors have been running rampant that Darth Vader would be appearing in Rogue One, there hasn’t been any confirmation until now. This is as close to official confirmation as one can expect on a Star Wars project. Sources working on the film and having access to the script have revealed that, yes, Darth Vader plays a part in the Rogue One film. Additionally, this will be the Darth Vader costume of A New Hope, not the revised (and somewhat unpopular) costume used in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

More good news for Star Wars traditionalists came, when it was revealed that, although Spencer Wilding will be wearing the Darth Vader costume, James Earl Jones will be reprising his role as the voice of Darth Vader. Brian Mur, the man responsible for designing the first Vader suit, is bringing his expertise to bear on creating this new suit as well.

The teaser shows a tank of blue liquid. The source inside Rogue One reveals that Anakin Skywalker is in the tank and is being healed, following his fight with Obi Wan Kenobi.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Actor Riz Ahmed Talks About The Film From The Inside

More teasers were revealed, when Riz Ahmed opened up about having been cast as Bohdi Rook in Rogue One. The actor obviously couldn’t give away any major plot spoilers, but the Star Wars actor was eager to talk about his on set experiences. Ahmed says he has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he remembers and he recounts his earliest memory of watching Star Wars: A New Hope on the big screen.

“To be honest, I didn’t follow the storyline or the complexity of what was going on, but I just remember these images seared onto [my] brain because it was just a series of trippy set pieces for me,” says the Rogue One actor. “It’s like, Jabba the Hutt, and [Leia’s looking] pretty good in a bikini, and someone’s getting carved out of stone with a laser beam now… being a part of that universe is just a privilege.”

Riz went on to say that he’s enjoyed working on Rogue One, particularly because real sets were designed and built for the Star Wars film, as opposed to having to work with green screens for CGI effects. The Star Wars actor says working with real sets has really made a big difference in the level of performance actors were able to deliver.

“The level of attention to detail and care that goes into building that world is just unbelievable. All the set designers, the costume designers, the world they create is so detailed you would not believe it. You pick up any random prop and it’s got a touch screen with buttons and alien writing on it and you’re just like, ‘Wow, I’ve got to up my game.’ I stole so many props… just check [on] eBay,” jokes Ahmed.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is scheduled to hit theaters in December.

[Image by Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Studios]