The months are ticking away until Star Wars 7: The Force Awakens releases in theaters, effectively ushering in a new era of Star Wars. And as exhilarating as it is knowing a new Star Wars movie is on the way, it's more intriguing to consider the story possibilities available with their planned Star Wars Anthology films - films that exist outside the core episodes.
We currently know of two Anthology films in the works, the first being Star Wars: Rogue One; a heist film starring Felicity Jones about a group of ragtag rebels who steal the plans to the Death Star. It take place not long before the events of Episode IV - as that theft is what kicks off A New Hope - and will be directed by Gareth Edwards.
Given Rogue One's setting there have already been rampant rumors about whether a young Princess Leia would appear and if that was the role Carrie Fisher's daughter was playing. (As of now, both rumors remain unfounded.) But it does seem more than plausible that some major characters from the Star Wars saga - and especially those significant to the time period - could appear in Rogue One.
And now we have evidence that one will: Darth Vader. Devin Faraci of Birth. Death. Movies. has it from a "good source" that Vader will appear - onscreen - in Star Wars: Rogue One. It isn't expected to be a large role, he may appear via viewscreen or hologram, and is likely not the primary antagonist of the film. (Though it'll be implied he's the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, and of course we know who's pulling his strings, and anyway...)
Obviously, it's too early to know whether Lucasfilm will seek out James Earl Jones to reprise that iconic voice, but if it truly is such a small appearance it would seem foolish not to. He did recently reprise Vader for Star Wars Rebels, after all.
Faraci's source wouldn't confirm, however, if Darth Vader would ever appear 'in the flesh' (so to speak) in Star Wars: Rogue One, or whether or not Grand Moff Tarkin would appear. This isn't to say these aren't possibilities, it's just something that wasn't commented on.
Tarkin being in Rogue One seems a certainty though, and especially if Vader is making an appearance. Presumably, a portion of Rogue One will take place on the Death Star and who better to have being terribly disappointed in whomever fails at capturing the rebels than the Grand Moff (who, like Vader, has already been featured prominently on Star Wars Rebels)?
What do you think of Darth Vader being in Star War: Rogue One? Should they bring back James Earl Jones, or is this a good time to find the new voice of Vader? And what Grand Moff Tarkin, does it make sense for him to be in Rogue One? Sound off in the comments below!
NEXT: Early Star Wars Rogue One Details
Star Wars: The Force Awakens releases in theaters December 18, 2015. Star Wars: Rogue One releases in theaters December 16, 2016.
Source: Devin Faraci