A new Obi-Wan Kenobi rumor details how Darth Vader will be introduced on the show. Hayden Christensen is returning to play the iconic villain in the limited series, though specifics about his role are being kept under wraps for the time being. Only vague teases have been shared, such as the fact Obi-Wan Kenobi's Vader isn't the fully formed version from the original trilogy and that Vader will be "very powerful" when audiences finally see him. Though Vader was left out of the first Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer, Lucasfilm has released a silhouetted image of the Sith Lord.
The focus of Obi-Wan Kenobi's marketing campaign thus far seems to be on Ewan McGregor's fan-favorite titular Jedi and establishing the threat of the Inquisitors (making their live-action debut). But with Obi-Wan and Vader set to have a rematch at some point, audiences know Kenobi's former apprentice has a key part to play on the show. How he factors into the story will likely remain a mystery until Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres in May, but the latest rumors look to shed some light on that.
Per Making Star Wars, the plan is to introduce Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi via a post-credits scene after the second episode. The stinger is said to show Vader in a Bacta tank, and one of his eyes "opens into frame." This moment allegedly takes place after Obi-Wan and a young Princess Leia reunite in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2. The Vader post-credits scene sets up his more proper introduction in the third episode.
If this is true, it could explain why Lucasfilm decided to change Obi-Wan Kenobi's premiere to debut the first two episodes on the same day. Ending with a tease of Vader could serve as a tantalizing cliffhanger and generate even more excitement for the show's remaining four episodes. It will be interesting to see if post-credits scenes become a staple of Obi-Wan Kenobi, or if this will be a one-time special occasion. Unlike Marvel, Star Wars typically doesn't include stingers in their projects, though The Mandalorian season 2 received a post-credits scene to announce The Book of Boba Fett. Perhaps Obi-Wan Kenobi will mix things up and use post-credits scenes to tease exciting developments throughout the show's run.
Based on this rumor, viewers shouldn't expect Vader to play a big role in the first two episodes. His overall presence will likely be felt, as Obi-Wan is still processing his emotional trauma after the Clone Wars. But director Deborah Chow and her team seem to be taking a slow-burn approach, which makes sense. They have six episodes to play with, so there's no need to come rushing out of the gates with Vader. His part on the show can be built up over time, after Obi-Wan and other characters have been established early on. The post-credits scene sounds like Obi-Wan Kenobi's way of marking an act break in the overall narrative. Once the plot has been set in motion, Vader makes his long-awaited return.
Source: Making Star Wars
Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres May 27 on Disney+.
