Now that we’ve finally experiencedStar Wars: The Force Awakenson the big screen, which is set 32 years afterReturn of the Jedi, fans will get to explore a new story with the spinoffRogue One. The plot is set between the events ofRevenge of the SithandA New Hope, centering on a group of Rebels plotting to steal plans for the firstDeath Star. Back in September, it was rumored that the iconic Darth Vader would return in a substantial role, which was never confirmed. Today, however, we have a new report fromFlickering Myththat reveals who is really playing Darth Vader, and it’s not who you might think.
While this report hasn’t been confirmed, the site claims British actorSpencer Wildinghas come aboard to play the iconicSith Lord. Though, many believedHayden Christensenmight reprise the character. The site’s source saysSpencer Wildingwas running lines on the set, which means that Darth Vader will have some dialogue in the movie. However, a report from January revealed thatJames Earl Joneswill return to lend his voice to the iconicvillain, like he did in the original trilogy and in the animated TV seriesStar Wars Rebels. It still hasn’t been confirmed that Darth Vader is even in the movie, or ifJames Earl Joneswill voice the villain, by anyone at LucasFilm or Disney.
Spencer Wilding is best known as a stuntman and an actor, who has had small roles on big-budget movies likeGuardians of the Galaxy,Jupiter Ascending,PanandVictor Frankenstein. If he actually is playing Darth Vader inRogue One: A Star Wars Story, this will easily be his most high-profile role to date, although we still don’t know exactly how large or small his role is quite yet.
We reported in January that the Darth Vader costume inRogue One: A Star Wars Storyis being meticulously recreated to match the Darth Vader seen in 1977’sStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Inside sources claim that the costume is very close, and that the filmmakers, including directorGareth Edwards, are extremely happy with the outcome. Brian Muir, the original sculptor on the first Darth Vader costume, is said to have returned with his team. Hopefully we’ll get confirmation about Darth Vader’s role, and Spencer Wilding’s casting very soon.
A report from January claimed that Darth Vader may have a bigger role inRogue One: A Star Wars Storythan originally believed. But it’s possible that we may not get confirmation on Darth Vader’s appearance untilRogue One: A Star Wars Story’s December 16release date. Disney and LucasFilm were incredibly secretive regardingLuke Skywalker’s role inStar Wars: The Force Awakens, refusing to show the character in any of the marketing materials leading up to the December release. It’s possible that the studio could be taking the same approach with Darth Vader. What do you think about this new Darth Vader rumor forRogue One: A Star Wars Story?
