Rogue One: A Star Wars Story just confirmed James Earl Jones will reprise his role as the voice of Darth Vader! However, this is not at all a surprise considering that the events of Rogue One take place shortly before Episode 4 – A New Hope. Just in case you’re not in the loop, Rogue One features a group of Rebel spies and their mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. As such, it’s safe to say Darth Vader is going to show up if the Death Star is involved. Sadly, Rogue One is still somewhat far, far away as it is not due to come out until the end of 2016 so we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see how it all goes down. In the mean time, let’s quickly review 7 times Darth Vader was a total badass in Star Wars!
1. “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
After Admiral Motti mocks the Force in Darth Vader’s presence in Episode IV – A New Hope, he gets a quick lesson of how powerful the Force can be. Not only is this scene one of the first times we witness how powerful Darth Vader is, but it also showcases a rare moment where Darth Vader shows mercy. Unlike his next badass moment…
2. “You have failed me for the last time.”
Due to Admiral Ozzel’s incompetence in Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back, the Imperial Fleet was detected by the Rebels and ruined Darth Vader’s plan of attack. As such, Darth Vader force chokes him to death from another ship while simultaneously promoting Captain Piett to Admiral and giving him orders. Darth Vader, master at using the Force and talented at multitasking.
3. *Heavy Breathing*
From Episode III- Revenge of the Sith, we witness the birth of one of the most iconic villains in all of film. Completing his turn to the Dark Side, he is Anakin Skywalker no more. Fun fact: Darth Vader’s breathing is officially trademarked.
4. “When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the master.”
Darth Vader’s duel with Obi-Wan was one of the most memorable moments in Episode 4 – A New Hope. Although I’m sure Darth Vader has a very busy schedule, he still has time to deliver badass lines before engaging in Lightsaber duels.
5. Darth Vader’s VS. Luke Skywalker
Darth Vader shows off exactly how menacing he really is when he duels Luke Skywalker. He eventually severs Luke’s hand, effectively shaping him into his own image. This also reflects his intent on luring Luke to the Dark Side. Luke, however, is not seduced so easily and doesn’t go down without a fight.
6. A Glimmer of Light.
Upon seeing the Emperor use Force Lightning to torture Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader betrays the Emperor and hurls him into the abyss. Up until this moment, Darth Vader had denied that there was any good left in him despite Luke’s best efforts to convince him otherwise. This was badass because it was completely unexpected, but also because Darth Vader just picked the Emperor up and threw him like he weighed nothing.
7. “No, I am your father.”
Perhaps one of, if not, the most famous movie quotes of all time, Darth Vader finally reveals the truth to Luke Skywalker about his family in the climactic battle of Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back. 10/10 Darth Vader. Well done, you badass.
