Disney Villain Profile – Darth Vader

in Disney, Entertainment, Movies, Star Wars, Television


From small son of a slave to sinister Sith Lord, Darth Vader is one the most recognized and feared villains of all times.  His path from promise of hope to darkness and death is a cornerstone of the “Star Wars” universe.

vader

When the menacing masked dark lord first appeared in “Star Wars” (later “Star Wars: A New Hope”) his enigmatic and commanding presence instantly catapulted him into one the most liked bad guys ever created.

This was thanks to the deep, authoritative voice of James Earl Jones, the tall commanding figure of David Prowse rolled into a mysterious, black costume with flowing black cape and an eerie, ominous constant sound of his respirator breathing.

Prowse_Vader

Vader’s villainy is powered by his dark mastery of the force.  Over the saga, he has tortured, murdered and imprisoned his enemies and bullied events and allies to bend to his will (or the will of his master Emperor Palpatine).

open-uri20150608-27674-hk4fmv_45560d3d

The Dark Lord reveals that Luke Skywalker is actually his son in the second film of the original trilogy, “The Empire Strike Back.”  In third episode to the original trilogy, “Return of the Jedi,” it is that bond of father and son that eventually breaks Vader of Dark Side’s grip.  Vader’s final act is one of selfless heroism as he sacrifices himself to save Luke from the Emperor.

vader 2

Several years after the first three blockbuster films, a trio of prequel films was produced.  The films take place 30 years in the past (from the original trilogy) and trace the path of a young boy who eventually becomes Darth Vader.  Anakin Skywalker, the fatherless son of slave Shimi Skywalker is introduced to a young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first film “Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace.”

Over the next two chapters we watch Anakin evolve to eventually become a tortured, conflicted Jedi who eventually becomes Darth Vader.  The prequels also lay the groundwork for the emergence of the Empire and its ultimate weapon, the Death Star.

image_11094f30

While the character of Darth Vader does not appear in the first move of the follow up sequels (“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens”), a charred remain of his iconic helmet becomes one of the motivational triggers for Kylo Ren.

helmet

Vader’s final film appearance (so far) was in the stand alone film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Perhaps as a reminder of where he came from, Vader has constructed a fortress on Mustafar.  There Orson Krennic tries to confer with Vader.

The film’s events lead right up to start “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.”  We again see Vader just before and up to the point where he boards the “Tantive IV”

vader 3

Anakin Skywalker (as a Jedi) appeared in the animated film, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” The young Jedi also appears in the animated television series “Star Wars: the Clone Wars.”    When “Star Wars: Rebels” came to television, the timeline was some 14 years after the Clone Wars and we see Darth Vader make an appearance several times in that series.

clone wars vader

(We’re not sure if it is safe to also mention the brief appearance in the “Star Wars Holiday Special, as we’d prefer NOT to be Force-choked..)

Darth Vader has also been featured in several “Star Wars” comic books and novels.  In both the “Lego Star Wars” and “Star Wars Battlefront” video games as well as “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,” Darth Vader continues his role as the ultimate bad guy.

Vader comicbook

At Disney theme parks, Darth Vader is seen in one of the many sequences of Star Tours and is also available for meet and greets.

The role of the Sith Lord has been filled by several actors, most prominently Dave Prowse.  Other actors to don the black cape and mask include Sebastian Shaw (unmasked Vader in “Return of the Jedi”), Hayden Christensen (who also portrayed the adult Anakin), Gene Bryant (prequels), Bob Anderson (original trilogy fight scenes), Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprious (Rogue One).

Anakin-Jedi

Vader’s voice originally came from James Earl Jones (though Orson Wells was considered).  Other voice talents include Brock Peters (NPR radio drama), Mat Lucas (“Clone Wars” movie/min-series).  James Earl Jones reprised the voice role for the “Rebels” series and the “Rogue One” film.

800px-James_Earl_Jones_2010_Crop

The Sith Lord’s dark visage was designed by Ralph McQuarrie with fine tuning (sculpting) by Brian Muir.

concept

Darth Vader, according to the American Film Institute, is one the top three villains of all time (the top two spots belong to Hannibal Lecter and Norman Bates).   He also appears as a grotesque on the National Cathedral.

cathedral

What is your favorite Darth Vader moment or appearance?  Share your Sith story in the comments below.

Source and Images: Star Wars WikiaWikipedia & StarWars.com

in Disney, Entertainment, Movies, Star Wars, Television

View Comments (2)