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This article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew."

Back in the day, "Star Wars" used to deal with the fear of the unknown quite a bit. "Episode IV -- A New Hope" alone has plenty of scary moments: Darth Vader (David Prowse, with James Earl Jones providing the voice) is a creepy, unstoppable monster. The Empire is a faceless force of oppression. Animalistic, screeching Tusken Raiders stalk the deserts of Tatooine and nearly end young Luke Skywalker's (Mark Hamill) journey before it even begins. Homesteads and planets are destroyed, countless people die, heroes are trapped in a trash compactor with a monster ... you name it. The other two entries in the original trilogy also have their share of hair-raising moments, from Han Solo's (Harrison Ford) horrifying carbonite prison to the nightmarish fate that befalls anyone cast in the Sarlacc pit.

But all...

The Mandalorian has taken fans on quite a journey in the past 5 years, and the rollercoaster ride includes several shocking moments that the fandom still talks about. There is plenty to talk about, from jaw-dropping cameos to monumental reveals and Din Djarin's historic helmet reveal.

We count down the 5 most shocking moments from The Mandalorian series so far.

1. "Species age differently..."

Ig-11 (Taika Waititi) and The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian's biggest surprise was revealed as a little green bundle of joy in the final few seconds of the series premiere. As a wide-eyed baby that looked strikingly familiar stared back at Mando, fans lost their minds and hearts forever. It was the best-kept secret of any Star Wars project, besides Darth Vader being Luke Skywalker's father (unless David Prowse said something).

No one expected the show to go in this direction,...

James Earl Jones Was Paid $7,500 For Original Star Wars Trilogy ( Photo Credit – Wikimedia )

In a galaxy far, far away, James Earl Jones, who gave voice to one of cinema’s most fearsome villains, Darth Vader, was paid a surprisingly small fee: $7,000. Yes, for just a single day of voice work on Star Wars, the actor received what seemed decent at the time—though only a fraction of what his co-stars earned.

The backstory? George Lucas had a vision. He needed a voice as iconic as the character—Vader, towering, masked, and carrying a voice that could shiver anyone to their core. British actor David Prowse brought the physicality, but Lucas wanted that deep, authoritative tone. Lucas even considered Orson Welles for the part, but he was just too recognizable. Then, Jones’s agent got a call. The rest is history.

The Mississippi-born actor, who moved to Michigan after his father...

Each week, Consequence rings in New Music Friday by highlighting new albums to stream. We’ve made it midway through October, and there are a ton of great new records to check out this week.

Among the highlights are a Warriors concept album from Lin-Manuel Miranda, MC5’s first album in over 50 years, and fresh music from Jordana and Audrey Nuna. Plus, Billie Joe Armstrong’s side-project Pinhead Gunpowder returns with a new project — the first one this century — while Bon Iver is back with his first studio recording since 2019. Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham have unveiled a complete covers album of Buckingham Nicks, and Japandroids have unleashed their swan song.

Here are 15 new albums to stream today.

Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham – Cunningham Bird

Singer-songwriters Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham have joined forces for Cunningham Bird, a covers album that recreates Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s 1973 record Buckingham Nicks in its entirety.

Filmmaker George Lucas introduced arguably the most sinister and menacing villain in cinema with 1977’s Star Wars. The film features the first appearance of Sith Lord Darth Vader, a commander in the evil Empire and the symbol of their oppression over the galaxy far, far away. The character quickly became iconic and remains part of the pop culture zeitgeist even today.

Darth Vader first appeared in George Lucas’ 1977 film Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

However, fans might be unaware that five different actors have portrayed the character in live-action media. As a result, fans of the space opera saga must be curious to learn about different figures who contributed to bringing the menacing villain to life. Before we get into the five most well-known faces behind Darth Vader, an honorable mention goes to Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous who physically played the character for 2016’s Rogue One.

5. Bob Anderson Bob Anderson...

Those with siblings know there is a constant battle between love and hate. And even though they only played brother and sister on the big screen, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were no different. Now, as the death of Fisher approaches its eighth anniversary, Hamill remembers his bond with his Star Wars co-star, even saying what he would tell her if he had the chance.

Carrie Fisher passed away in December 2016, leaving behind a legacy not just of Star Wars but a wealth of film and television appearances, solidifying herself as an icon of the screen. Hamill and Fisher primarily worked together throughout the original Star Wars trilogy but the two also maintained a relationship that could be described as something all close friends experience. “We were brother and sister in more than one way, where we would fight too. And then, days later, it was all forgotten. She was marvelous,...

“Remember who you are. Remember.” This is one of the most iconic lines coming from one of the most iconic voices in pop culture. For nearly 70 years, James Earl Jones made a mark on the screen, stage, and television. Many know him as the iconic voice behind Darth Vader of the Star Wars saga and Mufasa of The Lion King franchise.

But there is a lot more storied history from the world-famous gravel voice that brought the entire galaxy to its knees and that led a boy to be king.

Humble Beginnings

Born on the 17th of January 1931 in Mississippi, James Earl Jones found his passion in poetry and acting to overcome his stutter, making him embrace his deep voice. It is truly amazing how overcoming a disability led him to be one of the most recognizable voices in film.

He then ventured into theater, eventually debuting in 1957 on Broadway...

The legendary Hollywood icon, James Earl Jones passed away on September 9, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Best known for his portrayal of Darth Vader in Star Wars, he also had a memorable appearance on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, where he met his on-screen daughter Leia (Carrie Fisher) in person for the very first time.

James Earl Jones | Credit: Stuart Crawford/Cca 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Despite starring in the franchise, Jones and Fisher never had the opportunity to meet in person. In a twist of fate, it was not the grand space opera but rather the beloved sitcom that managed to bring them together in a surprising and charming way.

The Big Bang Theory Reunited James Earl Jones With His On-Screen Daughter

Following the lives of nerdy friends and renowned for its portrayal of geek culture, The Big Bang Theory became a huge hit, featuring several memorable cameos along...

James Earl Jones, best known for his iconic portrayal of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, died on September 9, 2024 at the age of 93. His powerful and distinctive voice brought one of the greatest villains in movie history to life across multiple generations. Fans worldwide have expressed their gratitude and shared fond memories of how Jones shaped their experience of Star Wars.

Jones voiced Darth Vader since the original Star Wars film in 1977. Through careful line delivery, he turned Vader from a simple antagonist into a complex and imposing figure. Jones’ gravitas and ability to convey menace with his voice alone made Vader one of cinema’s most successful and enduring villains. Actor Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker opposite Vader, publicly paid respects to Jones and his contributions.

James Earl Jones, the man behind Darth Vader’s voice, has passed at the age of 93

Wanted to honor him...

James Earl Jones was a legend. The actor who was best-known for his striking deep voice and unforgettable performances in films like "Star Wars" passed away this week at the age of 93, but his memory lives on in his many beloved roles. It also lives on in the form of interviews he gave over the years, some of which are a lot funnier than expected coming from the guy who played what may have been the most infamous movie villain of all time.

In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Jones spoke about his Darth Vader voice (David Prowse played Vader's body), which is recognizable worldwide and has been lovingly parodied countless times over the years. Asked when he realized his voice would be his golden ticket, the actor -- who grew up with a stutter -- noted that he "didn't want it to be." As he explained,...

The Star Wars fandom and cinema enthusiasts across the globe have been marred by the loss of an icon with James Earl Jones’ passing. The actor was known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, having originated the role in George Lucas’ 1977 film. As a result of the character’s popularity and impact, Jones’ legacy has become intrinsically linked with Vader.

James Earl Jones first voiced Darth Vader in 1977’s Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

During an interview, Jones reflected on getting the job to voice Darth Vader in Star Wars. The veteran actor noted that he was only offered a small sum for the role, which he considered to be a good remuneration for the amount of time he would spend on the gig. Here is what James Earl Jones had to say about his first paycheck for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars.

James Earl Jones Made...

With a voice as commanding as his presence on screen, James Earl Jones earned his place as a legend in the realm of cinema and stage. His talent and range allowed him to connivingly play an array of vastly different characters. From villains to heroes, Jones could portray them all. The passing of a legend is never easy to accept, but the actor lived a long life of 93 years. To celebrate his legacy, we’re taking a look at his five most iconic roles.

5. Terence Mann – Field of Dreams Related“I didn’t really know what to say”: Creating the MCU Empire Couldn’t Give Jon Favreau the Courage to ‘Direct’ James Earl Jones in The Lion King

James Earl Jones and baseball just fit like a ball in a glove. Nothing proves that point better than his iconic baseball speech in the Academy Award Best Picture nominated Field of Dreams...

The phrase “voice of a generation” gets thrown around a lot, but if that label were defined by sheer recognizability, it would be hard to find a better fit than James Earl Jones, who died Tuesday. The real question is: which generation?

Depending on whether you were born before or after the year 1990, chances are good that the sound of Jones’ roll-of-thunder baritone instantly conjures one of two characters in your mind: “The Lion King” father Mufasa or “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader. That means, Jones speaks, and you think either of a cosmically wise patriarch, whose ghost returns to offer his self-doubting successor an encouraging “remember who you are,” or the most malevolent dad in all the universe, a destroyer of planets determined to lure his son to the Dark Side.

Those two projects were such pop-culture monsters — Disney’s Hamlet-on-the-savannah riff grossed nearly $1 billion, while George Lucas’ sci-fi...

The resonant baritone of James Earl Jones – the Emmy Award-, Grammy Award-, and Tony Award-winning actor who also received an honorary Oscar, making him a non-competitive Egot designee – has gone silent. At age 93, the actor, best known for voicing the evil Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and later the regal Mufasa in “The Lion King,” began his career on stage, in productions of “Othello” and the boxing biography “The Great White Hope.” The latter won him his first of three Tonys, as well as an Academy Award nomination for the film version in 1970.

His other notable work over the years included “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Hunt for Red October” (and its sequels), “Conan the Barbarian,” John Sayles’s labor struggle drama “Matewan,” the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences,” the uneasy racial comedy “Soul Man,” and the South Africa-set “Cry, the Beloved Country.” He was also a...

Legendary star of stage and screen James Earl Jones has passed away at the age of 93, it has been confirmed. The Egot winning actor, whose inimitable baritone brought life to the likes of The Lion King's Mufasa and Star Wars villain Darth Vader, died this morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, Jones’ representatives shared with Deadline.

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on 17 January, 1931 to Ruth and Robert Earl Jones, it may surprise you to learn that James Earl Jones — one of the great masters of oration across film, TV, and theatre — overcame great struggles to gain control of his voice as a child. Having moved from Mississippi to Michigan to live with his maternal grandparents at just 5 years of age, Jones grew up with a profound stutter, and has in the past gone on record describing how he was all but mute throughout primary and early secondary school.

While appearing on "The Big Bang Theory," the late James Earl Jones met one of his "Star Wars" castmates ... for the first time. How did that happen, and who was it?

I know it sounds wild, but the truth is that Jones and Carrie Fisher didn't actually perform together during the original "Star Wars" movies, because Jones only voiced the trilogy's main villain Darth Vader; the antagonist was physically portrayed by David Prowse, a British actor and bodybuilder who passed away in 2020. Prowse also said Darth Vader's lines on set, and ultimately, Fisher's lead character Princess Leia Organa only had a handful of scenes with the big bad — plus, as it turns out, the two never ended up meeting while doing press for the films. (Fisher tragically and quite unexpectedly passed away back in 2016 at the age of 60.)

This all changed in 2014 when both Fisher and Jones appeared on "The Big Bang Theory...

When news hit this afternoon of James Earl Jones’ death at age 93, the memories that came to mind likely depend on when you came of age. If you grew up in the Nineties, you probably thought back to The Lion King and The Sandlot. If you’re a bit older, you surely conjured up Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and Field of Dreams. And your parents probably remember Dr. Strangelove, and his work onstage in Othello, The Iceman Cometh, and Of Mice and Men. The man had an amazing...

Sad news: actor James Earl Jones has passed away at the age of 93, leaving one hell of a career behind him.

Ah, some sad news to report. The mighty, brilliant James Earl Jones has died, it’s been confirmed. An incredible actor across stage and screen, he was 93 years old.

His career spanned seven decades, and perhaps his most known role is one that people don’t see him as: Darth Vader. James Earl Jones memorably voiced the character rather than Dave Prowse (who did everything else). But then Jones had a voice that stood alone. Just listen to the authority and depth to his tones as Mufasa in The Lion King.

In front of the camera though, when we did get to see him? Well, watch him steal the end of Sneakers. Take the gravitas he lends to his role as Greer in Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger.

James Earl Jones, the renowned actor of stage and screen who lent his booming, inimitable voice to Darth Vader and The Lion King, died Monday morning at the age of 93.

Jones died at his home in Duchess County, New York, with his family surrounding him, the actor’s representatives at Independent Artist Group confirmed to Rolling Stone. No cause of death was given.

In the decades before venturing off to “a galaxy far, far away,” Jones was a Tony-winning Broadway star, first winning Best Actor in 1970 for his role of...

James Earl Jones, the prolific film, TV and theater actor whose resonant, unmistakable baritone was most widely known as the voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, died Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y., his rep confirmed to Variety. He was 93.

After overcoming a profound stutter as a child, Jones established himself as one of the pioneering Black actors of his generation, amassing a bountiful and versatile career spanning over 60 years, from his debut on Broadway in 1958 at the Cort Theatre — renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022 — to his most recent performance in 2021’s “Coming 2 America.” For that film, Jones reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer from the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America” — one of several roles, along with Darth Vader, that Jones revisited, including the voice of King Mufasa in Disney’s animated feature “The Lion King” in 1994, the 1998 direct-to-video sequel and the 2019 remake,...

In 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) was introduced wearing lightweight, light-colored robes, outfitted with a loose, cloak-like hood. One might rightly assume that the robes were necessary for living on the desert planet of Tatooine, and that light, full-bodied robes were key for keeping the sun off his head and body. One doesn't want skintight black leather in the desert, no matter what the L.A. Goth kids might be unwisely wearing to Disneyland during the summer.

Later in the series, in 1983's "Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi," fans would see the character of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) in person for the first time, and he, too, would be wearing dark robes. Palpatine's cloak, however, was more mysterious, serving to obscure the frail body and place face of the twisted warlock lord. The cloak-and-robe aesthetic...

The mighty Vancouver rock duo Japandroids are back with their first new song in seven years, “Chicago,” which will appear on their final album, Fate & Alcohol, out Oct. 18 via Anti-.

“Chicago” finds Japandroids doing what they have always done best: Enormous, relentlessly striving guitars flying above a battlefield of drums, lyrics capturing the grimy beauty of living fully, even if the cost is some self-destruction. “Ma‘am, have mercy/I’m sweating through my shirt,” Brian King bellows on the chorus, “Any more, my body’s gonna burn/Up in front of everyone/Sorry,...

Japandroids’ Brian King and David Prowse have announced the release of their fourth and final album. Entitled Fate & Alcohol, it’s set for release on October 18th through Anti- Records.

Produced by King, Prowse, and Jesse Gander, Fate & Alcohol features 10 tracks written between 2017 and 2020, marking the culmination of the duo’s 18-year creative partnership. According to its press release, King and Prowse consider the album a “parting gift to fans,” and made it with their longtime philosophy of approaching albums as fans themselves.

“I don’t think we’re the most technically proficient band in the world, and we’re not the most original-sounding or challenging band in the world,” Prowse said in a new statement. “But we’ve always put a lot of passion into what we do, and I think that’s resonated with a lot of people. And I’m really grateful that we could be that band for people,...

George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise stands as a cornerstone of modern science fiction. Initially an ambitious space opera project, it has evolved into one of the most successful and beloved franchises in history. Spanning several decades, Star Wars has captivated multiple generations of fans and continues to be revered as one of the greatest fictional universes ever created.

Despite its cult classic status and millions of devoted followers, tales from the production of these films continue to intrigue us. Whether they pertain to the newer installments or the original trilogy, the report we have today hails from the latter.

This story centers around David Prowse, the actor who portrayed the body of Darth Vader in the original trilogy. While Prowse did not provide the voice or the unmasked face of Darth Vader, he embodied the physical presence of the character. This report aims to uncover the reasons behind this casting decision.

George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise is a pillar of modern science fiction. What started out as a relatively ambitious space opera project became one of the most lucrative and popular franchises in history. Being present for several decades now, Star Wars has raised multiple generations of fans and it still remains one of the best fictional universes ever created.

But, while the whole franchise is now a cult classic with millions of followers, there are still stories from the production of these films that intrigue us, regardless of whether they are from the production of the newer films, or the original trilogy. The report we have for you today is from the latter.

It involves the story of David Prowse, the actor who was the body of Darth Vader in the original trilogy; we know that Prowse was neither the voice nor the face of Darth Vader beneath the mask,...

Star Wars has been, for better or for worse, an integral part of our lives for the past half-century. Ever since George Lucas’s 1977 film, A New Hope took off, there has been no turning back to the old days — days without the Force, Yoda, or Darth Vader, littering the pages of pop culture history.

Star Wars: A New Hope [Credit: 20th Century Studios]

The legacy of the franchise is such that no amount of fan frenzy and obsession over the characters can ever render them overdone and saturated. Despite the last 50 years’ attempts to explore every nook and cranny of the galaxy far, far away, it simply remains a bit too out of reach for our mortal clutches.

Star Wars: The Legacy of George Lucas

After George Lucas hit the ground running with his 1973 sensation, American Graffiti, his next directorial project would famously go on to define his whole life.

Faith in me, George Lucas didn’t have. Well, that’s probably what Master Yoda would say if he were to read this article. Being the master of our protagonist Luke Skywalker, Yoda is probably one of the most important characters of the Star Wars franchise.

Alec Guinness and Mark Hamill in Star Wars / Lucasfilm

However, it wasn’t until George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back was released that Lucas felt satisfied with his work. The director revealed that he wasn’t so sure about Yoda since the character had his own difficulties!

Skeptical Was George Lucas For Master Yoda

Yeah, we have got to stop doing that. But anyway, George Lucas had his story planned for the sequel to his 1977 classic Star Wars: Episode IV and director Irvin Kershner sat in the director’s chair for this film.

Yoda was designed as a wise...

James Earl Jones has forever etched himself among the hearts of Star Wars fans with his menacing vocal performance as Darth Vader, arguably the most popular character from the original trilogy. However, Jones faced one problem while voicing the character for The Empire Strikes Back.

Darth Vader is one of James Earl Jones’ most famous roles (Credit: Star Wars | Lucasfilm).

During an interview, Jones spoke about wanting to try a different approach with voicing Darth Vader in the sequel to George Lucas’ 1977 original film. However, Lucas vetoed his suggestion due to one issue, which made a lot of sense. Here is what Jones had to say about returning to voice Vader for the sequel.

James Earl Jones Explained the Issue With Voicing Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back

James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader in 1977’s Star Wars directed by George Lucas, and has since been associated with the character.

When George Lucas first took viewers to the galaxy far, far away, they got their first glimpse at a lightsaber duel when Darth Vader faced off against Obi-Wan Kenobi. Although the fight scene from 1977’s original Star Wars was brief and limited by the technology of its times, later installments added some much-needed emotional context to the scene.

Obi-Wan vs Darth Vader was the first lightsaber duel in Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

While the fight scene between Vader and Kenobi from the original film holds deep emotional significance in the greater Star Wars saga, the quality of the lightsaber duel fails in comparison with some of the other duels in the franchise. As a result, some fans took it upon themselves to recreate the iconic fight, and the internet couldn’t keep their cool about it. Here is how netizens reacted to the fan-made recreation of the Obi-Wan vs Darth Vader duel.

Near the end of Irvin Kershner's 1980 space epic "Star Wars: Episode V -- The Empire Strikes Back," the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford), the outspoken Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), the friendly wookiee Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the persnickety droid C-3Po (Anthony Daniels) hide in the Cloud City mining colony on the planet Bespin, hoping to elude capture by the evil Empire. Han, who has been pursued throughout the film, assumes they'll be safe in Cloud City, as its Baron Administrator, a man named Lando (Billy Dee Williams), is an old friend and gambling buddy. Little do they know, however, that the Empire infiltrated Cloud City before them and Lando struck a bargain to avoid a permanent Imperial occupation.

Lando's betrayal is foreshadowed dramatically when C-3Po walks into a room on Cloud City and reacts fearfully to the individual inside. There is then a zapping sound of a blaster going off,...

The Star Wars saga is a truly enchanting piece of work the way it is, thanks to the magnificent brains of filmmaker cum philanthropist George Lucas. But while fans have come to love the space lore just the way it ended up being, a lot of them don’t know that it would have never been this way because of all the uncountable ideas the mastermind had for his iconic saga.

The Star Wars lore. | Credit: StarWars.com.

For instance, one of these drafts saw a different story unfold for the love triangle situation between Luke Skywalker, Leia Skywalker, and Han Solo in Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. And this version was a bit too brutally planned (emotionally) because it had Anakin Skywalker’s Darth Vader torture his own son Luke to win him over to the Dark Side through his love for Princess Leia.

George Lucas Initially Planned...

Actor John Boyega starred in three of the extant 16 "Star Wars" movies*, playing the rogue-Stormtrooper-turned-good guy Finn in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015), "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017), and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (2019). Boyega liked playing Finn, but has gone on record (notably in a 2020 GQ interview) about his disappointment with how the series treated his character; Finn was set up to be a leading man, and was sidelined for what appeared to be racism-based reasons. Boyega was also off-put by Disney's habit of micromanaging "Star Wars," feeling that every one of the franchise's actors ran the risk of being roped into "Star Wars" projects exclusively. "You ain't going to Disney+ me," he once laughingly said to Variety. 

There hasn't been a "Star Wars" movie since 2019, as Disney+ kind of killed their Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs. The theatrical market was oversaturated, audiences didn't respond terribly well...

Starting with A New Hope, George Lucas crafted the iconic space opera Star Wars, which continues to captivate millions for decades. While the filmmaker remains the mastermind behind the galactic saga, the cast has also occasionally contributed to its development, with actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Harrison Ford suggesting enhancements to improve the final product on screen.

George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977) | Credits: Lucasfilm

Mark Hamill, who took on the iconic role of Luke Skywalker in the saga, also stepped in to defy the wishes of the crew and suggested an alternate approach, which proved to be a game-changing decision and saved a crucial scene from the brinks of the failure in The Empire Strikes Back.

Mark Hamill’s Suggestion Prevented a Major Star Wars Blunder

The iconic Dark Side Cave scene from The Empire Strikes Back where Luke Skywalker has a vision of being attacked by Darth Vader, portrayed by David Prowse.

Anakin Skywalker’s descent into the dark side is the most tragic aspect of the original and prequel trilogy, as George Lucas deemed the first six movies as the Tragedy of Darth Vader. While the prequel trilogy was seen as a letdown compared to its predecessors, the time has been kind to these features, especially for its exploration of the complexity of Vader as a character.

Although several aspects contributed to Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader in the original trilogy, this could’ve been avoided had Mace Windu trained him instead of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Mastering Vaapad Could’ve Prevented Anakin’s Descent Into the Dark Side

Anakin Skywalker | Star Wars (via 20th Century Fox)

Obi-Wan Kenobi‘s failings as a teacher played a major part in Anakin’s fall into the dark side, as the Jedi Master struggled between his duties to the council and respecting Qui-Gon’s last wish.

Even though his character's backstory has been explored to death through a myriad of books, prequels, TV shows, animated series, and more, Darth Vader remains one of the best movie villains of all time, especially if you're only looking at the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Not only is he a scary, menacing, deadly presence in that original trilogy, but he also has a tragic arc, eventually redeeming himself despite a lifetime of terrible deeds.

The redemption would come later, though. For the first film, originally titled "Star Wars" but commonly thought of now as "A New Hope" (since there are so many other movies with "Star Wars" in the title), writer-director George Lucas had one main goal: make his big bad villain scary. Darth Vader had to be an ominous presence from the jump. The audience had to take one look at the guy and immediately know he was bad news.

Star Wars has become much more than a franchise ever since the first film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope premiered in 1977. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and, Carrie Fisher as the lead trio, the film introduced veteran actor David Prowse as Darth Vader.

David Prowse as Darth Vader in a still from the Star Wars franchise | Production: Lucasfilm

Although Prowse acted as Darth Vader, the voice of the character was superimposed by legendary actor James Earl Jones. Being known around the world for being the voice of Darth Vader, millions of fans love him for it. However, the actor revealed that he doesn’t consider the role of voicing Darth Vader as true acting!

Darth Vader From Star Wars Isn’t Real. Never Was

We mean, he is real in the hearts of countless fans of the franchise. However, the role of Darth Vader was nothing more...

Starting with the 2002 film Attack of the Clones, Hayden Christensen has taken on the role of Anakin Skywalker in the epic space opera, Star Wars. The subsequent movies and shows have showcased how the character slowly finds himself on the dark side of the Force and his transformation into the iconic villain Darth Vedar.

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vedar | Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm

Christensen has since reprised his character multiple times. However, one particular scene alongside co-star Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala stands out as especially meaningful for the actor.

Hayden Christensen Reflected on Anakin’s Confession Scene in Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones features a subtle and explicit hint at Anakin’s future as the Sith Lord Darth Vedar. After witnessing his abducted mother’s death at the Tusken campsite, an enraged Anakin Skywalker slaughters the whole tribe, which he later confesses to Padmé Amidala.

Prior to his work on "Star Wars" in 1977, actor and bodybuilder David Prowse had made a career playing goons, creatures, and bodyguards in high-profile movies. Prowse played Frankenstien's monster in the Hammer film "The Horror of Frankenstein," a role he had already played briefly in the 1967 version of "Casino Royale." He played a comedic torturer in "Carry On, Henry," the 21st "Carry On" movie. Most visibly, Prowse played the muscular bodyguard for the injured old Frank (Patrick Magee) in Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." He was the one who got to cradle Malcolm McDowell like a baby. This was easy for Prowse, who stood six-foot-six. 

The actor also played Darth Vader "Star Wars," "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" ... but only in the scenes wherein Darth Vader wore a mask. In "Jedi," when Vader finally revealed his face, Prowse was replaced by actor Sebastian Shaw.

No one enjoys spoilers, especially when they’re revealed years before a film or show’s release. However, it took an extreme turn in the case of George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise, with the revelation of one of the most significant spoilers led to a prolonged estrangement between the filmmaker and David Prowse, the actor behind the iconic antagonist, Darth Vader.

Darth Vader in Star Wars | Credit: LucasFilm

Prowse would go on to reprise the role in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, after A New Hope. However, the late actor found himself banned from film sets and all Star Wars events after Lucas found out about Prowse’s inadvertent divulgence of major plot details surrounding the beloved sci-fi saga.

David Prowse’s The Empire Strikes Back Spoiler Sparked Studio Panic

Following its debut in 1977, Star Wars quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the...

The famous twist at the end of Irvin Kershner's 1980 sci-fi epic "The Empire Strikes Back" — that the evil Darth Vader (James Earl Jones/David Prowse) was actually the father of the heroic Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) — was shocking enough to send seismic ripples through the future of pop culture. Young prospective filmmakers reared in 1980 were so shocked by the famed "Empire" revelation that the "hero was secretly related to the villain this whole time" twist would eventually become a common screenwriting trope.

As many Starwoids will be able to tell you, the "I am your father" twist famously contradicts dialogue from George Lucas' "Star Wars" from three years earlier. In that film, the trustworthy Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) revealed that he was friends with Luke's father, who was, by Obi-Wan's own description, definitely not Darth Vader. Indeed, Darth Vader was said to have murdered Luke's father. So when...

Darth Vader is undeniably one of the most iconic fictional characters, known for his menacing black suit and distinctive voice. Many other works of fiction and art make reference to the character, making it a familiar presence.

But, did you know that the role of Vader nearly went to a different actor? One who, at the time, might have been even more preferred than James Earl Jones given the circumstances?

During the late 1970s, while filming ‘A New Hope’ in London, David Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader physically, delivered all of Vader’s lines from behind the mask. However, the mask muffled his speech, necessitating dubbing in post-production. Prowse initially expected to dub his own lines, but logistical issues and concerns about his accent prompted George Lucas to seek another voice. Lucas sought a deep, distinguished voice befitting the enigmatic Darth Vader. Ultimately, James Earl Jones, then a relatively unknown actor,...

Darth Vader is without a doubt one of the most iconic fictional characters, recognized by his ominous black suit and his voice. Plenty of other works of fiction and art reference the character, and it’s one of those references we can always easily spot.

But, did you know that the iconic role almost went to a completely different actor? The one that at the time would be perhaps even favored above James Earl Jones under the circumstances?

While filming ‘A New Hope’ in London during the late 1970s, David Prowse, the actor behind Darth Vader’s physical performance, spoke all of Vader’s lines from behind the mask. However, due to the mask muffling his speech, his lines had to be dubbed over in post-production. Prowse assumed he would do the dubbing himself, but logistical and accent concerns led George Lucas to search for another voice. Lucas sought a deep,...

The beloved soap opera, introduced in 1977, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and James Earl Jones, the franchise has consistently delighted audiences with its rich content. Surprisingly, despite its global success, the two cast members didn’t cross paths until their joint appearance on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

A still from Star Wars

While Princess Leia and Darth Vader share a few moments in the original film, it’s noteworthy that the late actor David Prowse portrayed Vader on-screen, with Jones providing his iconic voice during post-production. The two actors would finally meet during the filming of an unforgettable episode of The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory Episode Brought James Earl Jones And Carrie Fisher Together

Episode 14 of The Big Bang Theory Season 7, The Convention Conundrum, follows the lead group of friends...

In George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi flick "Star Wars," there is a scene wherein a cadre of Nazi-like bad guys, in the employ of the evil Empire, gather around a boardroom table and mention that the mysterious off-screen Emperor has dissolved the senate and taken absolute control. The military generals are outraged, wondering how the Empire might survive without a bureaucracy in place. In Irvin Kirshner's 1980 sequel "The Empire Strikes Back," it's established that Darth Vader (David Prowse), a mysterious masked warlock, was actually the Emperor's right-hand man, indicating that the Emperor retains control of the Empire through the sheer force of his villainy.

In "The Empire Strikes Back," the Emperor appeared in holographic form to have a powwow with Darth Vader and plan his next move. In the original cut of the movie, the Emperor was played on screen by actress Marjorie Eaton, outfitted with eerie, alien eyeballs. Eaton was a long-working character performer in Hollywood,...

Do it. Execute order 69. He could stop others from boning, but not himself. Young fool, only now in your end do you understand. Your coming together is your undoing. Insert your own ribald "Emperor Palpatine has sex" pun here.

In J.J. Abrams' maligned 2019 sci-fi adventure "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," it was revealed that the young heroine Rey (Daisy Ridley) was the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), the deceased villain from several previous "Star Wars" movies. At the end of 1983's "Return of the Jedi," Darth Vader (David Prowse) hurled the elderly Emperor from a tall tower, most definitely killing him. Somehow, however, Palpatine returned. Not only did he return, but he was revealed to be the secret mastermind behind all of the galaxy's recent malfeasance. He was kept alive by eerie, Gigerian machines on the distant planet Exegol, secretly growing clones and constructing a powerful fleet of ultra-destructive warships.

During the climax of Richard Marquand's 1983 film "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," the evil Empire's second Death Star was destroyed by the Rebel Army, the ghoulish Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) was killed, and his right-hand warlock Darth Vader (David Prowse) died in the conflagration. It seemed that evil had been vanquished and that everything was well in the galaxy. For many, many years, fans didn't see what happened after that film, presumably because a new era of peace had begun and the Star Wars were over. 

It wasn't until the release of J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in 2015 that we learned the dark truth. It seems the universe of "Star Wars" can't help but creep back slowly toward fascism with every generation. Decades after the fall of the Empire, the New Order rose in its place, now even more Nazi-like than ever. Stormtroopers were back,...

Darth Vader is synonymous with "Star Wars." George Lucas dubbing his space-set saga "The Tragedy of Darth Vader" is obvious retroactive thinking, but looking at how much of the story centers around the villain, is he wrong? It's not often that a character can become a mascot and remain scary, either. Yet somehow, the Dark Lord of the Sith pulls it off.

What about the actor behind Vader's distinctive black, armored visage? There's been many over the years, even if you may not be able to place their faces. Vader's face being seen so little adds to his mystique and further cements him as a character beyond any one performer.

Indeed, Vader is usually played by more than one actor in the very same movie; the role has traditionally been divided between the man wearing the costume and the one providing Vader's voice. Across major "Star Wars" film and TV productions,...

In Irvin Kershner's 1980 sci-fi epic "The Empire Strikes Back," the Rebel hero Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) travels to a distant planet called Dagobah to hone his nascent mental powers with the gnome-like sage Yoda (Frank Oz). During his training, Luke learns about the Force, the godlike spiritual energy that binds the universe together. He learns to better move objects with his mind, and also to see vaguely into the future. Yoda warns Luke that directing one's Force-inspired powers toward violence and selfish desires can lead one toward the Dark Side, a corrupting, demonic facet of the Force that encourages evil. 

As a demonstration of the Dark Side, Luke has a vision in a cave. He sees a ghostly imprint of Darth Vader (David Prowse), the fascist warlock who killed one of Luke's old friends. Luke has a slow-motion duel with the masked Vader, and, in a fit of murderous anger,...

A good blooper brings the fun in any circumstance, and a good sci-fi blooper provides the bonus of philosophical schadenfreude: A genre premised on the efficiency of technology, suddenly falling prey to the fallibility and unseriousness of man. A lot of the best sci-fi movies and shows — especially those of the more meditative "hard sci-fi" variety — don't even release blooper reels, so as not to break the illusion of an immersive high-tech world.

Among the movies and shows that do, however, we often have the pleasure of watching the villains of the high-tech worlds in question fumble their way through scenes and lines, or just up and go off-script for the sake of the crew's momentary entertainment. And the results can be hilarious, endearing, and even informative about what makes those movies and characters tick. From Cate Blanchett to Tatiana Maslany to Jamie Campbell Bower to a stubborn light pole,...

When actor David Prowse was filming "Star Wars" back in 1976, he knew that his face would be obscured by a mask, but he hadn't yet any clue that his voice was going to be dubbed over by another actor. Famously, Prowse's vocal performance was replaced by award-winning actor James Earl Jones. Fans of "Star Wars" may have come to associate the character of Darth Vader with both Prowse and Jones, but there was a period when Prowse was miffed he wasn't able to provide his own vocals. Jones has said that Darth Vader belongs entirely to Prowse, as his voice wasn't so much a performance as an enhancing special effect.

By the time the 1980 sequel, "The Empire Strikes Back" was being made in 1979, Prowse knew the score, understanding that his voice was to be used as a place-holder until Jones could be brought in to dub it over. This allowed...