Darth Vader: The Power of a Symbol.

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Rumors dating back to the D-Day announcement persist that one Darth Vader is somehow going to make an appearance in Star Wars: Episode VII. How is this possible when all fans know he died once and for all and then was burned to a crisp — again — in Episode VI? Find out after the jump.

 

Darth Vader is without a doubt one of the most infamous and iconic villains the world has ever known, what, with his heavy metal visage and the creepy sss-kah, sss-kah, sss-kah breathing, his towering, armor-clad physique, with the whole shebang draped in pitch black. What’s not to love to hate? So it only makes good sense for Disney, who loves them some iconic bad guys, to want to include Darth Vader in some fashion in the future of Star Wars despite his death. For example, we suspect Disney has plans for a Darth Vader-themed TV special (or two) according to a report Viral wrote in October of 2013, although exactly when is rather vague. And we we’ve recently learned that Vader will make occasional appearances in the new animated show Rebels from time to time. Darth Vader is not merely an evil villain, but a cash cow in merchandising revenue, but he’s dead which leaves a lot of tricky logistics ahead for Disney in order to “bring him back.” One might think that such an endeavor potentially involves messy ret-cons, or unimaginative plot cliches such as cloning and time travel, BUT it may be a lot simpler than you think.

 

Vader

Anyone who reads this site by now knows full-well that I like to beat, no, more like pound the drum of Mythology. In my defense, it is apropos since Star Wars is, after all, a fantasy that just happens to be set in space, hence “space opera.” As such we must look to mythology, thus psychology and symbology as well, in order to understand and glean clues as to what is about to come. Mythology according to the Yale-New Haven Teacher’s Institute:

Mythology and mythological ideas permeate all languages, cultures and lives. Myths affect us in many ways, from the language we use to how we tell time; mythology is an integral presence. The influence mythology has in our most basic traditions can be observed in the language, customs, rituals, values and morals of every culture, yet the limited extent of our knowledge of mythology is apparent. In general we have today a poor understanding of the significance of myths in our lives. One way of studying a culture is to study the underlying mythological beliefs of that culture, the time period of the origins of the culture’s myths, the role of myth in society, the symbols used to represent myths, the commonalities and differences regarding mythology, and the understanding a culture has of its myths. Such an exploration leads to a greater understanding of the essence of a culture.

 

How does any of that matter to us? It matters because Star Wars is a monomyth using archetypes that span across regions and cultures, one reason why it is so universally loved, revered, and enduring. In that vein it is good cause for us to take a look at how symbolism will come into play in Episode VII and beyond.

 

Anakin

In Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker begins his hero’s journey into the larger world, in this case represented by the galaxy. He is guided by a wise sage who takes the form of a “crazy old wizard” named Ben Kenobi. We eventually learn that ol’ Ben Kenobi is actually Obi-Wan Kenobi, last of the Jedi Knights – the mystical enforcers of truth and justice in the galaxy. Obi-Wan not only represents wisdom for Luke Skywalker but also the light to which the young man is drawn. However, Luke’s journey is a long one, wrought with peril and confusion. Ol’ Ben, in his wise knowledge of what came before, specifically Anakin’s fall to the Dark Side of the Force, knows there is but one way to assure Luke will not fall likewise.

 

 

“IF YOU STRIKE ME DOWN, I SHALL BECOME MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.”

 

What is Obi-Wan talking about here? How is it possible to win a victory through losing, especially one’s life?

 

First and foremost it should be understood clearly that this IS EXACTLY according to Obi-Wan’s intentions. This is NOT a random twist of Fate or an unforeseen turn of events, his battle with Darth Vader was a premeditated course of action. Obi-Wan understood fully the implications of their foray into the Death Star and, as I already alluded to, it had one outcome for him. Obi-Wan sensed when Luke Skywalker was approaching and at that perfect moment allowed himself to be struck down. WHY? The answer should have been obvious after all these years, but in case it isn’t I will spell-it-out for you – to become a Martyr. And what is a Martyr if not a symbol? According to Merriam-Webster Online:

mar·tyr

Noun ˈmär-tər

: a person who is killed or who suffers greatly for a religion, cause, etc.

: a person who pretends to suffer or who exaggerates suffering in order to get praise or sympathy

: a person who suffers greatly from something (such as an illness)

 

Some famous historical martyrs include Ghandi, Joan of Arc, and of course Jesus Christ. Each and all died for a cause and became a symbol by which others fought for the same cause or religion. Obi-Wan Kenobi allowed himself to die in order to guide Luke Skywalker as a spirit, moreover, as a symbol of righteousness in this great galactic war. As we all know, it was Obi-Wan’s guidance which helped Luke destroy the Death Star and eventually Darth Sidious, through the redemption of Anakin Skywalker.

 

STHelm

But how does that relate to Episode VII? Whatever you do I can do better. IF Obi-Wan Kenobi could be used as a Martyr – a symbol of the Rebel cause – then Darth Vader could be used likewise. And some of the rumors we’ve all heard suggest as much as Viral reported in an article back in June:

* They have white helmets which flare out, which is weird but looks good. The eye is just one thin black strip, and it’s creepy.

 

* Sadly I only got a proper look at the helmets. The flare out, okay, I can’t describe it other than they look like Vader’s helmet in that respect, which I love. Obviously made in his image or something like that, which is interesting and a very clever way of keeping his presence in these movies.

 

Those are just a couple of unverified snippets of rumor – to be taken with a hearty dosage of salt – which suggest that the Empire is back in full-force, but especially, if these morsels are to be believed, using Darth Vader as a Martyr, a symbol, for their cause. It makes for an exciting evolution of the enemy IF they have somehow morphed into a bunch of Vader “clones,” similar to how the oppressed citizenry of London adopted the Guy Fawkes masks in V for Vendetta. In my estimation, using Vader as a symbol would make the Empire and its legion of stormtroopers fiercer and more vicious in accordance with my theories that Disney/LFL, through JJ, intends to revive them as a formidable enemy and allow the mythos to keep evoking the name and imagery of Darth Vader at the same time. Pure win–win situation!

 

Lucas and Abrams

Additionally, given what we know about the four men responsible for writing the script — George Lucas, Michael Arndt, JJ Abrams, and Lawrence Kasdan — some brilliant minds who also happen to be terrific writers, we shouldn’t be surprised to see a Matryoshka doll, so-to-speak, mythology within mythology. What I mean by this is we have the overall mythology of Star Wars. It would be very clever that the loyal denizens of the galactic Empire spin Darth Vader’s twisted tale into a galactic myth of courage and heroism. It would be very clever, and historically accurate, borrowing especially from Communist Russia, the concept that State Dictatorships pull some revisionist history on their oppressed peoples and re-write a much grander and nobler tale than what the truth would otherwise tell us.

“He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.” 
― George Orwell, 1984

 

As I wrote in my article about the new and improved Stormtroopers, we have no reason to believe that the Empire fell over night. Sure, it might have wavered, but it did not fall, at least completely. And, from the varied accounts of Stormtroopers and Imperial-looking sets we can fully expect to see a leaner, meaner Evil Empire.

 

So, what do we make of some of the latest rumors sweeping across the internets like a raging wild fire that Darth Vader is to return in the flesh in Episode VII? WWE’s Sheamus O’Shaunessy stoked the fires recently by vaguely tweeting (followed by other Vader-related Tweets) about potential involvement during the Skellig Michael shoot:

 

 

Could he be playing Darth Vader as a vision such that Luke Skywalker encountered in the cave of Dagobah? Don’t start hyperventilating just yet. We have it from a reliable source that O’Shaunessy WILL NOT be playing Vader in Star Wars: Episode VII and most likely not in any of the Sequel Trilogy films. However, it seems plausible that Disney will bring  Darth Vader back in some form. As ludicrous as this seemed back in 2012, The Daily Express, a UK website, actually revealed that this was the plan according to a “film mole:”

“He’s an integral part of the franchise. Replacing him is virtually impossible,” explains a film mole. “The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films.” […] “This is science fiction remember,” we’re told. “Darth Vader will rise from the ashes.”

IF NOT Seamus O’Shaunessy, could someone else be playing Darth Vader incarnate??? As we reported, David Prowse is more than willing, and aptly fitting, pun intended, to reprise his role as the body of Darth Vader. He would be the fan’s choice hand’s down IF, and that’s a very big IF, Vader were to return. Despite a very healthy dose of skepticism, we have to consider that this is a potentiality based on another article Viral posted about Brian Muir this past July:

 

* Vader’s helmet was spotted on the set. The helmet looked like it was burned. According to the guy it’ll be used in a flashback scene (we know that SW and flashbacks don’t work together but that’s what he said).

 

Later a completely different source also mentioned that Vader’s costume was seen on set. First I thought that they might be using the costume for other projects but now I don’t think this is the case. And Muir’s involvement is probably not a coincidence and I wonder why he deleted his post. Why are they hiding his involvement?

 

Like Viral I have my doubts that this is as a flashback as has been speculated. Star Wars doesn’t do flashbacks. I suppose we could be surprised but it wouldn’t feel cohesive to the style, the framework, that George worked so dilligently to build. It seems much more plausible as a VISION, but honestly with all the different bits of information and rumor we’re hearing it’s anyone’s guess at this point. My opinion is such that the only way to successfully resurrect Darth Vader in the flesh would be to somehow have a Vader doppleganger, a poseur, raised and trained to act, to carry-on the Sith Lord’s mantle and give him an even more supernatural reputation. Admittedly, it would be a bit of a cheat since the new “Vader” is just some guy wearing the suit in order to play the part of symbol, but it is a solution that has its foundations in real life of people picking up the mantle of fallen martyrs.

 

BLKST

 

Could Vader come back in the flesh? In my opinion it would be for the best that Vader NOT be brought back incarnate. However, keeping Darth Vader’s image, his presence alive as a symbol would give the revamped Empire and its newer, fiercer Stormtroopers a cause of their own to fight for. Personally, I prefer this more elegant solution — Darth Vader as spiritual symbol and a model by which the Stormtroopers pattern themselves.

 

Either way, Disney risks alot if they take the wrong step with Darth Vader, but one thing is for certain, no matter what Disney does it will be controversial to someone. What do you think about this possible Darth Vader resurrection?

 

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90 thoughts on “Darth Vader: The Power of a Symbol.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:24 pm
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    I would enjoy seeing Vader again, if Disney could make his return plausible. But if Disney could create a new villain to be equally iconic and awesome then we don’t need to have Vader back.

    Darth Vader did already have his story. I’m excited to see someone new.

    • August 12, 2014 at 11:42 pm
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      My money says “vader” is around in the beginning of ep 7. Han finds Luke to help stop Vader again. Luke ultimately beats and unmasks this “Vader” who turns out to be some young but powerful Sith apprentice played by Adam Driver . When he’s unveiled as such he escapes to retreat to his master right at the very end. His master is played by Max Von S. Cue credits and the wait for ep 8

    • August 13, 2014 at 9:53 am
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      NO MORE VADER. NO MORE SITH. TOO MANY OF YOU IN HERE ARGUES FOR ANAKIN BEING THE CHOSEN ONE. IF ANAKIN WAS THE ONE, THEN NO MORE SITH. YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. MAKE UP YOUR MINDS.

    • August 13, 2014 at 8:22 pm
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      COULD END UP JUST LIKE HOW CATHOLIC POPES NAME THEMSELVES. PERHAPS “SITH JOE” TAKES “LORD VADER’ AS HIS NAME WHEN HE TURNS INTO THE ANTI-POPE. THAT WAY THEY GET THE IMAGE OF VADER WITHOUT BRINGING HIM BACK TO LIFE…?

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:25 pm
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    Star Wars is full of iconic symbols.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:28 pm
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    If Jesus did it (which actually didn’t really happen in real life) then the mythology of Anakin would lead to his resurrection

    • August 12, 2014 at 10:32 pm
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      The badassness of a resurrection of Darth Vader would put a resurrection of Jesus to shame. Episode 7 might actually destroy the religion.

      • August 12, 2014 at 11:18 pm
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        “Episode 7 might actually destroy the religion.”

        Nope. We’re here to stay 🙂

        • August 12, 2014 at 11:23 pm
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          Yay… -_-

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:30 pm
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    I feel like the only way this could work is if the imperials hid Vader’s death and had a new sith to done a Vader suit, possibly the empire wouldn’t know it wasn’t him, in all the chaos on the Death Star. Of course this comes with all kinds of hindrances and complications. He really has no place in the new trilogy in the flesh. The most believable, and badass, concept here is possibly imperial propoganda against the rebels and how they murdered Vader in cold blood.

    Just some thoughts.

    • August 12, 2014 at 11:53 pm
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      But wouldn’t the Empire know that Vader’s loyalties changed in the end? I’m sure someone saw what happened, and many people saw Luke take his father’s body from the Death Star and cremate him on Endor. I think Vader will be remembered as a traitor to the Empire, and if he appears, it will be to Luke in a vision.

      • August 13, 2014 at 7:37 am
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        People that saw him on the Death Star were probably blown up.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:33 pm
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    My money is on one of two possibilities:
    1. Gwendoline Christie’s character dons a suit reminiscent of Vader’s or
    2. Luke may have another Dagobah cave type force vision that ‘warns’ him of some dark side danger through Vader’s image.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:43 pm
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    Could it be that the new Jedi antagonist has a Force vision like Luke did in the cave? We could have a fall from grace story and redemption in EP IX. However, that would mirror the first six. That taken into consideration, GL loved to mirror the episodes.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:43 pm
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    Rebels will probably destroy The Force Unleashed storyline (we already know it’s not canon anymore), however, maybe Vader did in fact have a secret apprentice that persisted in secret throughout the OT and upon Vader’s and the Emperor’s death, takes up the mantle of Darth Vader. He would have inside information on Vader’s doings most likely and posing as Vader might not be too difficult a feat.

    • August 12, 2014 at 11:20 pm
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      Who doesn’t have a secret apprentice these days? People without ***holes, that’s who.

      • August 14, 2014 at 10:29 pm
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        Hahahahahahahaha! Epic!

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:47 pm
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    BREAKING NEWS…
    Darth Vader Spotted At Intergalactic Fueling Station Pumping Gas Near Ord Mantell.

  • August 12, 2014 at 10:59 pm
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    I think they whole force vision like the cave is the best bet. Like others have said… but it’d be so awesome if it just came out of no where. Luke having a strange dream or something… then we hear the breathing.

    I’d flip the hell out.

    • August 13, 2014 at 1:54 am
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      Agree. In fact, if I was a runaway jedi seeking solitude, I’d go to Dagobah. That cave was a really interesting plot twist that wasn’t really developed in Episode V.

  • August 12, 2014 at 11:07 pm
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    Is the “Vader” identity wholly tied to (fallen) Anakin Skywalker? Or is it more like “Ghostface” in the Scream movies, where the murderer is replaced in each movie, as ever new psychopaths seem ready to acquire the mask, take on the identity and go on a killing spree?

    Of course, Luke would see any “new Vader” as an impostor, since he knows the truth of what happened to Anakin. Would it be a viable plot to have Luke trace down, confront and finally unmask a fake Vader? Part of the mystery could be who is really behind the mask, again much like in the Scream movies.

    • August 12, 2014 at 11:34 pm
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      This is the only thing that even sounds remotely plausible. Maybe this is the role Adam Driver is playing. He certainly has the length (6’3″) to pull it off.

  • August 12, 2014 at 11:16 pm
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    Please God, no. No, no, God, please no. Darth Vader should not be in this film in any capacity.

  • August 12, 2014 at 11:19 pm
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    It really depends on how you view the myth of the chosen one…Vader could never return as he has turned back to the light side of the force. I’m hoping for another dagobah vision quest which Luke can now pass. I’m hoping that Old Hermit Luke is the greatest version of a jedi Zarathustra ever. The thing that really pushes this is the mythology. The mirroring of ideas, not identical but to go along with the thread, we have the Old Testament and the New…and this is going to be more like the original trilogy which is much more biblical and mythological.

    • August 13, 2014 at 12:00 am
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      True, Darth Vader’s circle was fulfilled, he went to the Dark Side and back, killing the Emperor and saving Luke. It would make absolutely no sense for him to choose, or be able to, resurrect.

    • August 13, 2014 at 12:07 am
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      I also would like to see Old Hermit Luke confront Vader in a vision again, but now pass the test. I wonder how he could achieve this..

  • August 12, 2014 at 11:37 pm
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    Anakin as a force ghost > trying to bring back a former sith lord

    Btw, digging the stormtrooper helmet

  • August 12, 2014 at 11:44 pm
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    If they do have someone pretending to be Vader, I don’t think it will be “just some guy” but maybe Adam Driver as a Solo turned to the Dark Side to take up his grandfather’s legacy. It makes sense to me that the Empire would use the image of Vader in some way to motivate their troops. Especially if they have become a sort of Sith cult trying to revive the “true” Empire. Maybe they claim that Vader killed the Emperor and took his place in order to revive the Sith.

  • August 13, 2014 at 12:05 am
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    If they bring back Vader then I have no interest in this trilogy. There is more to Star Wars then just Vader as OT fans like me wanted more adventures of Luke, Leia & Han rather then a back story to Anakin Skywalker.

  • August 13, 2014 at 12:10 am
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    Could Luke’s vision in the Dagobah cave come to pass in some form in Ep. VII? Perhaps Luke sways to the dark side after all and dons the helmet fulfilling a destiny we never expected?… or as a ruse to gain control over what’s left of the Empire? He would be powerful enough to pull it off, but in tasting the dark side he slips a bit. Heroes would be needed to attempt to bring him back, mirroring what Luke did with Anakin.

    • August 13, 2014 at 12:25 am
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      …but it just dawned on me that if he’s a little short for a stormtrooper, he’d be utterly ridiculous in the Vader outfit (thinking now of Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet).

  • August 13, 2014 at 12:35 am
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    “He’s an integral part of the franchise. Replacing him is virtually impossible,” explains a film mole. “The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films.” […] “This is science fiction remember,” we’re told. “Darth Vader will rise from the ashes.”

    This indicates something very sad and unfortunate but unsurprising given the state of unimaginative Hollywood these days. Disney bought Star Wars to cash in on it’s popularity and is hiring “fans” who very well may be more interested in reliving their childhood fantasies then creating a new and evolving sequel. If this is indeed the case then Star Wars has been truly dead when Vader died in ’83.

    • August 13, 2014 at 12:57 am
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      In my humble opinion, Maul had the potential to hold his own against Vader in the PT. He wouldn’t have been as iconic, but he could’ve been so much better.

  • August 13, 2014 at 12:54 am
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    The Force is NOT strong with this potential plot element (imo). I just don’t see how or why an Imperial organization- some 35 or so years removed from the perish of Vader- would be inclined to use him as a symbol or idol of power and influence. Firstly, Vader’s fierce, murderous reputation preceded him- I’m fairly sure that his presence made all of his subordinates needlessly nervous when they were around it. Now, why on Coruscant would a potentially smaller and less influential Imperial force go out of their way to use Vader as some kinda super-symbol of power, or, have some imposter running around in a Vader mask/suit thingy??? Maybe a powerful Sith (or wannabe) in the background might find a purpose in stirring the Vader-symbology pot, but then that’s a whole different can of beans plot-wise.

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:07 am
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    I kneel, KNEEL, I say!, before my Sith master ….

    • August 13, 2014 at 1:21 am
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      You have been seduced by the Dark side of the Force.

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:20 am
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    This is a load of dog wank!!!

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:25 am
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    I think that the empire will be on it’s last legs ready to implode, when someone (possibly Adam Driver) will resurrect the uniform as a rallying call to drive the empire to its former glory! …ish sort of…..

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:28 am
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    When those first pictures of the Tattoine set came out a few months ago, there was a picture of a black man in a black cloak wearing a re-breather. i totally thought at that moment of some kind of Vader cult. I don’t think its a bad idea at all. I think maybe some one (like Von Sydow’s character) might be a puppet master, manipulating people with the symbol of Vader, but still have something even more sinister and disturbing in store for the galaxy…

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:33 am
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    JJ could make the flashbacks work, but i would prefer visions of some sort. Maybe they find some inspiration in the former EU and maybe Luke or (Jacen) learns the ability to flow walk and follows Anakins embrace of the dark side and so on?

    Guess we’ll find out december 18th 2015!

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:39 am
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    You lost me at “symbology”… Echo-07 I think I’ll take a bagel with my coffee..

  • August 13, 2014 at 1:49 am
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    I´d be really dissapointed to see Vadre, Stormtroopers…..I hoped for something…anything N E W ! ! !

    • August 13, 2014 at 2:05 am
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      ^Yes, something new. That’s what I saw everytime the rumor says there will be a Boba Fett movie. Man, that guy is overrated.

  • August 13, 2014 at 2:01 am
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    An empire desperate for control, as it is losing starsystems by the day, resorts to pure terror, and intimidates and scares people with a random guy in a Vader suit.

    Echo-07, here is another point you forgot to point out. Only a handfull of people knew Vader died at the end of Episode VI. To the majority of beings in the galaxy, he was still alive in their minds. There was no way for people to know he was even on the new Death Star, or that his body was dragged to Endor by Luke.

    The struggling empire can use this bit of knowledge to its advantage…

    • August 13, 2014 at 7:35 pm
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      I’m not sure that would work. Take for instance the death of Bin Laden. Obama wasted no time in getting on the TV and spreading the news. I think it would work the same way with the Rebel Alliance. As soon as Vader and the Emperor are dead, the word is spread throughout the Rebellion and through that same vein the entire galaxy. Did you see the parties across the galaxy (inserted by GL, which think was a mistake to mess with perfection, but I digress) at the end of ROJ? Ding Dong, the Emperor is Dead! And his trusty sidekick, too!

  • August 13, 2014 at 2:03 am
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    I really hope the new trilogy will eventually explore the history of the Ancient Sith, though. Might be a good way to bring Darth Revan back to the canon, along with some other Old Republic stuff… turn “Moruband” into Korriban again, use the planet in the film, mention the tombs of the four deceased Dark Lords of old (Marka Ragnos, Tulak Hord, Naga Sadow and Ajunta Pall), have some history thing going on… as long as it works. Maybe a new Sith who is seeking to restore the Sith to their former “glory”, as they were before Darth Bane’s Rule of Two, believing that they were the “true Sith”. Something like that.

    • August 13, 2014 at 2:09 am
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      I sincerely hope you are true. But knowing Disney, they are going to milk the original trilogy till there’s nothing left. first a boba fett movie, then a Han Solo movie, who knows, they might even make a backstory for Sy Snoodles. Of course, I agree with you 100%, the franchise needs to expand and introduce more characters, different storylines, and ancient events. But Disney plays it safe and they won’t take a risk by doing something new. They stick with the three movies they know are liked. The foaming-at-the-mouth OT fanatics aren’t helping the situation either…

      • August 13, 2014 at 4:35 am
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        Give it a rest. And time.

  • August 13, 2014 at 2:24 am
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    Obviously there is some 19 years between III and IV to do movies in.

    So that all the rumors are about Fett, Solo or whatever tells me that either they are keeping it very quiet or Vader, Yoda and Kenobi are going to be the big films after the ST is done.

    I mean with those characters why even contemplate films about Han Solo? A dark times trilogy of films is certainly possible.

  • August 13, 2014 at 2:36 am
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    Anakin’s intentions early on were noble, if not misguided. He was frustrated with the Republic’s ability to protect all of its “people” and unify the galaxy. The Rebel Alliance would suffer from similar difficulties immediately after the death of the Emperor and Vader while attempting wrest full control away from whatever Imperial remnant exists.

    Luke and our other heroes may experience similar frustration, to the point that force ghost Anakin explains to them what he really wanted to do all along… and it makes sense to them to a degree. “We can see Anakin Skywalker’s vision through but do it the right way.” To that end, Luke grooms a new apprentice to take the mantle. But one or all sort of lose their way in determining what is right and wrong, good vs. evil, themes that GL has suggested would be part of a ST. And maybe this new apprentice (Adam Driver) ultimately dons the Vader costume, only to be confronted by new heroes in the subsequent episodes… Just thinking out loud and throwing out ideas.

    That having been said, I am kind of intrigued by the suggestion above that Gwendoline Christie’s character should be the new Vader. The only thing I don’t want is any kind of Star Wars that turns in to a bible story, i.e. Chosen One, savior, etc. ala the Matrix Trilogy. Talk about disappointment.

  • August 13, 2014 at 3:34 am
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    Looking more and more like Han and Leah’s son turns to the dark side as a result of a new Sith Lord. Hope not. I mean lets face it, the force needs balance, and hey, they would be keeping Vader in the family.

  • August 13, 2014 at 4:13 am
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    Listen to this, this is how I would show Darth Vader and the Emperor in the movie.

    Imagine this Luke discovers Vaders lair on Coruscant he follows a Sith there waits till the Sith leaves then enters a large room on the back wall are 3 of Vaders suits in glass cabinets and in front of them a meditation chamber in front of that a table and the 2 droids from ROTS who put him in the suit and they are switched off and on the left and right side are tables with helmets chestplates gloves boots and belts and light sabres on them Luke picks up a lightsabre ignites it turns it off picks up another ignites it and turns it off it walks over to the droid 21B turns it on he tell Luke to leave or his master Lord Vader will return Luke realises the droid has been switched off for 30 years and turns it off again goes into another room to the left sees a holographic projector turns it on and a life size projection of Darth Vader and the Emperor appear he watches various holographic videos of the two of them talking and training with lightsabres and talking about Sith history including Darth Plagueis thats how you put Vader and the Emperor in the movie.

    + imagine theres a black disc on the floor the same kind Vader kneels on in TESB and Luke looks at it and it lights up in a circle he stands on it and a wall sized hologram appears and we see a room with a hooded figure with their back to us they turn around and see Luke and either they are a stranger or he knows them they reach out with the force and choke Luke he reaches through the force with his arm and sends this person across the room flying into a wall they get up Luke asks who they are the person scowls at him and turns the camera off then Luke leaves.

    call me The Chosen One…

  • August 13, 2014 at 4:19 am
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    I believe it could be a spin off film if Vader isn’t in EP7. If Vader does somehow end up in EP7, it will be his Saber that is found, Not Luke’s.

  • August 13, 2014 at 4:22 am
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    Vader was not loved he was feared, so when a leader like that dies, his officers are quick to forget him. The main villain in the ST should be loved by his followers not so much by his power, but his charisma. That would give the ST something original compared to the previous 6 movies. Putting Vader in there is a ploy to sell more merchandise by Disney. Remember Lucas marketed Episode 3 with suited Vader yet he is only in the movie for 5 minutes.

  • August 13, 2014 at 5:06 am
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    The helmet looks like a Cobra helmet….

  • August 13, 2014 at 5:50 am
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    Let’s hope JJ and the writers can come up with something better than bringing Vader back in any form. The real villain in these movies was always the emperor anyway. I also don’t need to see stormtroopers still around either. Let’s push the saga forward into worlds that haven ‘t seen before with new characters with their own stories – not just rehash the previous films with new faces.

  • August 13, 2014 at 6:12 am
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    oh for fucks sake what is it with people like you star wars is not just a name brand you can put anything in and people will buy it its luke han leia chewie r2 3po vader the emperor ben kenobi lando jedi sith empires and rebellions x wings tie fighters star destroyers this is what STAR WARS is what characters do you want to see? name anything can you top what i mentioned above

    Ps stormtroopers are timeless

    • August 14, 2014 at 6:15 am
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      You forgot lightsaber fights and the musical score. My point is that Vader should not come back in episode 7. His story arc is over. That being said, I’ll watch whatever they make no matter what. Just hope it’s better than Indy 4.

  • August 13, 2014 at 6:54 am
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    The robotic hand in the recent jj abrams note pic is vaders. Picture DV with his capes and leathers burnt away. Yes, you heard me correctly. Drivers head is underneath the mask. Just. His. Head. Do you notice the hand is burnt? Like on a funeral pyre? Vader is a big part of 7,8, and 9. Yoda ghost too.

  • August 13, 2014 at 8:32 am
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    cough Bullshit cough

  • August 13, 2014 at 9:03 am
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    Vader is and always will be dead. The force ghost of Anakin was seen in ROJ so why would he return in the suit as a force ghost…that is imo out of the question.
    What will likely happen is perhaps a helmet or suit that is seen through a vision…remember Yoda says the past, the present, things that have not yet come to pass…what if the vision is of Vader by the young Jedi and they travel to find Luke to ask for interpretation. Vader then becomes a sort of prophetic sense of rising from the ashes while staying away from resurrection (which would not work). Disney can capitalize on selling Vader for years either way…they don’t need him in the movie to capitalize on money!

  • August 13, 2014 at 9:50 am
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    And how many peeps in here want to see more Sith ? More sith fighting Jedi ? ohhhh well if thats the case, then Anakin wasnt the chosen one was he ? Can’t have it both ways. If Anakin was the chosen one, then no more Sith period. if you want the sith to return, then Anakin was not the chosen one. PERIOD !!!!

    • August 13, 2014 at 11:36 am
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      I’m fine with Anakin not being the Chosen One. The whole thing sounded like silly fan service anyway.

    • August 13, 2014 at 4:57 pm
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      Anakin brought the force back into balance. Who’s to say that it doesn’t go out of balance again?

      • August 14, 2014 at 11:02 am
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        The Jedi prophecy said that the chosen would destroy the sith. If there are more sith in new trilogy, then what ? Do the math.

  • August 13, 2014 at 10:08 am
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    You sure are having a lot of periods
    is it your time of the month?

    Remember how George Lucas does things
    1. He tells you one thing is true ie Darth Vader and Anakin are 2 separate people or there
    will never be sequels
    2. Then years later changes that idea ie episodes 7,8,9

    Disney is just following his bluprint ie lie to the dumb sheep then deny everything
    Baaa Baaa Baaa

    • August 13, 2014 at 2:32 pm
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      Last I checked, I still don’t a copy of the original unaltered versions of the OT in a state the art quality format. And technically he said HE wouldn’t do a sequel trilogy.

  • August 13, 2014 at 10:57 am
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    WHY??? DARTH VADER ALREADY HAD HIS STORY AND HIS TIME ON STAR WARS.
    PLUS, EVERYONE IS FORGETTING (INCLUDING DISNEY) DARTH VADER TURNED BACK INTO ANAKIN SKYWALKER!!!!
    SO, NO! DARTH VADER SHOULD NOT BE IN EPISODE VII!!
    I’LL ACCEPT MAYBE ANAKIN COMING AS A FORCE GHOST TO GUIDE LUKE.?

    • August 14, 2014 at 12:19 pm
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      Its the legacy of Vader that will return, Darth Vader is possibly worshipped by these new sith and they wear his armour. Or Luke has the helmet and someone dons it. Its the Symbol of Darth Vader the article is trying to suggest not a resurrection of Anakin. The Likeness not the man. Darth will sow up either in vision or hologram or some intergalactic display.

  • August 13, 2014 at 11:02 am
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    Yeah, sorry I didn’t mean to put everything on capitals

    • August 13, 2014 at 1:34 pm
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      I so yelled that in my head

  • August 13, 2014 at 3:33 pm
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    Yeah, if Darth Vader is in the next Star Wars movie in a big way i might just slam my head into my desk and go into a coma for a few years.

  • August 13, 2014 at 3:47 pm
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    Egh… Just let it rest, Vader died, then appeared as a force ghost as Anakin to the entire cast, Vader was no more. His story ended.

    Resurrecting him is about the most idiotic and disrespectful thing you could do right now to his conclusion. Visions, flashbacks, i could live with that. But the character itself is done.

  • August 13, 2014 at 5:03 pm
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    After reading this article and the speculation on how they could bring Vader back the first thing that popped into my head was as RedHarvest suggested that Gwendoline Christie would take up the mantel of Darth Vader. Rumors have her being trained with a lightsaber. It is also rumored that she is in search for a Storm Trooper that has deserted what is left of the Empire. What if in her search for that Storm Trooper she comes across one of Vader’s helmets. She sees that what is left of the Empire needs a symbol to follow and she decides to be that symbol.

  • August 13, 2014 at 9:32 pm
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    I can see reasons why vader must return..I see exactly 4bn of them.

    Nobody would pay THAT much money and not bring the most iconic villan to the big screen somehow. I said this from day 1 of the sale to Disney.

    Plus it’s not like you need a specific actor to play him either. It’s a no brainer.

  • August 13, 2014 at 11:44 pm
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    I am all for a Vader return in E VII and beyond. He is the ultimate villain but much more than that, his complete story has not all been told, at least in films.

    Personally I would much rather see a spinoff film that focuses on Vader after E III, the rise of Vader and the Empire as he hunts the Jedi, the formation and build up of the rebellion, etc. Now THAT could be an amazing story line and film. Almost an Episode 3.5… there is so much more Vader to tell and 17-18 years between E III and E IV to me are a perfect place for a Vader story to be told

    • August 14, 2014 at 12:49 am
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      Thank god somebody else thinks like me! A Vader spinoff needs to be done. Forget all this Boba Fett crap. That character was supposed to be a throwaway. I would love a Vader spinoff. It would be great to see what happens after the events of ROTS. To see how he copes with everything that had just happened in ROTS. Of course people will point to The Force Unleashed games for that. But hey, that expanded universe crap and they have let us now that all that has been thrown out the window.Both Vader and Yoda deserve standalones before a second rate character like boba Fett. What do you think would pull in normal moviegoers(not rabid fanboys like us)Vader or Boba Fett? I rest my case.

  • August 14, 2014 at 12:39 am
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    It seems to me that everybody is missing something. George Lucas has said so many times that I cant keep up, that all the films revolve around Vader/Anakin. The first 3 were about his rise and fall and 4 5 and 6 are about his redemption. I would imagine that the next 3 will have something to do with everyone trying to pick up the pieces of the mess he left behind ya think? Vader is not going to turn up people dont freak out. If he does it will be something similar to Lukes test in the cave in Empire.I will not be suprised if Anakins ghost turns up at some point in this trilogy. I know most people hate on Hayden(I’m not much of a fan) but wouldnt be just a little bit cool to see him on screen with Mark Hamill.Being able to mesh a prequel actor with an OT actor would be a very good way to help really bridge all nine films together.

  • August 14, 2014 at 3:46 am
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    Vader as a symbol is interesting. BUt this is 30 years after Jedi when the force is balanced and Luke should be the freaking man with the force. I wanna see him force jump off those pyramids on Yavin 4….

  • August 14, 2014 at 4:58 am
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    My honest opinion, I think this new trilogy should be under the legends brand. If Vader is in this movie, the only acceptable scenario in my opinion would be in flashback or a vision. Bringing him back would definitely kill it for me. I think Disney is going to kill this franchise honestly. I’ve been a fan since I was 3 years old and remember watching A new Hope and Empire Strikes back on VHS. I saw ROTJ in the theater when I was 5. I started reading the books in my teens and like many other die hard SW fans, are really let down that they decided to trash the whole EU as non-canon. From the rumors I’ve heard about the film so far, it’s going to take an act of the Force to convince me it’s worth seeing…

  • August 14, 2014 at 5:19 am
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    He HAS to return…

  • August 14, 2014 at 8:01 pm
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    Vader has to return.

    Star Wars is fantasy after all.

    • August 14, 2014 at 8:02 pm
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      I don’t want to see silly Sith witches or any other EU crap.

  • August 18, 2014 at 1:17 am
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    I am a life long Star Wars fan. I watched the VHSs in the late 80s and early 90s so many times that I practically had the movies memorized. I’m a rabid “original” original trilogy fan. I loved the premise of the pre-quells though I would have done them different. I WANT TO SEE VADER AGAIN! Not a flashback, not a vision, VADER in the suit as the main bad guy. Its Space Opera, anything is possible. Vader is irreplaceable. No one “new” could ever be as awesome as Vader. Bring him back!

  • December 8, 2014 at 9:58 am
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    HELLO BOARD.

    sorry but I didn´t saw vader die in ep.6 , just saw him faint.

    yoda and ben kenobi disappeared after death.

    and what happened to kill him? just a few moments of “force lightnings” by the emperor?
    luke suffered many many seconds more of the same lightnings, and was fine.

    then I saw a masked body being burned.

    it was HIS SON that brought that body, god there is 1000 come backs more far fetched than this.

    luke let him go.
    it was his dad.
    he thought he had good in him.
    he was wrong.
    its his secret.

    god why I don´t write movies..

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