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{{short description|Character in the Star Wars franchise}}{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{SW Character|
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
image=]<br /><small>Though he requires his suit's built-in life support systems to sustain him, Darth Vader remains a terrifying symbol of power|
{{Use American English|date=June 2022}}
bgcolor=#000|
{{Infobox character
fgcolor=#fff|
name=Darth Vader| | name = Darth Vader
| image = Darth Vader.png
species=]|
| series = ]
gender=]|
| first = '']'' (1977)
height=2.02 meters (6 ft 7 in) (in armor)|
| last =
hair=None (formerly brown)|
| creator = ]
eyes= Red/Yellow/Black (formerly Blue as Anakin Skywalker) |
| portrayer = {{show|Various|
weapon= ]|
{{Plainlist|
vehicle= ], ], ]|
* '''Darth Vader''':
planet=]|
* ]
affiliation=], ]|
* ]
portrayer=] (Episodes IV-VI) and ] (Episode III)/] (voice) (Episodes III-VI)
* Daniel Naprous
* ]
* '''Anakin Skywalker''':
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}}}
| voice = {{show|Various|
{{Plainlist|
* '''Darth Vader''':
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* '''Anakin Skywalker''':
* ]
* ]
* Frankie Ryan Manriquez
* Hayden Christensen
* ]
* ]
}}
}}
<!--In-universe information-->| full_name = Anakin Skywalker
| species = Human
| gender = Male
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
* Jedi Knight
* Sith Lord
}}
| lbl21 = Master
| data21 = {{Plainlist|
* ] (as a Jedi)
* ] (as a Sith)
}}
| lbl22 = Apprentice
| data22 = {{Plainlist|
* ] (as a Jedi)
* ] (Star Wars Legends)
}}
| lbl23 = Homeworld
| data23 = ]
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| family = {{Plainlist|
* ] (mother)
* ] (grandson)<!-- Please do not change to Kylo Ren. Real names of characters are listed in this infobox, and ] links to the Kylo Ren page. -->
}}
| spouse = ] (wife)
| children = {{Plainlist|
* ] (son)
* ]&thinsp;(daughter)
}} }}
'''Darth Vader''' (]&ndash;]) is a ] from '']''.

In '']'' and '']'', Vader is the epitome of pure ]&mdash;a man who holds the entire galaxy under the boot of an evil ]; and in doing so, dispassionately commits torture, oversees the destruction of an entire planet, and murders even his own officers. In later films, his redemption, as well as his initial fall from grace, are explored in greater depth. Darth Vader is widely considered to be one of the most iconic movie ]s of all time.

{{spoiler}}
Darth Vader was born '''Anakin Skywalker''' and is the father of twins ] and ]. He is given the name "Darth Vader" in ]. Throughout the six films, the character is portrayed by five different actors. Anakin Skywalker is played by ] as a child and ] as a young adult. ] portrayed his body in the original ''Star Wars'' Trilogy. His ] was supplied by ]. ] portrayed the face of the dying, middle-aged (and redeemed) man behind the mask in the (original) theatrical release of '']'' and shortly after, as the ghost of Anakin; in the most recent ] release, however, it's Christensen (in his Episode III appearance) who plays the ghost of Skywalker, digitally inserted in Shaw's place. Also, in the closing scenes of Episode III&mdash;'']'', the fully armoured Vader is played by Christensen, again with ]' voice. Though he is not credited as such, stunt double ] actually played Vader through much of ] due to a falling-out between ] and ]. In new footage created for the Special Edition releases of the Star Wars films in 1997, Vader was played by ] employee C. Andrew Nelson who also played him in the ] ].

There is some question as to when it's more appropriate to refer to the character as "Darth Vader" or "Anakin Skywalker". Yoda and Obi-Wan both asserted at various times that Anakin Skywalker was destroyed and consumed by Vader during the events chronicled in ''Revenge of the Sith'', and the appearance of Anakin's force ghost to Luke is meant to portray the pre-fall Skywalker—Sebastian Shaw's portrayal shows a man with a full head of hair, no burn marks, a less pasty skin color, and a full set of limbs, while Hayden Christiansen's portrayal is more clearly that of a pre-fall Anakin Skywalker. The substitution of Christiansen has been explained by Lucas as reinforcing the view that Anakin truly died prior to the original trilogy, but ''Star Wars'' seems to also approach the question with the implication that there is no simple answer to it, as Obi-Wan tells Luke during his explanation of Vader's identity, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly upon our own point of view."{{ref|Usage}}

==Anakin Skywalker==

{{SW Character|
image= ]<br /><small>Hayden Christensen, as Anakin Skywalker, wields his ] in a publicity shot|
bgcolor=#00b|
fgcolor=#000|
name=Anakin Skywalker|
species=]|
gender=]|
height=1.35 meters (4 ft 5 in) (as a child), 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in) as an adult|
hair= Brown (was blond as a child)|
eyes= Blue|
weapon= ]|
vehicle=Customized Delta-7 ], ], Anakin Skywalker's Podracer, ]|
planet= ]|
affiliation= ], ]|
portrayer=]/]/]
}} }}
'''Darth Vader''' ({{IPAc-en|d|ɑːr|θ|_|v|eɪ|d|ər}}) is a fictional character in the '']'' franchise. He was first introduced in the ] as one of the leaders of the ]. The ] chronicles his transformation from the ] '''Anakin Skywalker''' into the ] Lord Darth Vader. His metamorphosis begins when he is lured to the ] by Chancellor ], who later becomes the Emperor. After a ] battle with his former mentor ], Vader is severely injured and is transformed into a ]. He serves Palpatine for over two decades, hunting down the remaining Jedi and attempting to crush the ]. When Palpatine tries to kill Vader's son, ], the Sith Lord turns against his master and destroys him. Vader is the husband of ], the father of Luke and his twin sister ], and the grandfather of ] (later known as Kylo Ren).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name="starwars-databank1">{{Cite web |title=Anakin Skywalker |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/anakin-skywalker |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420132057/https://www.starwars.com/databank/anakin-skywalker |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="starwars-databank2">{{Cite web |title=Darth Vader |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/darth-vader |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619185209/https://www.starwars.com/databank/darth-vader }}</ref>{{Sfn|Hidalgo|Sansweet|2008c|p=163}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shkoukani |first=Emily |title=Like Grandfather, Like Grandson |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/darth-vader-kylo-ren-grandfather-grandson |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509014207/https://www.starwars.com/news/darth-vader-kylo-ren-grandfather-grandson |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
Anakin "Ani" Skywalker is believed by many, notably ] and ], to be the prophesied ''']''', destined to bring balance to the ] by destroying the ], according to Jedi Master ] in ]. He is taken as a young boy and trained as a ], and becomes a legendary figure during the ]. However, Anakin's arrogance and emotional insecurities eventually turn him to the ], leading him to become Darth Vader.


] physically portrays Vader in the original trilogy, while ] provides his voice in all of the films and some television series. ] portrays Anakin in '']'' (1983), while ] and ] portray Anakin in the prequel trilogy, with Christensen reprising the role in the series '']'' (2022) and '']'' (2023). In the standalone film '']'' (2016), Vader is portrayed by ] and Daniel Naprous. The character also appears in novels, comics, and video games. He has become an iconic villain of cinema.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Jesus |date=July 31, 2018 |title=How Darth Vader became the most iconic evil figure in film history |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90210858/how-darth-vader-became-the-most-iconic-evil-figure-in-film-history |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Fast Company |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402051550/https://www.fastcompany.com/90210858/how-darth-vader-became-the-most-iconic-evil-figure-in-film-history |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IGN.com">{{cite web |title=Darth Vader – #1 Top 100 Villain |url=https://www.ign.com/top/top-100-villains |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109054107/https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-villains/1 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |access-date=February 4, 2016 |work=] |publisher= |location=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Andrea |date=February 18, 2008 |title=Darth Vader: The Tragic Man Behind the Mask |url=https://www.npr.org/2008/02/18/19141349/darth-vader-the-tragic-man-behind-the-mask |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=NPR |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401212939/https://www.npr.org/2008/02/18/19141349/darth-vader-the-tragic-man-behind-the-mask |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warmann |first=Amon |date=2024-02-28 |title=Hayden Christensen: The Master Of The Dark Side Speaks |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/hayden-christensen-star-wars-interview/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Empire |language=en}}</ref>}}
Son of ], Anakin is born in 42 ]. Shmi claims that there was no father and that her pregnancy with Anakin resulted from a virgin conception. Some viewers have drawn narrative parallels between this tale and the ] stories of ]' conception and birth, as well as classic mythological stories. The wise Qui-Gon Jinn suggests that Anakin might have been conceived by the ]s&mdash;the implication being that Anakin is a creation of the Force itself. (According to Chancellor Palpatine in ''Revenge of the Sith'', the Sith Lord ] learned to provoke midi-chlorians into producing life&mdash;some have viewed this as a clue to Anakin's origins.) George Lucas has stated that these issues were left deliberately ambiguous, and that it has been left for the audience to decide how Anakin was created.


== Creation and development ==
In the prequels, and especially in the third episode, '']'', Anakin is a ] whose ] is his fear of loss.


===Childhood and discovery=== === Darth Vader ===
As part of the development for ]'',''{{Efn|Originally titled ''Star Wars'', it was later retitled ''Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope''.}} ] hired the artist ] to create conceptual images for the characters. For Vader, Lucas asked McQuarrie to depict a "very tall, dark fluttering figure that had a spooky feeling like it came in on the wind."<ref name="Casey" /> Because the script described Vader traveling between spaceships, McQuarrie suggested that he should wear a space suit. Lucas agreed, and McQuarrie created Vader's iconic mask by combining a full-face breathing mask with a ].<ref name="Casey">{{cite book|last1=Casey|first1=Dan|title=100 Things Star Wars Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die|publisher=Triumph Books|year=2015|chapter=Ralph McQuarrie, the Conceptual Mastermind|isbn=978-1-63319-345-1|access-date=June 22, 2017|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dizlCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT309|url-status=live|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115164658/https://books.google.com/books?id=dizlCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT309 }}</ref><ref name="insider">{{cite journal|date=June 2004|title=The Old Master: Ralph McQuarrie on Designing Star Wars|journal=]|issue=76}}</ref> A 1975 ] by McQuarrie depicts Vader engaged in a lightsaber duel with Deak Starkiller, who later became Luke Skywalker. Vader is shown wearing black armor, a flowing cape and a skull-like mask and helmet. This early design was similar to Vader's final appearance.<ref name="sw-memorable">{{cite web|date=August 16, 2016|title=Ralph McQuarrie's Most Memorable Masterpieces|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/ralph-mcquarries-most-memorable-masterpieces|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622155610/http://www.starwars.com/news/ralph-mcquarries-most-memorable-masterpieces|archive-date=June 22, 2017|access-date=June 22, 2017|website=StarWars.com}}</ref>
In '']'', he appears as a kind, selfless nine-year-old boy (played by ]). Anakin and his mother, ], are slaves owned by the curmudgeonly scrap-shop owner ]. Even at this young age, he has a reputation for being able to build or repair anything, evidenced by the creation of his own protocol droid ] and ], each from salvaged parts. A ], Anakin excels at ] and ]. Among his many talents, he also is a remarkable pilot with quick reflexes&mdash;Qui-Gon Jinn states that the Force allows Anakin to "see things before they happen."


Working from McQuarrie's concepts, the costume designer ] devised an outfit that combined clerical robes, a motorcycle suit, a ], and a military gas mask.<ref name="theguardian-mollo">{{cite web|last1=Gilbey|first1=Ryan|date=November 1, 2017|title=John Mollo obituary: Star Wars costume designer who dressed Darth Vader|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/01/john-mollo-obituary|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330143416/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/01/john-mollo-obituary|archive-date=March 30, 2019|access-date=July 10, 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref> The prop sculptor ] created the helmet and armor.<ref name="starwarscom">{{cite web|date=March 24, 2010|title=''Insider'' Excerpt: Vader Sculptor Brian Muir|url=https://www.starwars.com/fans/medianews/news20100324/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809032321/http://www.starwars.com/fans/medianews/news20100324/index.html|archive-date=August 9, 2011|website=StarWars.com}}</ref> The sound of Vader's breathing was created by the film's sound designer, ], using modified recordings of a scuba breathing apparatus.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010b}} The sound effect is trademarked at the ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Reilly|first1=Terry|date=January 5, 2017|title=The Crazy World of Trademarks|url=http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/the-crazy-world-of-trademarks-1.3918789|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106203421/http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/the-crazy-world-of-trademarks-1.3918789|archive-date=January 6, 2017|access-date=January 7, 2017|work=Under the Influence|publisher=]}}</ref>
]
He is found on ] by ] Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Qui-Gon is convinced that Skywalker is the ] foretold by prophecy to bring balance to the Force&mdash;not only because the boy's incredible abilities indicate Force-adeptness, but also because his ] levels read at a record-high and because of his most unique situation of birth. Qui-Gon manages to win Anakin's freedom with a clever wager involving the boy being entered in a podrace, in which Anakin succeeds hands-down. Having won his freedom, Anakin must leave his mother, and he is brought to ] along with Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen ] of ], and the ] ].


Lucas has provided differing accounts of how the name "Darth Vader" originated. In a 2005 interview with '']'', he claimed it was a modified version of "Dark Father."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Edwards|first=Gavin|date=2005-06-02|title=George Lucas and the Cult of Darth Vader|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/george-lucas-and-the-cult-of-darth-vader-247142/|access-date=2024-03-27|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=March 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327084654/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/george-lucas-and-the-cult-of-darth-vader-247142/|url-status=live }}</ref> On another occasion, he said it was inspired by the phrase "Dark Water".{{Sfn|Rinzler|2007|p=564}} It is also possible that "Darth Vader" originated from the name of Gary Vader, a boy who went to high school with Lucas.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Brian Jay|title=George Lucas: A Life|date=2016|publisher=]|location=New York City|isbn=978-0-316-25744-2|page=213}}</ref>
Master Jinn requests that the ] allow him to train Anakin as his student; this being proposed to take place after Qui-Gon's current apprentice, Obi-Wan, completes the trials necessary to become a ]. This request is denied, as Anakin is much older than the usual ], and he exhibits much fear and anger left over from his days as a slave, further intensified by the separation from his mother and his home.


The names of various ''Star Wars'' characters have been altered in countries outside the United States. In France, Vader's name was changed to {{lang|fr|Dark Vador}} ({{IPA|fr|daʁk vadɔʁ|pron}}) starting with the original film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Llana |first=Sara Miller |date=December 16, 2015 |title=Darth Vader or Dark Vador? France gives Star Wars a Gallic twist |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/1216/Darth-Vader-or-Dark-Vador-France-gives-Star-Wars-a-Gallic-twist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328061455/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/1216/Darth-Vader-or-Dark-Vador-France-gives-Star-Wars-a-Gallic-twist |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-28 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2017 |title=Z6PO? How the French originally translated the names of Star Wars characters |url=https://www.thelocal.fr/20170504/star-wars-force-awakens-star-wars-characters-in-french |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329132907/https://www.thelocal.fr/20170504/star-wars-force-awakens-star-wars-characters-in-french |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=The Local France}}</ref> Although the names of some other characters have been reverted to the English versions over the years, Vader is still referred to as ''Dark Vador'' in recent French-language ''Star Wars'' media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Assad |first=Rayan |date=2022-06-22 |title=L'épisode final de la série Obi-Wan Kenobi fait un clin d'œil à un duel de la série animée |url=https://www.numerama.com/pop-culture/1015116-lepisode-final-de-la-serie-obi-wan-kenobi-fait-un-clin-doeil-a-un-duel-de-la-serie-animee.html |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Numerama |language=fr-FR |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812152039/https://www.numerama.com/pop-culture/1015116-lepisode-final-de-la-serie-obi-wan-kenobi-fait-un-clin-doeil-a-un-duel-de-la-serie-animee.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Imbert |first=Thomas |date=2016-12-18 |title=Star Wars : 15 références à la saga dans Rogue One |url=https://www.allocine.fr/diaporamas/cinema/diaporama-18658801/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=AlloCiné |language=fr |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812152024/https://www.allocine.fr/diaporamas/cinema/diaporama-18658801/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The title "Darth" has been replaced with "Dark" for other Sith Lords as well.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Faribeault|first=François|date=2024-05-23|title=La série Star Wars The Acolyte se dévoile davantage dans un duel entre un Jedi et un assassin|url=https://www.konbini.com/popculture/la-serie-star-wars-the-acolyte-se-devoile-davantage-dans-un-duel-entre-un-jedi-et-un-assassin/|access-date=2024-08-12|website=Konbini|language=fr|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812152040/https://www.konbini.com/popculture/la-serie-star-wars-the-acolyte-se-devoile-davantage-dans-un-duel-entre-un-jedi-et-un-assassin/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Italian-language editions of ''Star Wars'' films, Darth Vader was called {{lang|it|Dart Fener}} ({{IPA|it|ˌdar(t) ˈfɛːner|pron}}) starting with the original trilogy. In 2004, the dubbing director for the Italian-language version of ''Revenge of the Sith'' (2005) asked Italian fans to decide which name to use in the film; the Italian name was chosen. However, the name was switched to "Darth Vader" for ''The Force Awakens'' (2015).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Montanero |first=Enrico |date=2004-11-05 |title=Vader o Fener? Ecco il responso |url=https://www.fantascienza.com/5230/vader-o-fener-ecco-il-responso |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Fantascienza |language=It}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mereghetti |first=Paolo |date=2015-12-16 |title=Star Wars 7, ma è così memorabile? La nostra recensione |url=https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/15_dicembre_16/ritorno-star-wars-ma-cosi-memorabile-l-abbiamo-visto-ve-raccontiamo-0ea1ffba-a3ce-11e5-900d-2dd5b80ea9fe.shtml |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Corriere |language=It}}</ref> In Iceland, Darth Vader's name is {{lang|is|Svarthöfði}}, which means "black-head".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holdsworth|first=Nick|date=2015-08-31|title=Icelandic Capital to Rename Street After Darth Vader|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/iceland-renames-street-darth-vader-818926/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328061456/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/iceland-renames-street-darth-vader-818926/|archive-date=March 28, 2024|access-date=2024-03-28|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref>
:''"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you."'' &#8212;] speaking to Anakin in front of the Jedi Council


=== Anakin Skywalker ===
Ultimately, Anakin helps to lead Naboo and ] forces to victory over the ] by taking a Naboo spacefighter and destroying the Federation flagship, the ]. Later, a dying Qui-Gon, slain by ], urges Obi-Wan to train Anakin, and the Council reluctantly approves. Meanwhile, the newly-elected Supreme Chancellor, ], befriends the boy, promising to "watch career with great interest."
The films '']'' (1960) and '']'' (1965) influenced the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy, but Lucas's publicist has denied that Anakin Skywalker was named after ], the director of those films.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Bryan |date=January 21, 2014 |title=The Cinema Behind Star Wars: Battle of the Bulge |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-battle-of-the-bulge |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921103135/https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-battle-of-the-bulge |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-ken-annakin24-2009apr24,0,3633303.story |title=Ken Annakin dies at 94; British director of 'Swiss Family Robinson' and others |first=Dennis |last=McLellan |date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |newspaper=] |location=Los Angeles, California|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427111703/http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-ken-annakin24-2009apr24,0,3633303.story |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The original surname of Anakin and Luke was "Starkiller", and it remained in the script until a few months into filming ''Star Wars''. It was dropped due to what Lucas called "unpleasant connotations" with ], who became a "star killer" in 1969 when he murdered the well-known actress Sharon Tate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serratore |first=Angela |date=July 25, 2019 |title=What You Need to Know About the Manson Family Murders |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/manson-family-murders-what-need-to-know-180972655/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818185908/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/manson-family-murders-what-need-to-know-180972655/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hedash |first=Kara |date=2020-02-18 |title=Star Wars: Here's Why George Lucas Changed Luke Skywalker's Original Name |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-george-lucas-luke-starkiller-skywalker-name-change/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105023320/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-george-lucas-luke-starkiller-skywalker-name-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lucas replaced the problematic name "Starkiller" with "Skywalker".{{Sfn|Rinzler|2008|p=191}}


''The Phantom Menace'' introduced the possibility that Anakin could be the ] of an ancient Jedi prophecy, who is destined to bring balance to the Force. Lucas stated in an interview that "Anakin is the Chosen One. Even when Anakin turns into Darth Vader, he is still the Chosen One." Hayden Christensen said of Anakin: "He believes that he's the Chosen One. He's not doing wrong things knowing that it's having a negative impact. So there's that sort of naivety to him{{nbsp}}...{{nbsp}}and it makes him more human in a lot of ways."<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=The Chosen One |type=Featurette on Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox |year=2005}}</ref> Lucas later clarified that the plot element of Anakin's ] was meant to align the character with heroes from mythology in general and not specifically ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pratik |date=2024-09-24 |title=George Lucas Destroyed All Anakin Skywalker-Jesus Christ Comparisons With a Simple Statement |url=https://fandomwire.com/george-lucas-destroyed-all-anakin-skywalker-jesus-christ-comparisons-with-a-simple-statement/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=FandomWire |language=en-US}}</ref>
Anakin and Padmé form a strong bond, Padmé being one of his first glimpses of the galaxy beyond ].


After completing ] for ''Revenge of the Sith'' in 2003, Lucas made changes to Anakin's character by rewriting his turn to the dark side. He accomplished this through editing the principal footage and filming new scenes during ] in London in 2004. In previous versions of the script, Anakin had several reasons for turning to the dark side, including his sincere belief that the Jedi were plotting to seize control of the Republic. Although he retains this belief in the finished film, Lucas's changes emphasized his desire to rescue Padmé from death. Thus, in the theatrical version of ''Revenge of the Sith'', Anakin falls to the dark side primarily to save Padmé.<ref name="Within">"Within a Minute" (2005). ''Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith'' DVD documentary.</ref>
===The Clone Wars===


Anakin's apprentice ] was introduced in the 2008 animated film '']''. Giving Anakin responsibility for a Padawan was meant to place the character in a role that forced him to become more cautious and responsible. It was also meant to provide him with insight about his relationship with his own master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and show how their relationship matured. Anakin's relationship with Ahsoka was seen as an essential story arc spanning both the film and the 2008 television series '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minkel |first=JR |date=August 11, 2008 |title=When Clones Attack: Q&A with Clone Wars Director David Filoni |url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/star-wars-clone-wars-qa-david-filoni/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604225629/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/star-wars-clone-wars-qa-david-filoni/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |website=Scientific American |publisher=]}}</ref>
In '']'', (]), Anakin is now a young adult and cocky Jedi apprentice (played by Christensen). Anakin develops as an arrogant, socially awkward loner, doubtless in part because of his transition from scrapyard slave to rising star of the Jedi Order. His natural abilities place him leaps and bounds above his peers, and this feeds his ego. He frequently shows off. His relationship with Obi-Wan is complicated; though he says that Obi-Wan is like a father to him and claims his mentor possesses the wisdom of Master ] and the power of Master ], he chafes against Obi-Wan's authority and believes he is holding him back. Frustrated, he turns to another teacher for advice: Palpatine, who would flatter the young padawan in an attempt to turn him against Obi-Wan.


== Portrayals ==
Anakin is assigned to guard Padmé, who is now a ]. His childhood fascination with her has now become a powerful infatuation. In conversation, he reveals his affection for her, as well as his distrust of the political process and the need he perceives for there to be one strong leader. Anakin and Padmé ultimately fall in love. Anakin's pursuit of this relationship is in violation of Jedi tradition, which holds that although ] is not required, Jedi must avoid attachment in their relationships.


=== Darth Vader ===
While still guarding Padmé, Anakin senses that his mother, Shmi, is in danger. After arriving on Tatooine, Anakin finds that his mother has been freed from slavery and has been living in the desert with her new husband, ], when she is captured by ]. The young Jedi discovers their camp, and slips into the tent that contains his mother, presumably locating her with his Jedi senses. He arrives to talk to Shmi shortly before she dies. Battered, sleep-deprived, and dehydrated, she dies in his arms. Enraged, he slaughters the entire tribe of Tuskens, including the women and children. Yoda, as well as the deceased Qui-Gon's spirit, sense his Force presence turn "dark," and fear that this signals a downfall for Obi-Wan's young apprentice. Padmé is clearly troubled by what he has done, but being in love with him, she is not truly repulsed, and instead tries to soothe him with sympathy.
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David Prowse, a {{convert|6|ft|6|in|m|adj=on}} bodybuilder and actor, portrays Vader in the original trilogy. Prowse was originally offered the role of Chewbacca, but turned it down, as he wanted to play the villain.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2020 |title=David Prowse, the Towering Figure Behind the Armor of Darth Vader, Passes Away |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/david-prowse |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329033724/https://www.starwars.com/news/david-prowse |url-status=live }}</ref> ], a former Olympic fencer, portrays Vader during lightsaber fight scenes in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Mikey |date=2012-01-02 |title='Darth Vader' Swordsman Bob Anderson Dies at 89 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/darth-vader-dies-bob-anderson-star-wars-277226/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324222600/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/darth-vader-dies-bob-anderson-star-wars-277226/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lucas chose to have a different actor provide Vader's voice, because he felt Prowse's West Country English accent was inappropriate for the character.<ref name="Lucas"/> The director originally considered ] for the role, but selected James Earl Jones instead after deciding that Welles's voice would be too recognizable to audiences.<ref name="casting">{{cite web |last=Russo |first=Tom |title=The Force Wasn't With Them |url=http://www.premiere.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=2164 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508222750/http://www.premiere.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=2164 |archive-date=May 8, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2006 |work=Premiere}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Montine |first=Olivia |date=2019-02-11 |title=Orson Welles Almost Played Darth Vader in Star Wars |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/573866/orson-welles-almost-played-darth-vader-star-wars |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Mental Floss |language=en-US |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930003605/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/573866/orson-welles-almost-played-darth-vader-star-wars |url-status=live }}</ref> Jones initially felt his role was too small to warrant recognition, and he chose to be uncredited in ''Star Wars'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back.'' He was finally credited in ''Return of the Jedi'' in 1983.<ref name="Dreams2">{{cite AV media |title=] |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |year=2004}}</ref><ref name="Lucas">{{cite video |title=Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope DVD Commentary |date=2004 |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |people=Lucas, George}}</ref>
Anakin and Padmé learn that Obi-Wan has been taken hostage by the ]-engineered ] forces. Padmé argues that they must free him and Anakin has little choice but to accompany her. However, they are also soon captured. Faced with their impending demise in a ]ial-execution arena, they profess their undying love to one another. Thankfully for the trio, the timely arrival of the Jedi along with new ] allows them to escape and fight in the ensuing ]. After losing his right arm in a lightsaber battle with ], Anakin finally marries Padmé in a secret lakeside ceremony on Naboo, to which ] and ] are the only witnesses.


When filming the scene in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' in which Vader confesses he is Luke's father, Prowse was given modified dialogue to read that did not exist in the script. He was known for repeatedly leaking information to the public, and the filmmakers wanted to keep Vader's revelation a secret until the film was released. Prowse was asked to read the line "Obi-Wan killed your father" instead of "No, I am your father."<ref name="EmpireMakingOf" /> Only the director, the producers, and ] knew the actual line, which was dubbed in later by Jones.<ref name="EmpireMakingOf">{{cite web|first=Ian |last=Nathan |title=''The Empire Strikes Back'' at 40: The making of a ''Star Wars'' classic |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-making-empire-strikes-back/ |website=Empire |date=May 20, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021758/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-making-empire-strikes-back/ |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EW10Things">{{cite magazine |last=Ross |first=Dalton |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/09/16/10-things-we-learned-star-wars-dvds |title=10 things we learned from the ''Star Wars'' DVDs |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 16, 2004 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222104727/http://ew.com/article/2004/09/16/10-things-we-learned-star-wars-dvds/|archive-date=December 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Prowse did not know the real line until he viewed the finished film.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010a|p=1595}}
In '']'', Anakin goes through many battles in the war, earning him the moniker the "Hero Without Fear." One of such major events in it is his battle with ]. He is later knighted a full-fledged Jedi, despite the fact that he never takes the final test. During a mission to save the Nelvaanian Braves, Anakin goes through a cave that reveals what would become of him in the future. Despite Anakin's periods of separation from his wife, the twins Luke and Leia are conceived during the Clone Wars.


Hayden Christensen portrays Vader in ''Revenge of the Sith'', while ] provides his voice in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Ryan |date=2022-06-13 |title='Obi-Wan Kenobi' Star Hayden Christensen Explores His Latest Darth Vader Incarnation and Talks Anakin's (Much-Memed) Sand Feelings |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/obi-wan-kenobi-hayden-christensen-darth-vader-anakin-sand-feelings-1235162358/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106223338/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/obi-wan-kenobi-hayden-christensen-darth-vader-anakin-sand-feelings-1235162358/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Derek |date=December 18, 2015 |title=That Time NPR Turned 'Star Wars' Into A Radio Drama — And It Actually Worked |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=NPR |archive-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620103128/http://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked |url-status=live }}</ref> ] voices Vader in video games, including the 2019 virtual reality series '']''.<ref name="btva">{{Cite web |title=Scott Lawrence (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Scott-Lawrence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408214525/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Scott-Lawrence/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> ] voices the Sith Lord in both video games and television productions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Matt Sloan (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Matt-Sloan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127191850/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Matt-Sloan/ |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> Both Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous portray Vader in ''Rogue One'', with Jones providing the voice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/rogue-one-why-it-took-multiple-actors-to-play-darth-vader-exclusive-180501988.html|title=Rogue One: Why it took multiple actors to play Darth Vader (exclusive)|last=Butler|first=Tom|work=Yahoo Movies|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216164011/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/rogue-one-why-it-took-multiple-actors-to-play-darth-vader-exclusive-180501988.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Jones also voices Vader in the '']'' (1978) and the animated series '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Child |first=Ben |date=2023-11-17 |title=The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special was genuinely dire – how on earth did it happen? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/17/the-1978-star-wars-holiday-special-was-genuinely-dire-how-on-earth-did-it-happen |access-date=2024-05-19 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825103842/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/17/the-1978-star-wars-holiday-special-was-genuinely-dire-how-on-earth-did-it-happen |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Darth Vader Voice – Star Wars Rebels (TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Star-Wars-Rebels/Darth-Vader/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> In September 2022, it was confirmed that Jones would retire from voicing the character. His voice was digitally recreated by the company ] for use in the series ''Obi-Wan Kenobi'', and he later signed over the rights to his voice for future ''Star Wars'' productions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Frost |first=Caroline |date=September 24, 2022 |title=James Earl Jones Signs Over Rights To Voice Of Darth Vader, Signalling Retirement From Legendary Role |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/james-earl-jones-star-wars-darth-vader-rights-ai-signals-retirement-1235126394/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924120232/https://deadline.com/2022/09/james-earl-jones-star-wars-darth-vader-rights-ai-signals-retirement-1235126394/ |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |access-date=September 24, 2022 |work=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Brezincan |first=Anthony |date=September 23, 2022 |title=Darth Vader's Voice Emanated From War-Torn Ukraine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/09/darth-vaders-voice-emanated-from-war-torn-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923130503/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/09/darth-vaders-voice-emanated-from-war-torn-ukraine |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |access-date=September 24, 2022 |magazine=Vanity Fair}}</ref>
===Transformation to Vader===


=== Anakin Skywalker ===
]
Near the end of ''Return of the Jedi'', Luke removes Vader's mask. Although Prowse had portrayed the Sith Lord throughout the trilogy, the filmmakers wanted a more experienced actor to play the unmasked Vader.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2013|pp=582, 628}} ] was selected for the role, which appears as "Anakin Skywalker" in the credits.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2013|p=582}} Shaw's presence on set was kept secret from all but the minimum cast and crew, and Shaw was contractually obligated not to discuss any film secrets with anyone, even his family.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2013|p=634}}<ref name="Starlog">{{cite magazine |last=Pirani |first=Adam |date=July 1987 |title=Sebastian Shaw: The Return of Anakin Skywalker |magazine=] |pages=56–57, 96 |volume=11 |issue=120}}</ref> In the final scene of the film, Shaw portrays Anakin's ]. His likeness in this scene was replaced with that of Hayden Christensen in the 2004 DVD release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Bryan |date=2023-10-04 |title=Ahsoka Made George Lucas's Most Controversial Star Wars Change Pay Off |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1411894/ahsoka-anakin-skywalker-force-ghost-hayden-christensen-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-special-edition/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519190055/https://www.slashfilm.com/1411894/ahsoka-anakin-skywalker-force-ghost-hayden-christensen-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-special-edition/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In '']'', after performing exquisite aerial maneuvers in the ], Anakin and Obi-Wan board the Separatist flagship '']'', where Dooku appears to be holding Palpatine hostage. They confront Dooku, who manages to disable Obi-Wan before being defeated and disarmed by Anakin. At Palpatine's urgings, Anakin kills Dooku, but immediately regrets it; to kill a foe who surrenders is not the way of the Jedi.


When ''The Phantom Menace'' was being developed, hundreds of actors were auditioned for the role of young Anakin before ] was cast.<ref name="ProductionNotes">{{cite web |date=May 1, 1999 |title=Star Wars Episode I Production Notes: The Actors and Characters – Part I |url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp4.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023023458/http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp4.html |archive-date=October 23, 2004 |access-date=November 9, 2016 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> ], the film's producer, said that Lloyd was "smart, mischievous and love anything mechanical{{mdash}}just like Anakin."<ref name="NotesII">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023023636/http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp5.html|archive-date=October 23, 2004|date=May 1, 1999|title=Star Wars Episode I Production Notes: The Actors and Characters – Part II|website=StarWars.com|access-date=April 5, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19991102/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102150746/http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19991102/index.html|title=The Man (Literally) Behind C-3PO|date=November 2, 1999|website=StarWars.com|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> When casting the role of 19-year-old Anakin for ''Attack of the Clones'', the filmmakers reviewed about 1,500 candidates before selecting Hayden Christensen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robin Gurland – Don't Call Her; She'll Call You |url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-ii/bts/profile/f20020128/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628202200/http://www.starwars.com/episode-ii/bts/profile/f20020128/index.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> The Canadian actor reprises the role in ''Revenge of the Sith'' and in the series ''Obi-Wan Kenobi'' and ''Ahsoka''. His performance in ''Revenge of the Sith'' garnered him a nomination for the ],{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} while his portrayal of Anakin in ''Obi-Wan Kenobi'' earned him the Saturn Award for Best Guest Performance in a Streaming Series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Ryan |date=2022-10-26 |title=Saturn Award Winners Headlined By 'Everything Everywhere All At Once,' 'Top Gun Maverick,' and 'Better Call Saul' |url=https://collider.com/saturn-award-winners-2022-better-call-saul-top-gun-maverick/ |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=Collider |language=en |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031225344/https://collider.com/saturn-award-winners-2022-better-call-saul-top-gun-maverick/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Upon his return to Coruscant, Anakin is reunited with his wife and she informs him of her ]. He is later troubled by visions of Padmé dying in childbirth.


Anakin is voiced by ] and Frankie Ryan Manriquez in the 2003 animated micro-series '']'', and is voiced by ] in several television productions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Star-Wars-Clone-Wars/ |access-date=May 8, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510081942/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Star-Wars-Clone-Wars/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kirby Morrow (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kirby-Morrow/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120071035/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kirby-Morrow/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ] provides the character's voice in video games and in various television productions, including '']'', ''Rebels'', '']'' and ''].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt Lanter (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Matt-Lanter/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515130631/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Matt-Lanter/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lanter also voices Anakin in the ] of ''The Clone Wars''. During the second-season finale of ''Rebels'', Lanter's voice is sometimes blended with the voice of James Earl Jones.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS4sclln5J4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731151616/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS4sclln5J4 |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |title=Ahsoka's Untold Tales Panel |author=Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 |date=2016-07-15 |website=YouTube |time=59m25s |access-date=July 16, 2016 }}</ref>
Palpatine makes Anakin his representative on the Jedi Council. The other Jedi reluctantly accept Anakin's placement on the council, but deny him the rank of Jedi Master, stating that they don't like Palpatine interfering with Jedi affairs. Further, the Jedi Council exhorts him to spy on Palpatine, given his close relationship to the Chancellor and the Council's perception that something is wrong with the Force and that it centers around Palpatine. Anakin loses his trust in the Jedi Council, and confides to Padmé that he is plagued with uncertainty.


== Appearances ==
Palpatine meets with Anakin again, and he tells him the legend of ]. As he continues to meet with Palpatine, the Chancellor offers him the chance to learn the dark side of the Force. Anakin realizes that Palpatine is a ], but is reminded by Palpatine that only through Palpatine's teachings can he save Padmé from the death he has foreseen. He reports to Mace Windu that Palpatine is a Sith Lord. Windu, ordering Anakin to stay behind, goes with three other Jedi to arrest the chancellor. Palpatine duels with the Jedi, slaying three of them before engaging Windu in a prolonged battle. Anakin, in the meantime, is troubled by an overwhelming thought: with Palpatine's death, he will lose the chance to save his wife.
=== Original trilogy ===
{{Main article|Star Wars original trilogy}}
Vader was introduced in '']'' (1977) as a cyborg commander serving the Galactic Empire. He and ] have been tasked with recovering architectural plans for the ] battle station, which were stolen by the Rebel Alliance. Vader captures and interrogates the Rebel leader Princess Leia, who has sent the plans to Vader's former master Obi-Wan Kenobi. During Leia's rescue by Obi-Wan's allies Luke Skywalker and ], Vader strikes down his mentor in a lightsaber duel. After placing a tracking device aboard Han's ship, Vader locates the Rebel base on ]. When the Rebels attack the Death Star, Vader pursues Luke in his ]. Before he can shoot Luke down, Han intervenes and sends Vader's ship spiraling off course, which allows Luke to destroy the Death Star.


In '']'' (1980), Vader becomes obsessed with finding Luke, who is now a Rebel commander. Vader's forces assault the Rebel base on ], but the Rebels escape. Vader convinces ] that Luke could be a valuable ally if he were turned to the dark side of the Force. Vader hires a group of ]s to follow Luke's companions, and compels the ] administrator ] to set a trap for them. After Han, Leia, ] and ] arrive, Vader tortures and freezes Han in carbonite and gives him to the bounty hunter ]. When Luke lands on Cloud City to help his friends, Vader overpowers him and severs his hand. He tells Luke that he is his father, and tries to persuade him to join the dark side and help him overthrow the Emperor. Horrified, Luke escapes through an air shaft. Vader telepathically tells Luke that it is his destiny to join the dark side.
Windu apparently comes out on top in the duel, holding his weapon on the disarmed and cowering Sith just as Anakin arrives. Palpatine attacks Windu with Force lightning while pleading to Anakin for help. Windu screams at Anakin not to listen. Windu blocks the Force lightning with his lightsaber, reflecting it back at Palpatine and scarring him horribly. Palpatine begs for his life, but Windu is determined to kill him and destroy the Sith. Anakin demands that Palpatine must stand trial&mdash;mirroring his prior afflictions concerning Dooku's right to live, Anakin states that executing him is not the way of the Jedi. Windu attacks anyway, but before he can kill Palpatine, Anakin draws his lightsaber, severing Windu's lightsaber wielding right hand. Before Windu can respond, Palpatine uses Force lightning and sends Windu plummeting to his death. Anakin is horrified and guilt-ridden, but Palpatine reassures him that he is fulfilling his destiny by embracing the dark side. Anakin says he will do anything Palpatine desires, but he must help save Padmé's life. Palpatine insists that he and Anakin, together, can find the secret, tacitly admitting that he does not have the ability to hold back death. Anakin then pledges himself to the dark side and is endowed with a new name: Darth Vader.


Vader and the Emperor supervise the construction of the second Death Star in '']'' (1983). Believing there is still good in his father, Luke surrenders to Vader in an attempt to bring him back from the dark side. Vader takes his son to the Death Star and brings him before the Emperor, who attempts to seduce him to the dark side. Luke lashes out at the Emperor with his lightsaber, but Vader blocks his strike, and the two of them duel once again. As Luke regains control of his emotions, Vader senses that he has a sister, and threatens to turn her to the dark side if Luke will not submit. Enraged, Luke overpowers Vader and severs his hand. The Emperor then betrays his apprentice by ordering Luke to kill Vader and take his place, but Luke refuses.
In order to increase his new apprentice's power with the dark side, Palpatine orders him to lead a battalion of clone stormtroopers to the Jedi Temple and kill every Jedi, Padawan, and Youngling inside. Anakin does this without question, killing venerable Jedi and children alike. Next, he is sent to the planet ] where he assassinates the ], including the ] ], ], Sidious's former ally who invaded and occupied Naboo and was defeated by Anakin in the ], ten years before the Clone Wars.


Enraged, the Emperor begins torturing Luke with ], leading to Luke begging his father to save him. Unwilling to see his son die, Vader throws the Emperor down a reactor shaft to his death, but is mortally wounded in the process. Luke carries him to a docking bay, where Imperial forces are evacuating in the face of a Rebel assault. At Vader's request, Luke removes his father's mask and looks upon the face of Anakin Skywalker for the first time. The redeemed Anakin Skywalker encourages him to go and tells him that he has saved him, before peacefully dying. On Endor, Luke burns his father's body on a funeral pyre. As the Rebels celebrate the destruction of the Death Star and the fall of the Empire, Luke sees Anakin's spirit appear alongside the spirits of Obi-Wan and ].
Padmé then travels to Mustafar to reunite with Anakin. She is afraid for him and wanting to leave public life to live together and raise their child. Anakin refuses, telling her that they no longer have to run because his new powers are enough to not only save her, but to overthrow the Emperor and make the Republic "the way we want it to be." Unknown to Padme, Obi-Wan stows away on her ship to find him. Upon seeing his now former master, Anakin suspects betrayal and uses the Force to choke Padmé until she loses consciousness. Obi-Wan tries to reason with Anakin, but once Anakin proves he has truly fallen to the dark side, Anakin and Obi-Wan fight an intense battle throughout the mining complex and down the river of lava outside. The battle ends on the banks of the lava river, where Anakin, overconfident, leaps to strike his former master, only to lose his left arm and both legs to Obi-Wan's lightsaber. Anakin is stranded on the embankment, desparately trying to claw his way up the scree with his remaining arm, as Obi-Wan watches from above.


=== Prequel trilogy ===
:''Obi-Wan: "You were the ]! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness!''
{{Main article|Star Wars prequel trilogy}}
:''Anakin: "I hate you!"''
The first film of the prequel trilogy, '']'' (1999), takes place 32 years before ''Star Wars''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Ben |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Star Wars Timeline: Every Movie, Series And More |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-timeline-chronological-order/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Empire |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323122442/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-timeline-chronological-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Anakin is a nine-year-old slave living on Tatooine with his mother ].<ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web |last=Houghton |first=David |date=May 4, 2016 |title=George Lucas nearly wrote a perfect prequel trilogy. He just didn't notice |url=https://gamesradar.com/george-lucas-nearly-wrote-perfect-prequel-trilogy-he-just-didnt-seem-notice/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331115418/http://www.gamesradar.com/george-lucas-nearly-wrote-perfect-prequel-trilogy-he-just-didnt-seem-notice/ |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=Gamesradar}}</ref> He is a gifted pilot and mechanic, and has built his own protocol droid, ]. The Jedi Master ] meets Anakin after making an emergency landing on Tatooine with Padmé Amidala, the queen of ]. Qui-Gon learns that Anakin was conceived without a father and can see the future. He becomes convinced that Anakin is the "Chosen One" of Jedi prophecy who will bring balance to the Force. After winning his freedom in a ] wager, Anakin departs the planet with Qui-Gon to be trained as a Jedi, leaving his mother behind.
:''Obi-Wan: "You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you."''


During the journey to ], Anakin forms a bond with Padmé. Qui-Gon asks the ] for permission to train Anakin, but they refuse, concerned that the fear he exhibits makes him vulnerable to the dark side. During a conflict with the ], Anakin helps end the blockade of Naboo by destroying a control ship. Qui-Gon is mortally wounded in a duel with the Sith Lord ], and with his dying breath asks his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to train Anakin. With the council's reluctant approval, Anakin becomes Obi-Wan's apprentice. Palpatine, the newly elected Chancellor of the ], takes an interest in Anakin and his career as a Jedi.
Anakin's clothing and body catch on fire and he is nearly ]. Having retrieved Anakin's lightsaber (which Obi-Wan later gave to ] in '']''), Obi-Wan abandons his former apprentice to the flames. Anakin ultimately manages to crawl high enough to prevent falling directly into the lava flow, but is left badly burned. After Obi-Wan and Padmé leave the planet, Palpatine arrives and finds Anakin, barely alive, next to the lava river.


'']'' (2002) is set ten years after ''The Phantom Menace''.<ref name=":1" /> Anakin has grown powerful but arrogant, and believes that Obi-Wan is holding him back. After rescuing Padmé from an assassination attempt, he travels with her to Naboo as her bodyguard. They begin to fall in love, despite a Jedi Code prohibition against romantic relationships. Sensing that his mother is in danger, Anakin travels with Padmé to Tatooine and finds that she was kidnapped by ]. He locates her at a Tusken campsite, where she dies in his arms. Overcome with grief and rage, Anakin massacres the Tusken tribe. Padmé is disturbed by what he has done, but comforts him nevertheless. Anakin and Padmé then go to ] to aid {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}}, only to be captured by the Sith Lord ]. Facing execution, Anakin and Padmé profess their love for each other. They are saved from death by an army of Jedi and ]s, led by the Jedi Masters ] and Yoda. Anakin and {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} then confront Dooku, but he defeats them both and severs Anakin's arm. After being rescued by Yoda, Anakin is fitted with a robotic arm and marries Padmé in a secret ceremony.] museum in London]]'']'' (2005) is set three years after ''Attack of the Clones''.<ref name=":1" /> Anakin, who is now a Jedi Knight and a hero of the ], leads a mission with {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} to rescue Chancellor Palpatine from the Separatist commander ]. The two Jedi again battle Count Dooku, whom Anakin overpowers and then slaughters at Palpatine's urging. Anakin returns to Coruscant to reunite with Padmé, who tells him she is pregnant. Although initially excited, Anakin soon begins to have nightmares about his wife dying in childbirth.
Meanwhile, Padmé dies in childbirth, just as Anakin had feared. Obi-Wan, knowing Luke and Leia would never be safe from the Sith if anyone knew who they truly were, gives Leia to Senator ] of ] and Luke to ], Cliegg's son, to raise on Tatooine.


Palpatine appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his personal representative, but the council is suspicious of the Chancellor. They decline to grant Anakin the rank of Jedi Master and instruct him to spy on Palpatine, which upsets Anakin. Later, Palpatine reveals to Anakin that he is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, the mastermind of the Clone Wars. He suggests that Anakin can prevent Padmé's death by using the dark side of the Force. Anakin reports Sidious' treachery to Windu, who confronts and subdues the Sith Lord. Desperate to save Padmé, Anakin betrays Windu by cutting off his hand, which allows the Sith Lord to kill him. Anakin then betrays the Jedi by pledging himself to the Sith, and Sidious dubs him Darth Vader.
]Palpatine learns of Padmé's death as he returns with Anakin to Coruscant and repairs the damage to his body through intensive ] enhancement. Palpatine revives Darth Vader as a ] in a manner reminiscent of ] in the ] film '']''.


On Sidious' orders, Vader slaughters all the Jedi in the Jedi Temple, including the younglings. After learning what her husband has done, a distraught Padmé travels to ] and pleads with him to abandon the dark side, but he refuses. Believing that Padmé and {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} are conspiring against him, Vader uses the Force to strangle his wife into unconsciousness. He then engages {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} in a lightsaber duel that ends with {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} severing his limbs and leaving him for dead on the banks of a lava flow, where he catches fire and sustains severe burns. Sidious finds the barely-alive Vader and takes him to Coruscant, where his mutilated body is covered in black armor that keeps him alive. When Vader asks if Padmé is safe, Sidious lies to him and says that his strangulation killed her, which causes Vader to scream in anguish. At the end of the film, Vader supervises the construction of the first Death Star alongside Sidious and Tarkin.
:''Emperor Palpatine: "Lord Vader, can you hear me? "''
:''Darth Vader: "Yes, master. Where is Padmé? Is she safe? Is she all right?"''
:''Emperor Palpatine: "It seems, in your anger, you killed her."''
:''Darth Vader: "I-I couldn't have! She was alive! I felt it! ]"''


=== ''The Rise of Skywalker'' ===
Vader shakes the room with the Force, breaks his bindings on the operating table and struggles to walk under the sheer weight of his new legs. Overwhelmed by his despair in the belief he has killed his wife and unborn child, the only thing that remains in his life is his service to his master, the new Emperor of the galaxy.<br clear="all">
Anakin's voice is heard briefly in the third film of the sequel trilogy, '']'' (2019), set 31 years after the events of ''Return of the Jedi''. During Rey's confrontation with the resurrected Darth Sidious, she hears the voices of various deceased Jedi, including Anakin. He encourages her to return balance to the Force like he once did.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Breznican |first1=Anthony |last2=Robinson |first2=Joanna |title=25 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Cameos You Might Have Missed |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-cameos-who-were-the-jedi-voices-jodie-comer-reys-mom |website=] |publisher=] |location=New York City |access-date=January 7, 2020 |date=December 20, 2019 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201234554/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-cameos-who-were-the-jedi-voices-jodie-comer-reys-mom |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Matt |title=How Palpatine Returned In 'The Rise of Skywalker' |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30298776/palpatine-return-alive-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-9-explained/ |website=] |publisher=] |location=New York City |access-date=January 7, 2020 |date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225110910/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30298776/palpatine-return-alive-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-9-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== ''The Clone Wars'' (film) ===
==Darth Vader==
In the 2008 animated film '']'', set shortly after the events of ''Attack of the Clones'', Yoda assigns Anakin an apprentice, ]. Anakin is at first reluctant to accept this responsibility. He calls Ahsoka "Snips" for her "snippy" attitude, while Ahsoka refers to him as "Skyguy".<ref name="Databank">{{cite web |title=Anakin Skywalker |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/anakin-skywalker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620105740/https://www.starwars.com/databank/anakin-skywalker |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> After earning Anakin's respect during a dangerous mission, Ahsoka joins him on a quest to rescue ]'s infant son, Rotta. Her impetuousness both annoys and endears her to Anakin, and he develops a friendly affection towards her.
]
:''"He's more machine now than man; twisted and evil."'' &mdash; ]


=== ''Rogue One'' ===
Within the Empire, Vader is viewed as a cruel and frightening figure, frequently utilising his ability to choke people using the Force. In '']'', Vader's aggressive instincts are somewhat restrained with orders to serve under ] for that time: when ] challenges Vader's "sad devotion" to the Force, Tarkin does not allow Vader to choke Motti to death, only long enough to make his point. The death of Tarkin aboard the ] removes any apparent check on Vader's power, and throughout the rest of the trilogy, Imperial officers universally react with fear and dread at Vader's presence. This fear is not unwarranted, as both ] and ] die by Vader's hand in '']''. ] curiously survives, despite failing to recapture the ]. In the DVD commentary, ] states that this is because Vader feels conflicted about his son, ].
In the standalone film '']'' (2016), set immediately before the events of ''A New Hope'', Vader summons the weapons developer ] to his castle on Mustafar. He confronts him about his handling of the Death Star project and the destruction of Jedha City. When Krennic asks Vader for an audience with the Emperor, Vader refuses.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agar|first=Chris|date=December 16, 2016|title=Star Wars: Darth Vader's Rogue One Role Explained|url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-rogue-one-darth-vader-role-explained/|access-date=|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104231728/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-rogue-one-darth-vader-role-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the film, Vader boards a Rebel flagship and kills several Rebel soldiers as he tries to recover the stolen Death Star plans. Vader's role in the film was different in early versions of the story. In ]'s original ], the Sith Lord appeared on ] and slaughtered a Rebel blockade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaefer |first=Sandy |date=2020-01-23 |title=Rogue One Writer Reveals New Details About Cut Darth Vader Scene |url=https://screenrant.com/rogue-one-darth-vader-deleted-scene/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609045536/https://screenrant.com/rogue-one-darth-vader-deleted-scene/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In another early storyline, Vader killed Krennic for his failure to prevent the Rebels from stealing the Death Star schematics.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=March 21, 2017 |title='Rogue One' Almost Featured a Bonus Scene With Darth Vader — Killing a Major Character |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/21/rogue-almost-got-more-vader-killing-a-major-character/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113024456/https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/21/rogue-almost-got-more-vader-killing-a-major-character/ |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |access-date= |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>


=== Television series ===
===Fighting the rebellion===
==== ''The Clone Wars'' ====
Anakin is featured in all seasons of '']'' (2008–2014, 2020), set between the events of ''Attack of the Clones'' and ''Revenge of the Sith''. As a Jedi Knight, he leads the ] on missions with both his master Obi-Wan and his apprentice Ahsoka. Some of Anakin's actions taken out of concern for Ahsoka violate the Jedi code, such as torturing prisoners who may know her location.<ref name="io9netflix">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/how-clone-wars-ahsoka-tano-made-the-star-wars-franchis-1537984315|title=Why Ahsoka Tano Is the Best Thing to Happen to Star Wars in 20 Years|last=Davis|first=Lauren|date=December 16, 2015|website=]|access-date=December 3, 2021|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204161753/https://gizmodo.com/how-clone-wars-ahsoka-tano-made-the-star-wars-franchis-1537984315|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the series there are references to Anakin's eventual fall to the dark side, including visions of his future as Vader and his disillusionment with the Jedi Council after they wrongly accuse Ahsoka of bombing the Jedi Temple. While Ahsoka is later forgiven after the true culprit is found, she nonetheless chooses to leave the Jedi Order.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2011/02/this-week-in-the-clone-wars-anakin-meets-darth-vader/|title=This Week in The Clone Wars: Anakin Meets Darth Vader|magazine=]|date=February 11, 2011|access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120213351/https://www.wired.com/2011/02/this-week-in-the-clone-wars-anakin-meets-darth-vader/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dooku's death at Anakin's hands during ''Revenge of the Sith'' is references by Obi Wan. Anakin appears as Vader in the final scene of the series finale, which occurs after ''Revenge of the Sith''. He investigates the crash site of a ''Venator''-class Star Destroyer, which was demolished during ]. Finding one of Ahsoka's lightsabers among the wreckage, he assumes that his former Padawan has perished.


==== ''Star Wars Rebels'' ====
At the beginning of '']'', Vader intends to retrieve the stolen plans of the ], and to locate the hidden base of the ]. He boards the ], choking its captain, ], to death while sending teams of ] to search the ship for the plans. Princess ] of ] is captured and brought to the Death Star, only to be tortured by Vader and to see her home planet destroyed under Tarkin's orders. The elderly Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with Luke Skywalker, ], and ] are in the meantime engineering Leia's rescue and an escape from the Death Star aboard Solo's captured ship, the '']''.
Vader appears in the animated series '']'' (2014–2018), which takes place fourteen years after the conclusion of ''The Clone Wars''.<ref name=":1" /> The Sith Lord makes minor appearances throughout the first season, and plays a larger role in the second season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=October 2, 2014 |title=Everything You Need To Know About Star Wars Rebels |url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/10/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-star-wars-rebels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919164549/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-star-wars-rebels |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |website=] |publisher= |location=San Francisco, California}}</ref> At the beginning of the series, he leads a squad of Force-sensitive ]s who kill Jedi and {{No wrap|Force-sensitive}} children. He dispatches ] to hunt a Rebel cell on ], and later arrives personally to deal with the Rebel threat after the Inquisitor is killed.


In the second-season premiere, Vader orchestrates the murder of Imperial Minister Maketh Tua, who tried to defect to the Rebellion, and confronts the two Jedi ] and ]. When Vader attacks the fleet of the Phoenix Squadron, he discovers that Ahsoka is still alive and has joined the Rebel Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keane |first=Sean |title=Star Wars Rebels Season 2 premiere Recap: The 'Siege of Lothal' begins as a Sith Lord tightens his grip |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/channel-surfer/star-wars-rebels-season-2-premiere-recap-siege-lothal-blog-entry-1.2264260 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616103938/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/channel-surfer/star-wars-rebels-season-2-premiere-recap-siege-lothal-blog-entry-1.2264260 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=November 24, 2020 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref> She is overwhelmed when she recognizes Anakin under a "layer of hate". The Emperor then orders Vader to send another Inquisitor to capture her.<ref name="fatesfulfilled1">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/dave-filoni-interview-star-wars-rebels-season-two-part-1|title=Fates Fulfilled: Dave Filoni Reflects on Star Wars Rebels Season Two, Part 1|last=Brooks|first=Dan|date=August 30, 2016|publisher=StarWars.com|access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204191422/https://www.starwars.com/news/dave-filoni-interview-star-wars-rebels-season-two-part-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the season, Ahsoka has a vision in which Anakin blames her for his fall to the dark side. In the season finale, Ahsoka duels with Vader inside a Sith Temple. As the episode concludes, Vader emerges from the ruins of the temple, while Ahsoka's fate is left unknown.
Obi-Wan disengages the ] holding the ''Falcon'' in one of the Death Star's hangar bays. On his way out, Vader stops him and engages him in a ] duel. Obi-Wan vaguely warns Vader that striking him down will make him "more powerful than you can possibly imagine." As Obi-Wan sees that Luke and company have escaped, he leaves himself open to Vader's attack and becomes a spirit in the Force in order to guide Luke.


==== ''Forces of Destiny'' ====
To determine the location of the rebel base, Vader allows Luke and ] to rescue Leia and escape with the plans to the construction of the Death Star. During the Rebel attack on the Death Star, Vader pilots a distinctive ] in pursuit of the Rebel X-Wing starfighters. Just as Vader gets a lock on Luke's X-wing, Han then flies the ] into the region and shoots down one of Vader's two support craft. This causes the other to veer into Vader's fighter, which is sent spinning away from the Death Star. Vader regains control and escapes.
Anakin appears in multiple episodes of the animated web series '']'' (2017–2018).<ref name="Breznican">{{cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Star Wars'' highlights female heroes in ''Forces of Destiny |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/04/13/star-wars-female-heroes-forces-of-destiny-stories/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703093434/http://ew.com/movies/2017/04/13/star-wars-female-heroes-forces-of-destiny-stories/ |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |magazine=] |publisher=] |location=New York City}}</ref>


===Battling his son=== ==== ''Obi-Wan Kenobi'' ====
Hayden Christensen portrays both Anakin and Vader in the 2022 miniseries ''],'' set a decade after ''Revenge of the Sith'' and 9 years before ''A New Hope''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 10, 2020 |title='Obi-Wan' Disney+ Series: Hayden Christensen Returning As Darth Vader |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/obi-wan-disney-series-hayden-christensen-returning-as-darth-vader-1234654326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210231956/https://deadline.com/2020/12/obi-wan-disney-series-hayden-christensen-returning-as-darth-vader-1234654326/ |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> The series reveals that for a decade after their duel on Mustafar, Obi-Wan believed his fallen apprentice to be dead. While attempting to draw {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} out of hiding, the Imperial Inquisitor ] tells him that Anakin is still alive.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Drew |title='Obi-Wan Kenobi' Episodes 1 and 2 Recap: Unexpected Characters and Brand New Worlds |url=https://www.thewrap.com/obi-wan-kenobi-episode-1-episode-2-recap-review/ |website=www.thewrap.com |date=May 27, 2022 |publisher=The Wrap |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527150151/https://www.thewrap.com/obi-wan-kenobi-episode-1-episode-2-recap-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Vader begins hunting {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}}, which eventually leads them to duel again. Although Vader initially overpowers his former master, {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} recovers his strength and wounds Vader multiple times. He slashes open Vader's helmet to partially reveal his face, then leaves him, weakened and wheezing. Flashback sequences in the series depict Anakin training under {{No wrap|Obi-Wan}} in the years preceding the Clone Wars, as well as a newly minted Vader carrying out the massacre at the Jedi Temple.


==== ''Ahsoka''====
]
Hayden Christensen portrays Anakin in ''Ahsoka'' (2023), which takes place after the original trilogy. Anakin appears in spirit-form to his former apprentice Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds, an ethereal realm that exists outside of time and space.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Devan|last=Coggan|url=https://ew.com/tv/ahsoka-episode-4-major-character-returns/|title=Ahsoka sees the return of a major Star Wars character|magazine=]|date=September 5, 2023|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-date=September 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906074441/https://ew.com/tv/ahsoka-episode-4-major-character-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref> He leads her through visions of their shared past together, including her training, their battles during the Clone Wars, her departure from the Jedi Order and his fall to the dark side.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Walsh|url=https://nerdist.com/article/what-happened-with-anakin-and-ahsoka-in-the-star-wars-series-world-between-worlds-sequence-cameo-flashbacks-purpose-explained/|title=What Happened Between Anakin and Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds|website=]|date=September 13, 2023|access-date=January 6, 2024|archive-date=January 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106080722/https://nerdist.com/article/what-happened-with-anakin-and-ahsoka-in-the-star-wars-series-world-between-worlds-sequence-cameo-flashbacks-purpose-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref> ] used "]" technology to make the 42-year-old Christensen appear younger.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bacon |first=Thomas |date=October 22, 2023 |title=Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker De-Aging Explained By VFX Artists |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-hayden-christensen-ahsoka-return-de-aging-explained/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=]}}</ref>
In '']'', Vader is at the forefront of the continuing attempt to suppress the Rebellion, as he orders the fleet to prepare a full military assault on the rebel base hidden on the ice world of ]. ] makes the mistake of jumping into the system too close, alerting the rebels to their presence and allowing them to evacuate and escape. While most of the rebels escape to the safety of the rebel fleet, the ]'s hyperdrive fails, following which Vader sends TIE-Fighters to pursue the Falcon through an ] field.


=== Video games ===
While on this pursuit, the Emperor contacts Vader via hologram, giving him a new mission&mdash;to capture Luke Skywalker, his own son and the pilot who destroyed the Death Star. Vader suggests that he could be turned to the dark side of the Force, and the Emperor agrees, noting that he would be a "powerful asset."
Vader is featured in the three-episode virtual reality game series '']'', which is set between ''Revenge of the Sith'' and ''Rogue One''. The first episode became available with the launch of the ] virtual reality headset in May 2019, while the last was released in November of the same year.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 17, 2016 |title=A Star Wars film based on Darth Vader is on the way |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-darth-vader-vr-film-david-s-goyer-spin-off-a7141201.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111041837/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-darth-vader-vr-film-david-s-goyer-spin-off-a7141201.html |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kris |first=Holt |date=April 12, 2019 |title='Star Wars' VR game 'Vader Immortal' teases story details in trailer |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/04/12/star-wars-vader-immortal-trailer-vr-oculus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428021107/https://www.engadget.com/2019/04/12/star-wars-vader-immortal-trailer-vr-oculus/ |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=April 25, 2019 |website=Engadget}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Vader Immortal: Episode III |url=https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2426206484098337/?locale=en_US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304081717/https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2426206484098337/?locale=en_US |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2020 |publisher=Oculus.com}}</ref> The series was later released for the ]. In August 2020, all three episodes were released for ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vincent |first=James |date=August 25, 2020 |title=Vader Immortal, a former Oculus exclusive, is available now on PlayStation VR |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/25/21400887/vader-immortal-playstation-vr-available-price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829041819/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/25/21400887/vader-immortal-playstation-vr-available-price |archive-date=August 29, 2020 |access-date=September 1, 2020 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>


Vader makes a brief appearance at the end of '']'' (2019). He kills the Second Sister for her failure to secure a Jedi Holocron that could lead the Empire to a number of Force-sensitive children. He then attempts to personally take the Holocron from ], who barely manages to escape. Vader returns as a boss in the sequel, '']'' (2023), where he leads an Imperial assault on a Jedi hideout on the planet ]. He duels Cere Junda, whom he manages to slay after a prolonged battle.
Vader continues pursuing the Falcon, resorting to hiring bounty hunters. Ultimately, the Falcon appears and just as quickly disappears, hiding in a blind spot on the back of the bridge tower of Captain Needa's ]. Captain Needa takes responsibility for losing them, and apologizes to Vader. After Needa dies at Vader's hand, the fleet disperses and the Falcon breaks off, floating away as the Star Destroyer it was attached to dumps its garbage before going to hyperspace. The Falcon then sets course to ], a mining colony administered by Han's old friend ]. ], one of the bounty hunters hired by Vader, had deduced their strategy and followed them to Cloud City, alerting Vader.


Both Vader and Anakin are playable characters in every ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andress |first=Joseph |date=2021-03-16 |title=Every Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Playable Character Revealed So Far |url=https://gamerant.com/every-lego-star-wars-skywalker-saga-playable-character-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212230223/https://gamerant.com/every-lego-star-wars-skywalker-saga-playable-character-revealed/ |archive-date=February 12, 2022 |access-date=2022-02-12 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref> Vader is a playable character and a boss in '']'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Andy |date=May 8, 2015 |title=Everything We Know About 'Disney Infinity 3.0' 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/05/08/disney-infinity-3-0-star-wars-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311133223/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/05/08/disney-infinity-3-0-star-wars-2/ |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=May 9, 2015 |website=]}}</ref> and can be unlocked as a playable character for a limited time in '']''.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 16, 2021 |title=Update 49: STAR WARS™ Episode IV: A New Hope {{!}} Livestream |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmCOhTKOqoI&ab_channel=DisneyMagicKingdoms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017122908/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmCOhTKOqoI&ab_channel=DisneyMagicKingdoms |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> A bird version of Vader appears as a playable character and a boss in '']'' and ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-10-07|title= The ultimate guide to Angry Birds Star Wars II – walkthroughs, achievements, items|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/angry-birds-star-wars-ii/update-the-ultimate-guide-to-angry-birds-star-wars-ii-walkthroughs-achievements-/|access-date=2022-06-17|website=PocketGamer|language=en-US|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617160104/https://www.pocketgamer.com/angry-birds-star-wars-ii/update-the-ultimate-guide-to-angry-birds-star-wars-ii-walkthroughs-achievements-/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Vader lands on Cloud City, making a deal with ] and waiting for the Falcon's arrival. When the Falcon arrives, Vader captures and tortures Han Solo. Promising to compensate ] if the experiment fails, Vader freezes Solo in carbonite as a test subject to see if the method would be viable for Luke Skywalker. Luke, training under ] on ], sees a vision of his friends in pain and rushes to Cloud City to save them, despite the sternest warnings from Yoda that he would risk falling to the dark side. Luke arrives, but Leia warns him it's a trap within the corridors of Cloud City. Lando, ], and Leia engineer an escape from Cloud City as Boba Fett takes the frozen Han Solo to collect the bounty from ].


=== Novels ===
]
'']'' was one of four canon novels released between 2014 and 2015.<ref name="SW Adult">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |publisher=StarWars.com |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live }}</ref> In it, Vader and Palpatine find themselves hunted by revolutionaries on the planet ].<ref name="NYDN">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/review-star-wars-lords-sith-blog-entry-1.2201665 |title=REVIEW: ''Star Wars: Lords of the Sith'' throws Darth Vader and the Emperor onto the battlefield |work=] |publisher=] |location=New York City |first=Sean |last=Keane |date=April 28, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808160504/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/review-star-wars-lords-sith-blog-entry-1.2201665 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/05/09/star-wars-lords-of-the-sith-review |title=''Star Wars: Lords of the Sith'' Review |first=Eric |last=Goldman |date=May 9, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |location=Los Angeles, California |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=June 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606044616/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/09/star-wars-lords-of-the-sith-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
Luke finds Vader, and they battle, Luke not knowing his opponent's true identity. Vader tries to turn Luke to the dark side, encouraging Luke to join him. As Yoda and Obi-Wan warned, the inadequately trained Luke is no match for the powerful and experienced Vader who ultimately defeats him, cutting off his right hand.


=== Comics ===
:''Vader: "There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy."''
The 25-issue Marvel comic series ''Darth Vader'' (2015–2016) focuses on the Sith Lord in the aftermath of the Death Star's destruction, as well as his life after learning about his son's existence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Darth Vader (2015–2016) |url=http://marvel.com/comics/series/19379/darth_vader_2015_-_present |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220170214/http://marvel.com/comics/series/19379/darth_vader_2015_-_present |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |access-date=December 20, 2016 |publisher=Marvel}}</ref><ref name=Schedeen>{{cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/06/03/star-wars-delivers-huge-change-for-han-solo |title=Star Wars Delivers Huge Change for Han Solo |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=June 3, 2015 |access-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412175109/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/03/star-wars-delivers-huge-change-for-han-solo |url-status=live }}</ref> The series takes place parallel to the 2015 series ], in which Vader and Luke meet; the two series have a ] titled ''Vader Down''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Luke Skywalker Comes Face to Face with Darth Vader in Marvel's Star Wars #75 – Exclusive |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-75-exclusive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726001503/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-75-exclusive |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2020 |website=StarWars.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/11/17/star-wars-vader-down-1-review|title=Star Wars: Vader Down #1 Review|website=]|publisher=]|location=San Francisco, California|date=November 17, 2015|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=July 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712124144/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/17/star-wars-vader-down-1-review|url-status=live}}</ref> A continuation series set between ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi'' debuted in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Celestino|first=Mike|date=February 5, 2020|title=Comic Review – "Star Wars: Darth Vader" (2020) #1|url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/02/05/comic-review-star-wars-darth-vader-2020-1/|access-date=February 29, 2020|website=Laughing Place|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229082019/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/02/05/comic-review-star-wars-darth-vader-2020-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first few issues focus on Vader exacting revenge on those who concealed Luke; he also visits Padmé's tomb on Naboo and encounters her handmaidens.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 5, 2020|title=The Sith Lord's Quest Leads to Padmé's Tomb in Darth Vader #4 – Exclusive|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/darth-vader-4-preview|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=StarWars.com|language=en-US|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816063554/https://www.starwars.com/news/darth-vader-4-preview|url-status=live}}</ref> A subsequent story arc depicts Vader being tested by the Emperor.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McGuire|first=Liam|date=2021-08-25|title=Star Wars: Darth Vader's Sith Assassin Was His Deadliest Sidekick|url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-vader-ochi-bestoon-rise-skywalker-sidekick/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-08|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104053214/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-vader-ochi-bestoon-rise-skywalker-sidekick/}}</ref> The five-issue series ''Obi-Wan & Anakin'' (2016) depicts the lives of the two Jedi between ''The Phantom Menace'' and ''Attack of the Clones''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brooks|first=Dan|date=October 12, 2015|title=Obi-Wan & Anakin Interview with Charles Soule|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/nycc-2015-exploring-the-uncharted-in-marvels-obi-wan-and-anakin-an-interview-with-charles-soule|access-date=November 20, 2016|website=StarWars.com|archive-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730060741/http://www.starwars.com/news/nycc-2015-exploring-the-uncharted-in-marvels-obi-wan-and-anakin-an-interview-with-charles-soule|url-status=live}}</ref>
:''Luke: "I'll never join you!"''
:''Vader: "If you only knew the power of the dark side...Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father."''
:''Luke: "He told me enough! He told me you killed him."''
:''Vader: "No. ''I'' am your father."''


Between 2017 and 2018, Charles Soule wrote a prequel-era series, also called ''Darth Vader'' (sometimes subtitled ''Dark Lord of the Sith''). It begins immediately after Vader wakes up in his armor at the end of ''Revenge of the Sith'' and explores his emotional transformation upon learning of Padmé's death, his adjustment to his mechanical suit, how he creates his red-bladed lightsaber, and his hunting of Jedi in the Inquisitor program.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Brooks|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/in-marvels-new-darth-vader-series-we-will-see-the-sith-lords-rise-the-construction-of-his-lightsaber-and-more|title=In Marvel's New Darth Vader Series, We Will See the Sith Lord's Rise, the Construction of His Lightsaber, and More|website=StarWars.com|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225013/http://www.starwars.com/news/in-marvels-new-darth-vader-series-we-will-see-the-sith-lords-rise-the-construction-of-his-lightsaber-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> Its final arc, which depicts the construction of Vader's fortress on Mustafar, implies that Palpatine used the Force to conceive Anakin '']'',<ref name="father2">{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/darth-vaders-father-revealed/|title=Does a New 'Star Wars' Comic Book Reveal Darth Vader's Father?|last=Young|first=Bryan|date=December 28, 2018|website=/Film|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000800/https://www.slashfilm.com/darth-vaders-father-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref> as some had theorized that ''Revenge of the Sith'' indicates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dorksideoftheforce.com/2018/12/20/star-wars-comic-anakin-father/|title=Star Wars comic finally reveals Anakin's father|last=Gunn|first=Callum|year=2019|website=Dork Side of the Force|access-date=March 17, 2019|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411164748/https://dorksideoftheforce.com/2018/12/20/star-wars-comic-anakin-father/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|In the film, Palpatine tells Anakin about ] the Wise, "a Dark Lord of the Sith so powerful and so wise, he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life." This was preceded by the rough draft of ''Revenge of the Sith'', in which Palpatine tells Anakin upon his fall to the dark side, "I arranged for your conception. I used the power of the Force to will the midi-chlorians to start the cell divisions that created you. ... You could almost think of me as your father."<ref name=father2 /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Jordan |date=2023-02-23 |title=Revenge of the Sith Almost Had a Very Different 'I Am Your Father' Reveal |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-revenge-of-the-sith-palpatine-anakin-father/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621141043/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-revenge-of-the-sith-palpatine-anakin-father/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} A Lucasfilm story group member later clarified that "This is all in Anakin's head".<ref name="notreally" />{{efn|Soule elaborated that "The Dark Side is not a reliable narrator."<ref name=notreally>{{Cite web|last=Lovett|first=Jamie|date=November 14, 2020|title=Star Wars: Original Prequel Plans Confirm Fan Theory About Anakin's Father|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-prequel-trilogy-palaptine-anakins-father-george-lucas/|access-date=November 16, 2020|website=ComicBook.com|language=en|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115153626/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-prequel-trilogy-palaptine-anakins-father-george-lucas/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Vader tells Luke to join him so that they can destroy the Emperor and rule the galaxy as father and son. Luke, however profoundly shaken by this stunning claim, refuses to join Vader and escapes.


A five-issue limited series titled ''Vader: Dark Visions'', was released in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Star Wars: Vader – Dark Visions (2019) #1 {{!}} Comic Issues|url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/76077/star_wars_vader_-_dark_visions_2019_1|access-date=January 17, 2021|website=Marvel Entertainment|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122082252/https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/76077/star_wars_vader_-_dark_visions_2019_1|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Vader Down'' writer ] wrote part of the miniseries ''Darth Vader: Black, White & Red'', an extension of a Marvel event highlighting fan-favorite characters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baver |first=Kristin |date=2023-01-12 |title=Marvel's Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red Revealed |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/marvel-star-wars-darth-vader-black-white-red-reveal |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113074956/https://www.starwars.com/news/marvel-star-wars-darth-vader-black-white-red-reveal |url-status=live }}</ref>
As the ''Millennium Falcon'' tries to escape with Luke aboard, Vader plans to recapture it, his troops having disabled the hyperdrive. He telepathically asks Luke again to join him, while Luke struggles with his own conflicted feelings and wonders aloud why Ben Kenobi didn't tell him the truth about his father. ] repairs the hyperdrive at the last moment and the ''Falcon'' escapes, leaving Vader stunned and disappointed.


== ''Star Wars Legends'' ==
===The redemption of Anakin Skywalker===
{{See also|Star Wars in other media}}
Following the acquisition of ] by ] in 2012, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe material produced between 1977 and 2014 was rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise. The ''Legends'' works comprise a separate narrative universe.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name="THR Legends2">{{cite news |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429022447/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="SW Legends2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="SW Adult2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Star Wars Canon: The Definitive Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503204025/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |url-status=live }}</ref>}}


=== Books ===
In '']'', Vader oversees the construction of a second Death Star. On the ], Luke surrenders to Imperial troops where he attempts to turn Vader from the dark side. Vader states, "''It is too late for me, son,''" and delivers Luke to the Emperor onboard the new, incomplete Death Star. Luke reluctantly engages in a lightsaber battle with Vader.
Vader is featured prominently in ]. In the 1978 novel '']'' by ], Vader meets Luke for the first time and engages him in a lightsaber duel that ends with Luke cutting off Vader's arm and Vader falling into a deep pit.<ref name="vaderstarwars.com">{{cite web |title=Darth Vader |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108211827/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/ |archive-date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=August 12, 2010 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> '']'' (1996) reveals that Vader is conflicted about trying to turn his son to the dark side, and knows deep down that he still has good in him.


Vader's supposedly indestructible glove is the ] of the young-reader's book '']'' (1992). Anakin Skywalker's redeemed spirit appears in '']'' (1993), set a few days after the end of ''Return of the Jedi''. He appears to Leia, imploring her forgiveness. Leia condemns Anakin for his crimes and banishes him from her life. He promises that he will be there for her when she needs him, and disappears. In '']'' (2003), Leia learns to forgive her father after learning about his childhood as a slave and his mother's traumatic death. In '']'' (2003), Anakin tells his grandson ] to "stand firm" in his battle with the Supreme Overlord of the ].
Vader uses the Force to discover that Leia is Luke's sister, and threatens to turn her to the dark side if he should fail with Luke. Realizing the threat to his sister, Luke's rage is finally unleashed, and he attacks his father, driving him back with a whirlwind of blows, finally severing Vader's right hand.


Upon the release of the prequel films, the Expanded Universe grew to include novels about Vader's former life as Anakin. ]'s 2000 novel '']'' and ]'s '']'' series chronicle Anakin's early missions with Obi-Wan, while ]'s 2005 novel '']'', set during the Clone Wars, depicts Anakin battling Separatist commander ]. In Luceno's '']'' (2005), set a few months after the events of ''Revenge of the Sith'', Vader disavows his identity as Anakin as he hunts down surviving Jedi and cements his position in the Empire.
Luke's fury is suddenly cut short&mdash;as he stares at his own cybernetic hand, he realizes with a visceral horror that he has already begun transforming into Vader's successor. As the Emperor approaches, encouraging Luke to finish Vader and take his place, Luke throws down his lightsaber, refusing to perform the killing blow.


In the ] (2005), Luke and Leia uncover old recordings of their parents in R2-D2's memory drive; for the first time, they see their own birth and their mother's death, as well as their father's corruption to the dark side. In '']'' (2006), Han and Leia's son Jacen—who has turned to the dark side—uses the Force to envision Vader slaughtering the children at the Jedi Temple.
Enraged, the Emperor uses Force lightning to attack Luke. Luke writhes in agony under the Emperor's torture, begging his father for help. Vader turns on his Emperor, saving his son by throwing the Emperor into a deep shaft where he explodes in a fury of dark energies. In the process, he is mortally wounded by the Emperor's lightning.


Vader also appears in a series of tongue-in-cheek children's books by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/goodnight-darth-vader-by-jeffrey-brown-exclusive-reveal|title=Goodnight Darth Vader By Jeffrey Brown – Exclusive Reveal|website=StarWars.com|date=February 10, 2014|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-date=May 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514141515/http://www.starwars.com/news/goodnight-darth-vader-by-jeffrey-brown-exclusive-reveal|url-status=live}}</ref> In Brown's series, a hapless Vader sets out to be a father to a young Luke and Leia, with some scenes portraying light-hearted versions of their darker film counterparts. For example, one scene shows Vader, Luke and Leia at the carbonite freezing chamber on Bespin, with Vader pronouncing the freezer adequate for making ice cream.
As the Death Star crumbles under Rebel attack, the dying man pleads with Luke to remove his mask.


=== Comics ===
]
Vader appears in several comic books such as ]' '']'' (1977–1986). In '']'', he is revealed to have had a castle on the planet Vjun.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sansweet|first=Stephen J.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36960986|title=Star Wars Encyclopedia|publisher=Ballantine|year=1998|isbn=0-345-40227-8|edition=1st|location=New York|page=23|oclc=36960986|author-link=Steve Sansweet}}</ref> Anakin Skywalker is a major character in ]' '']'' series (1998–2006). In ''Boba Fett: Enemy of the Empire'' (1999), Vader hires Fett a few years before the events of ''A New Hope''. In '']'' (1999), set soon after ''A New Hope'', the dark lord encounters Luke for the first time.{{Efn|In Marvel's 1977 series,<!-- Issue 29 --> Vader learns Luke's surname from a Rebel deserter, before later obtaining his first name.<!-- Issue 35 --><ref>{{Cite web|last=Beard|first=Jim|date=June 13, 2019|title=The Crucial Darth Vader Moment Not Seen in the Movies|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/the-crucial-darth-vader-moment-not-seen-in-the-movies|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=Marvel Entertainment|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726030737/https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/the-crucial-darth-vader-moment-not-seen-in-the-movies|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Vader's Quest'' sees him learning Luke's surname from a captured Rebel. In 2013's ''Star Wars'', Vader hears Luke's name in a vision of his duel with Kenobi on the Death Star. In the current comic canon, Boba Fett tells Vader Luke's surname.<ref name=Schedeen/>}} '']'' (2002–2005) spans from about a year before ''A New Hope'' to several months afterwards. Anakin and Vader appear in the non-canonical '']'' (1999–2005); in the story '']'', Darth Maul is resurrected and faces Vader in battle.<ref>{{Cite web|last=d|first=Tristan|date=June 8, 2020|title=Star Wars: Darth Maul Was Originally Killed (Again) by... Darth Vader!?|url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-darth-vader-killed-maul/|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=CBR|language=en-US|archive-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621021530/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-darth-vader-killed-maul/|url-status=live}}</ref>
:''Vader: "Luke, help me take this mask off.""
:''Luke: "But you'll die."''
:''Vader: "Nothing can stop that now. Just for once, let me look on you with my own eyes."''


Vader-centric comics released and set just after ''Revenge of the Sith'' include '']'' (2006–2013), ''Darth Vader and the Lost Command'' (2011), ''Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison'' (2012), and ''Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows'' (2013–14).
Luke removes Vader's mask and sees the face of an old, deeply worn man underneath. In his dying breaths, Anakin Skywalker is redeemed, finally admitting to Luke that the goodness within him was not destroyed after all.


=== ''Clone Wars'' ===
:''Vader: "Now go, my son. Leave me."''
Anakin is featured in all three seasons of the '']'' micro-series (2003–2005), which takes place shortly after the conclusion of ''Attack of the Clones''. Anakin becomes a Jedi Knight and is quickly promoted to General of the Republic, due in part to Palpatine's influence. Among other missions, he fights a duel with Dooku's apprentice ], helps Obi-Wan capture a Separatist-controlled fortress, and rescues the Jedi Master ] during a space battle. During the third season, Anakin frees a planet's indigenous species from Separatist control and sees a cryptic vision of his future as Darth Vader. In the series finale, Anakin and Obi-Wan embark on a mission to rescue Palpatine from General Grievous, which leads into the opening of ''Revenge of the Sith''. The series was removed from canon in 2014 and placed in the ''Legends'' universe.
:''Luke: "No. You're coming with me. I'll not leave you here, I've got to save you.""
:''Vader: "You already have, Luke. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right."''


=== Video games ===
According to ] of ], the entry for Vader, and the script for ''Return of the Jedi Special Edition'', Anakin's body disappears at death in the same way as Obi-Wan's and Yoda's had, though some argue that the movie would have shown his disappearance explicitly if that were the case. In either case, Vader's life support suit and whatever remains inside is burned by Luke in the manner of a Jedi's funeral on the ].
Vader plays a central role in the ''Legends'' game '']'' (2008), where he is playable in the first level and later appears as a boss. The game's main character, Galen Marek, or ], is Vader's secret apprentice.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2024 |title=Star Wars: The Force Unleashed |url=https://www.starwars.com/games-apps/star-wars-the-force-unleashed |website=Star Wars}}</ref> Vader also appears in the sequel, '']'' (2010), as the final boss.


== Other appearances ==
]
The '']'', a television special broadcast by ] in 1978, features a brief appearance of Darth Vader, who appears on-screen speaking with Imperial officer "Chief Bast" in footage cut from the original 1977 film. The sequence is dubbed with new dialogue, performed by James Earl Jones. In the story, Vader colludes with Boba Fett to entrap the Rebels.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hayes |first1=David C. |editor1-last=Rausch |editor1-first=Andrew J. |editor2-last=Riley |editor2-first=R.D. |title=Trash Cinema: A Celebration of Overlooked Masterpieces |date=2015 |publisher=BearManor Media |location=Albany, Georgia |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kQVBCgAAQBAJ&q=Star%20Wars%20Holiday%20Special%20darth%20vader%20bast&pg=PT140 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |chapter=The Star Wars Holiday Special |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115165217/https://books.google.com/books?id=kQVBCgAAQBAJ&q=Star%20Wars%20Holiday%20Special%20darth%20vader%20bast&pg=PT140 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Later that night, during the celebration on Endor, Luke is able to see the spirit of the redeemed Anakin Skywalker, along with those of Obi-Wan and Yoda. In the original version of this scene, Anakin was played by ], who played Anakin in his death scene. The latest version of ''Return of the Jedi'' as of ] is the ] ] release where Anakin's spirit is replaced by ]. According to Lucas, this change was made because Anakin goes back to his "inner persona" once one with the Force, and appears the way he was before he turned to the Dark Side.


The character appears in various ], voiced by Matt Sloan as Vader and by ] as Anakin.
==Talents==


Darth Vader features in the 1981 ], voiced by the actor ]. Vader makes his first appearance on the planet ], where he treats Princess Leia with suspicion. In later extended scenes, he is heard interrogating and torturing Leia on board his Star Destroyer and aboard the Death Star.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Brandon|last1=McKinney|first2=Scott|last2=Kolins|first3=Daniel|last3=Wallace|title=Star Wars: the Essential Guide to Planets and Moons|url=https://archive.org/details/essentialguideto00wall|url-access=limited|date=1998|publisher=Ballantine Publishing Group|location=New York City|isbn=978-0-345-42068-8|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Derek|last=John|title=That Time NPR Turned 'Star Wars' Into A Radio Drama – And It Actually Worked|newspaper=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked|publisher=]|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711085910/http://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked|archive-date=July 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
Darth Vader is a brilliant strategist and one of the greatest pilots in the galaxy. Vader still possesses his former persona's amazing engineering skills, having overseen the design of the ]. His talent with the ] is legendary. All of these skills, however, are secondary to his incredible mastery of the Force. He is born with the greatest known midi-chlorian count (a measure of Force-aptitude) in the galaxy, surpassing that of both Yoda and the Emperor.


== Analysis ==
However, George Lucas states that his injuries on Mustafar (including the severing of his legs) cost Vader much of his Force potential. Lucas claims that, as a masked and suited Darth Vader, Anakin has roughly 80% the strength of the Emperor. Had he sustained none of his injuries on Mustafar, he would have been about twice as powerful. Lucas did not specify if this meant that he'd actually lost mastery of the force or if it was because of his inability to employ his mechanical limbs with the Force the way physical limbs could be. <u>The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars, Episode III </u>, ISBN 0756611288 states that his lack of physical hands is the direct reason he cannot create force lightning, as Dooku and Sideous could. Presumably his mechanical life support dependence likewise makes him susceptable to said lightning, contributing to his death in "Return of the Jedi"
The French psychiatrist Eric Bui and his colleagues have considered Vader to be a useful example for explaining ] to medical students.<ref name="BPD paper">{{cite news |last=Hsu |first=Jeremy |date=June 8, 2010 |title=The Psychology of Darth Vader Revealed |url=http://www.livescience.com/culture/psychology-darth-vader-revealed-100604.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826000507/http://www.livescience.com/culture/psychology-darth-vader-revealed-100604.html |archive-date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |work=] |publisher=TopTenReviews |location=New York City}}</ref> Anakin's origin story in ''The Phantom Menace'' has been compared to ] of African American racial identity, particularly his being a slave,<ref>{{cite book |last=Nama |first=Adilifu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kHKzYBfEuSwC&q=%22anakin+skywalker%22&pg=PT75 |title=Black space: imagining race in science fiction film |date=2008 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-292-71745-9 |location=Austin, Texas |pages=63–64 |access-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115165218/https://books.google.com/books?id=kHKzYBfEuSwC&q=%22anakin+skywalker%22&pg=PT75 |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> and his dissatisfaction with his life has been compared to ]'s before he became ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Bortolin|2005|p=xiii}}</ref>


== Cultural impact ==
In ''The Empire Strikes Back'', Vader was able to block Han Solo's blaster bolts with his hand. One explanation is that Vader used the Force while an Expanded Universe novel states that Vader's right glove was indestructable. In the Expanded Universe, Corran Horn demonstrated the ability to channel energy from outside attacks into Force power in similar ways.
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2024|talk=Assertion of notability}}
In 2003, the ] listed Vader as the third greatest movie villain in cinema history on ], behind ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://connect.afi.com/site/DocServer/handv100.pdf?docID=246 |title=AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains |work=afi.com|publisher=]|location=Los Angeles, California|access-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807135547/http://connect.afi.com/site/DocServer/handv100.pdf?docID=246 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 }}</ref> In 2010, '']'' ranked Darth Vader 25th in the "Top 100 Videogame Villains".<ref>{{cite web|title=Darth Vader is number 25|url=https://ign.com/videogame-villains/25.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203060448/http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/25.html|archive-date=December 3, 2010|access-date=December 6, 2010|website=]|publisher=]|location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref> His role as a ] in the saga has also met with positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmsmarts.com/movies/returnofthejedi/tragic-hero-anakin.html|title=Tragic hero: Anakin Skywalker from Return of the Jedi (1983)|website=Filmsmarts.com|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019081753/http://www.filmsmarts.com/movies/returnofthejedi/tragic-hero-anakin.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Brian A.|last=Kinnaird|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-hero-in-you/201511/darth-vader-the-value-redemptive-sacrifice|title=Darth Vader: The Value of Redemptive Sacrifice|magazine=]|publisher=Sussex Publishers|location=New York City|date=November 15, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2018|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115165211/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-hero-in-you/201511/darth-vader-the-value-of-redemptive-sacrifice|url-status=live}}</ref> Contrarily, in 1977, a '']'' writer criticized the lack of racial diversity in the original ''Star Wars'' film, pointing out that "the force of evil ... is dressed in all black and has the voice of a black man."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bremond|first1=Walter|date=October 1, 1977|title=Star Wars and Blacks|journal=]}}</ref> George Lucas felt hurt at such accusations.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Brian Jay|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8rAmDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT228|title=George Lucas: A Life|date=2016|publisher=]|isbn=9780316257459|location=New York City|page=249|access-date=November 30, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115165218/https://books.google.com/books?id=8rAmDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT228|url-status=live}}</ref>


] on the northwest tower of the ] (]) in ]]]
Vader also appears to have great physical strength, which he demonstrates in his first and last appearances in the original triology: lifting the Rebel captain by the throat with one hand in ''A New Hope'', and picking up the Emperor and hurling him to his death in ''Return of the Jedi''. Whether these feats result from his use of the Force, or the power of his mechanical limbs, is unknown.


Vader is parodied as "Dark Helmet" (]) in the ''Star Wars'' parody '']'' (1987).{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} One of the primary antagonists of '']'' (1991), ], was stated by game creator ] to be based on Vader.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Conversation With the Creator of Final Fantasy IV|url=http://www.1up.com/features/final-fantasy-iv-creator-conversation|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404131218/http://www.1up.com/features/final-fantasy-iv-creator-conversation|archive-date=April 4, 2015|access-date=May 25, 2016|website=1UP.com}}</ref> A Mexican church advised Christians against seeing ''The Phantom Menace'' because it portrays Anakin as a ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Bowen|2005|p=97}}</ref>
Besides the life support it provides his ravaged body, Vader's armor may also offer some moderate degree of protection against lightsabers. In the climactic duel of ''The Empire Strikes Back'', a blow from Luke's lightsaber appears to bounce off Vader's armor, although it still elicits a yell of pain from the Sith Lord.


].'']]
==Appearance==
]
Anakin is a human of normal appearance. As an adult, he stands 6 ] 1 ] (1.85 ]) in height. His hair goes from straight and blond as a child to wavy and light brown as an adult. After Count Dooku severs his dominant right arm below the elbow, he is fitted with a cybernetic ] replacement that is later enhanced and covered with a black leather glove. During the ] he acquires a vertical scar near his right eye, as a result of a duel between him and ]. Anakin dresses in traditional Jedi garb, though he ominously wears darker colors than most Jedi (dark brown and black), with a ] made partially of synthetic leather.


The slime-mold beetle '']'' is named after Vader,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lang|first=Susan S.|date=April 5, 2005|title=Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld are now species of slime-mold beetles – but strictly in homage|url=http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April05/slime-mold.Bush.Cheney.ssl.html|access-date=April 27, 2008|work=Cornell News|publisher=]|location=Ithaca, New York|archive-date=May 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503213625/http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April05/slime-mold.Bush.Cheney.ssl.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as is the louse '']''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Valan|first1=Miroslav|last2=Sychra|first2=Oldrich|last3=Literak|first3=Ivan|date=2016|title=Chewing lice of genus Ricinus (Phthiraptera, Ricinidae) deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia, with description of a new species|url= |journal=Parasite|language=en|volume=23|pages=7|doi=10.1051/parasite/2016007|pmid=26902646|pmc=4763114|issn=1776-1042|doi-access=free}}</ref> A ] of Darth Vader looms over the east face of the ]'s northwest tower.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Darth Vader|url=http://www.nationalcathedral.org/about/darthVader.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055524/http://www.nationalcathedral.org/about/darthVader.shtml|archive-date=September 21, 2013|access-date=April 27, 2008|publisher=]}}</ref>
As the ], Anakin's ] turn fiery yellow when he intensely experiences the dark side; however, in his redemption, the colouration returns to normal. At first, he continues to dress as a Jedi to hide his new identity. After sustaining lightsaber injuries from Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin is further disfigured by burns, receives lung injuries and suffers from smoke inhalation.


Many commentators and comedians have also evoked Vader's visage to ] politicians and other public figures, and several American political figures have been unflatteringly compared to the character. In response to ]'s proposed ] (dubbed "Star Wars" by his political opponents), German news magazine '']'' portrayed the president wearing Vader's helmet on its cover in 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |editor-last=Woods|editor-first=Bob|year=1997|title=It Took the World by Force|magazine=Star Wars: Official 20th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine|location=New York City|publisher=]|page=57}}</ref> In 2005, ] referred to ]'s ] as the "Darth Vader of cable",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/08/22/8270018/index.htm|title=Al Gore Battles Old Cable Demons|first=Marc|last=Gunther|date=August 22, 2005|website=]|publisher=]|location=Atlanta, Georgia|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=May 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524084458/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/08/22/8270018/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and political strategist ] was known by his political enemies as "the Darth Vader of the ]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://politics.netscape.com/story/2006/11/07/harvey-leroy-lee-atwater-was-a-republican-political-consultant|title=Harvey Leroy "Lee" Atwater, was a Republican political consultant|website=]|date=November 7, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=January 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106221449/http://politics.netscape.com/story/2006/11/07/harvey-leroy-lee-atwater-was-a-republican-political-consultant/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Native American artist ] portrayed General ] as Vader in his painting ''Darth Custer''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bunky Echo-Hawk takes the stage with live painting |work=] |publisher=] |location=Providence, Rhode Island |date=October 5, 2007 |access-date=November 5, 2015 |url=http://www.browndailyherald.com/2007/10/05/bunky-echohawk-takes-the-stage-with-live-painting/ |first=Robin |last=Steele |archive-date=June 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622035734/http://www.browndailyherald.com/2007/10/05/bunky-echohawk-takes-the-stage-with-live-painting/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, a statue of ] in ], was converted into one of Vader due to a law on ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Worland|first1=Justin|date=October 25, 2015|title=Ukrainian Lenin Statue Turned into Darth Vader|magazine=]|publisher=]|location=New York City|url=http://time.com/4086228/ukraine-lenin-darth-vader/|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025144438/http://time.com/4086228/ukraine-lenin-darth-vader/|url-status=live}}</ref> Former ] ] has been compared to Darth Vader after he was quoted during a discussion on the ] saying, "I suppose, sometimes, people look at my demeanor and say, 'Well, he's the Darth Vader of ].'"<ref>{{cite interview |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/22/sitroom.03.html |subject=Dick Cheney |interviewer=John King |work=The Situation Room |publisher=] |title=Interview With Dick Cheney |date=June 22, 2006 |access-date=April 27, 2008 |archive-date=April 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403055213/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/22/sitroom.03.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This led to him being referred to as "Darth Cheney" by ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cc.com/video/4d9qt7/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-cheney-camera-3|publisher=]|title=The Daily Show: Cheney Camera 3|date=January 25, 2007|access-date=December 4, 2021|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204163256/https://www.cc.com/video/4d9qt7/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-cheney-camera-3|url-status=live}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} This comparison was followed by George Lucas stating that Cheney is more akin to Palpatine, and that a better stand-in for Vader would be ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/opinion/19dowd.html |title=The Aura of Arugulance |access-date=April 19, 2009 |work=] |first=Maureen |last=Dowd |author-link=Maureen Dowd |date=April 19, 2009 |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615063221/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/opinion/19dowd.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Subsequent to being rescued by Palpatine, new mechanical limbs are attached and a breathing modulator is incorporated into an obsidian armored suit. Even amongst his Imperial subordinates, Vader's frightful form invokes dread. Vader must wear his armour at all times when he is not meditating or healing in his pressurized containment-chamber. A towering figure, the suited Darth Vader is nearly 6 ] 8 ] (2.02 ]) tall. The artificial respirator emits a distinctive breathing sound. Ahead of his portentous footfalls, Lord Vader's distinctive, cold, raspy breathing sends chills down the spine as it heralds his villainous presence.


In Ukraine, the ] has had multiple people run for election under the name Darth Vader.<ref name=NewsweeDVU>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/darth-vader-runs-prime-minister-ukraine-vowing-take-back-crimea-putin-279629|title=Darth Vader Is Running for Prime Minister of Ukraine, Vowing to Take on Putin|work=]|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2014|archive-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024234234/http://www.newsweek.com/darth-vader-runs-prime-minister-ukraine-vowing-take-back-crimea-putin-279629|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Two men named Darth Vader were candidates at the ] and the ] ] of the same day.<ref name=DVAM1514>{{cite news|url=http://un.ua/eng/article/507502.html|title=Kyiv Election Commission Registers Darth Vader As Candidate For Kyiv Mayor|agency=]|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502013412/http://un.ua/eng/article/507502.html|archive-date=May 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espreso.tv/news/2014/05/01/dart_veyder_krim_stolyci_kandyduye_i_v_mery_odesy|title=Darth Vader candidate for mayor of Odesa|publisher=]|date=May 1, 2014|language=ru|access-date=May 1, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502001406/http://espreso.tv/news/2014/05/01/dart_veyder_krim_stolyci_kandyduye_i_v_mery_odesy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/198450.html|title=Tsushko to compete for post of Odesa mayor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403000854/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/198450.html|archive-date=April 3, 2014|website=]|date=March 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/nocomment/2014/04/04/ukraines-darth-vader-presidency-bid-rejected/|title=Ukraine's Darth Vader presidency bid rejected|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080619/http://www.euronews.com/nocomment/2014/04/04/ukraines-darth-vader-presidency-bid-rejected/|date=March 4, 2016|website=]|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/pro-western-parties-darth-vader-set-win-ukrainian/story?id=26469069|title=Pro-Western Parties, Not Darth Vader, Set to Win Ukrainian Elections|website=]|publisher=]|location=New York City|first1=Rym|last1=Momtaz|first2=Dragana|last2=Jovanovic|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925121933/http://abcnews.go.com/International/pro-western-parties-darth-vader-set-win-ukrainian/story?id=26469069|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11188609/Ukraines-Darth-Vader-candidate-denied-vote-after-refusing-to-remove-mask.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027160854/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11188609/Ukraines-Darth-Vader-candidate-denied-vote-after-refusing-to-remove-mask.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 27, 2014|title=Ukraine's Darth Vader candidate denied vote after refusing to remove mask|newspaper=]|publisher=]|location=London, England|quote= Darth Alekseyevich Vader, an official candidate in Ukraine's parliamentary elections, is turned away from a Kiev polling station after refusing to remove his mask|first=Geraldine|last=Cooper|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref><ref name=NewsweeDVU /><ref>{{cite news|title=Putin headed for victory in Odesa as Darth Vader clouds farcical election|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/darth-vader-clouds-farcical-ukrainian-election-519586.html|work=]|date=October 23, 2015|access-date=October 24, 2015|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024163530/http://uatoday.tv/politics/darth-vader-clouds-farcical-ukrainian-election-519586.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Darth Vader, in his new cyborg armor, wears a chestplate with lights and switches, presumably to manage his cybernetic components. Upon closer examination, the chestplate has Hebrew lettering which has been translated as, "His deeds will not be forgiven, until he merits."


] helmet in the ]]]
After his redemption, when he at last fulfilled the Jedi prophecy by killing the Emperor and destroying the Sith, Anakin's dying wish is that he should see his son Luke "with his own eyes." Luke complies, and removes the fearsome mask that had caged his father's face for 23 years. What is revealed is the ghostly pale visage of a sad and withered man in his late forties. His head bald and browless, Anakin's skin is pastely white from not having been exposed to sunlight for two decades, his face still carrying the scars of the tragic duel with Obi-Wan. His weary eyes stare out from dark, sunken sockets at his son, and back at a life filled with sorrowful regret. Once more they shine blue, as Anakin Skywalker makes peace with the Force and forever joins it.
The ], an Iraqi paramilitary organisation, was issued with ] Darth Vader-style helmets from 1995, apparently at the instigation of their commander, ], who was said to have been an avid ''Star Wars'' fan. A number of them were brought to the United States and the United Kingdom as souvenirs following the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-54774.html |title=Helmet (1995) for Fedayeen Saddam |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=royalarmouries.org |publisher=Royal Armouries |access-date=22 August 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


In 2019, an original Vader helmet from ''The Empire Strikes Back'' was sold for $900,000 in an online auction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Darth Vader's Actual 'The Empire Strikes Back' Helmet Sold for $900K at Auction |url=https://manofmany.com/entertainment/movies-tv/darth-vaders-actual-the-empire-strikes-back-helmet-sold-for-900k-at-auction |website=Man of Many |access-date=October 1, 2019 |date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023053655/https://manofmany.com/entertainment/movies-tv/darth-vaders-actual-the-empire-strikes-back-helmet-sold-for-900k-at-auction |url-status=live }}</ref>
Depending on which version is seen (VHS or DVD), the appearance of Anakin's redeemed Force spirit is either that of a robust, middle-aged man with greying brown hair and a kindly face, or that of the younger Anakin in his twenties just before his fall from grace to the dark side, though now he is dressed in the robes of a Jedi Master.


In 2014, ] created a full-size Darth Vader-inspired car (dubbed as the 'Darth Car') to coincide their partnership with Star Wars franchise. Built by Action Vehicle Engineering and designed by Bryan Benedict, the car was built on the ] chassis and sporting a small-block ] V8 engine. The car was made its public debut at ] that year and currently as part of the Garage of Legends car collection.
==Behind the Scenes==


== See also ==
]
* ]
The character of Darth Vader was not originally planned to be a suited cyborg. The current image of Vader was created when concept artist ] drew the opening scene where the ] '']'' was being boarded. It was initially imagined that Darth Vader would fly through space to enter the ship, necessitating a suit and breathing mask. This was later made permanent and incorporated in the story.
* ]
* ]
* ]


== Notes ==
It is interesting to note that "Vader" is the ] word for "father" and that the ] word for "father" (''Vater'') is similar. Thus, it may be tempting to read the character name "Darth Vader" as "Dark Father," a word-play that may well be the root of the ] title. However judging by the origin of the other Sith names, Vader may also possibly be a derivative of the word "invader." It is worth noting that in the original scripts for ], the name "Darth Vader" was given to a normal Imperial general. The title "]" may also come from "'''Dar'''k Lord of the Si'''th'''."
{{notelist}}


== References ==
Creator ] took the name "Anakin" from his friend and fellow film director, ].
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}


===Works cited===
Some have noted that Vader bears more than a passing resemblance to the classic ] ] ]. (This is further alluded in ]'s ] novels in which so-called "Doombots" appear that wear green hoods and iron wolf masks, much like Doom, and carry lightsabers.) Darth Vader's head gear appears to be modelled on a Japanese '']'' (&#20828;), which is consistent with the samurai-like order of the Jedi and ]-like ] duels. It also resembles a ] ]-era '']''. The evil brother Hakaider, from the ] '']'', is also seen as an influence for Vader, as is the Mule, the villian in Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy.
* {{Cite book |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Pablo |title=The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia |last2=Sansweet |first2=Stephen |publisher=Del Rey |year=2008a |isbn=9780345477637 |edition=First |volume=I |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Pablo |title=The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia |last2=Sansweet |first2=Stephen |publisher=Del Rey |year=2008c |isbn=9780345477637 |edition=First |volume=III |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Return of the Jedi |publisher=Del Rey |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-345-54358-5
|edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film |publisher=Del Rey |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-345-54286-1 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film |publisher=Ebury Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-09-192499-7 |edition=2008}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of The Empire Strikes Back |publisher=Del Rey |year=2010a |isbn=978-0-345-54336-3 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Sounds of Star Wars |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2010b |isbn=978-0-85720-076-1 |location=London}}


== External links ==
Legendary fencer ] was a stunt double for David Prowse during lightsaber duels in Episodes V and VI. Vader's deep breathing sounds were provided by sound editor Ben Burtt using a ] respirator.
* {{Star Wars Databank|subject=darth-vader|text=Darth Vader}}
* {{Star Wars Databank|subject=anakin-skywalker|text=Anakin Skywalker}}


{{Wikiquote}}
Vader's ] is '']''.
{{Commons category}}


{{Star Wars Trilogy}}
==]==
{{Star Wars prequel trilogy}}

{{Star Wars universe}}
Anakin Skywalker plays the ] in '']'', a video game made for the ]. In the game, Anakin is sent to investigate rumors of the Separatists making a new type of droid, superior to other droids and invulnerable to ]s. Anakin travels to Tatooine, but is hunted down by ] and eventually held in the captivity of ]. Anakin breaks out, and is called to Coruscant. There, Anakin chases and defeats a Dark Jedi named Trenox, and uncovers Count Dooku's plot to destroy the ]. Anakin stops him, but Dooku escapes. Anakin is next sent to ], where he is to destroy the Cortosis Droid Factory and capture ], the leader of the Techno Union. Anakin completes both objectives, but has to face a clone of Count Dooku while leaving the factory. Anakin defeats this false Dooku, and moves on.
{{Star Wars: The Clone Wars}}

{{Star Wars Rebels}}
In the young adult series, "''The Last of The Jedi''," ], at the early age of fourteen, is hired by Imperial leader Inquisitor Malorum to investigate ]'s death at Vader's request. Fett travels to ] (the small moon where Padmé gave birth shortly before her own death) and ] to gather this information. Fett fails to procure any information pretaining to Padmé's last days. We can only assume that Vader was not satisfied with the Emperor's explanation of Padmé's demise. These events take place a year or two after '']''.
{{Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries)}}

{{Ahsoka (TV series)}}
According to the ] novel '']'' (which takes place shortly after the events in ''A New Hope''), Vader first faces Luke in combat on the planet ], where he discovers that it was Luke that destroyed the Death Star, and both enter lightsaber combat. Luke puts up a valiant fight, but is no match for Vader, though he does manage to cut off the Dark Lord's mechanical arm. Vader's victory is near, but he trips over his own severed arm and falls into a ], though he soon escapes Mimban and recovers from his duel. It has been adapted as a comic book by ].
{{Authority control}}

Vader also has a prominent role in the ] novel/comic/video game '']'', which took place between ''Empire'' and ''Jedi''. He also makes occasional appearances in Dark Horse's ''Star Wars'' comic books set between the movies, especially ''Star Wars: Empire''.

In the ], it is explained that Darth Vader was the first representative of the Empire to find the ]. They are a race with exceptional combat skills, but their planet had been devestated by a battle between orbitting space ships. They attacked Vader's party, and it was only through Vader's personal intervention that his soldiers survived. Vader pretended to help them restore their planet, and in exchange they served as his personal commandos, and came to revere him as their master. Later, Vader transferred their services to ].

] named her youngest son ] in remembrance of her father's redemption.

In the novel ] of the ] series - set 30 years after the ] in '']'', Anakin's voice would speak to his grandson ], telling him to "Stand firm!" before Jacen eventually defeats ], one of the main villians of the series.

==Cultural figure==

Due to his central role, Vader has entered the public consciousness as the quintessential frightening villain; the ]'s list of the ] placed him third, after ] and ]. His powerful, ] voice coupled with his heavy breathing is easily recognizable to moviegoers. He has been ] by such figures as "]" from '']'' and countless other parodies from cartoons, such as "Duck Vader" from '']'' and "Darth Koopa" from ]. In addition, his name has become a synonym for frightening evil; for example, political strategist ] was known as "the Darth Vader of the ]." Darth Vader's "]" is sometimes used as the leitmotif for ] on ] to show a comical comparison between the two fictional characters. George Lucas has pointed to Vader's iconic status as a reason he made the Star Wars prequels, since he felt the icon overshadowed the fact that Vader was intended to be a tragic character.

Vader's revelation to Luke that he is Luke's father is one of the most famous movie plot twists of all time. An ] poll on ] ] asked users to choose which one of a set of movie spoilers was too infamous to be considered a spoiler anymore; Vader's true identity was a clear winner, by a forty-percent margin. (Other choices included the "secret identities" of Keyser Sose in ''];'' the killers in ''],'' '']'' and ''];'' the planet in ''];'' "Rosebud" in ''];'' and the contents of the delivery box in ''].'')

The ] ] band ] took their band name from this character.

During a major renovation, ] held a competition for children to design new ] for the west towers. One winner was a design featuring Darth Vader (see external links).

The ] ] wrestled under the names, "Big Van Vader," "The Man Called Vader," and just "Vader." The name and gimmick, which originally included a large ]-like helmet worn to the ring, were based on Darth Vader. Vader wrestled in ] and ], where he was their world champion, and in the WWF (now ]).

With the release of '']'', the popularity of Darth Vader has seen an increase, due to his reappearance on the silver screen. His exaggerated and mournful howl of ] also achieved notoriety.

During the ]'s ] involvement in ] in 1999, General Sir ] was nicknamed "Darth Vader" by his men.

==Notes==
# {{note|Usage}} ''The complexity of this question and the occasional need to make definitive statements within this article poses some difficulties to maintaining the ]. For instance, some may argue that the character's "true" name throughout the series is Anakin Skywalker, suggesting that this article be placed under that title. Due to a combination of ] and arbitrary editorial discretion, this article for the most part refers to the pre-suited version of the character as "Anakin Skywalker" and the suited cyborg version as "Darth Vader", while recognizing that in many cases there is good reason to dispute this usage.''

==See also==

* ]
* ]
* ]

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}

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|title = ] Apprentice to ]
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Latest revision as of 05:07, 24 December 2024

Character in the Star Wars franchise

Fictional character
Darth Vader
Star Wars character
First appearanceStar Wars (1977)
Created byGeorge Lucas
Portrayed byVarious
Voiced byVarious
In-universe information
Full nameAnakin Skywalker
SpeciesHuman
GenderMale
Occupation
  • Jedi Knight
  • Sith Lord
Affiliation
Family
SpousePadmé Amidala (wife)
Children
Master
Apprentice
HomeworldTatooine

Darth Vader (/dɑːrθ veɪdər/) is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was first introduced in the original film trilogy as one of the leaders of the Galactic Empire. The prequel trilogy chronicles his transformation from the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker into the Sith Lord Darth Vader. His metamorphosis begins when he is lured to the dark side of the Force by Chancellor Palpatine, who later becomes the Emperor. After a lightsaber battle with his former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader is severely injured and is transformed into a cyborg. He serves Palpatine for over two decades, hunting down the remaining Jedi and attempting to crush the Rebel Alliance. When Palpatine tries to kill Vader's son, Luke Skywalker, the Sith Lord turns against his master and destroys him. Vader is the husband of Padmé Amidala, the father of Luke and his twin sister Leia Organa, and the grandfather of Ben Solo (later known as Kylo Ren).

David Prowse physically portrays Vader in the original trilogy, while James Earl Jones provides his voice in all of the films and some television series. Sebastian Shaw portrays Anakin in Return of the Jedi (1983), while Jake Lloyd and Hayden Christensen portray Anakin in the prequel trilogy, with Christensen reprising the role in the series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) and Ahsoka (2023). In the standalone film Rogue One (2016), Vader is portrayed by Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous. The character also appears in novels, comics, and video games. He has become an iconic villain of cinema.

Creation and development

Darth Vader

As part of the development for the original Star Wars film, George Lucas hired the artist Ralph McQuarrie to create conceptual images for the characters. For Vader, Lucas asked McQuarrie to depict a "very tall, dark fluttering figure that had a spooky feeling like it came in on the wind." Because the script described Vader traveling between spaceships, McQuarrie suggested that he should wear a space suit. Lucas agreed, and McQuarrie created Vader's iconic mask by combining a full-face breathing mask with a samurai helmet. A 1975 production painting by McQuarrie depicts Vader engaged in a lightsaber duel with Deak Starkiller, who later became Luke Skywalker. Vader is shown wearing black armor, a flowing cape and a skull-like mask and helmet. This early design was similar to Vader's final appearance.

Working from McQuarrie's concepts, the costume designer John Mollo devised an outfit that combined clerical robes, a motorcycle suit, a German military helmet, and a military gas mask. The prop sculptor Brian Muir created the helmet and armor. The sound of Vader's breathing was created by the film's sound designer, Ben Burtt, using modified recordings of a scuba breathing apparatus. The sound effect is trademarked at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Lucas has provided differing accounts of how the name "Darth Vader" originated. In a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone, he claimed it was a modified version of "Dark Father." On another occasion, he said it was inspired by the phrase "Dark Water". It is also possible that "Darth Vader" originated from the name of Gary Vader, a boy who went to high school with Lucas.

The names of various Star Wars characters have been altered in countries outside the United States. In France, Vader's name was changed to Dark Vador (pronounced [daʁk vadɔʁ]) starting with the original film. Although the names of some other characters have been reverted to the English versions over the years, Vader is still referred to as Dark Vador in recent French-language Star Wars media. The title "Darth" has been replaced with "Dark" for other Sith Lords as well. In Italian-language editions of Star Wars films, Darth Vader was called Dart Fener (pronounced [ˌdar(t) ˈfɛːner]) starting with the original trilogy. In 2004, the dubbing director for the Italian-language version of Revenge of the Sith (2005) asked Italian fans to decide which name to use in the film; the Italian name was chosen. However, the name was switched to "Darth Vader" for The Force Awakens (2015). In Iceland, Darth Vader's name is Svarthöfði, which means "black-head".

Anakin Skywalker

The films Swiss Family Robinson (1960) and Battle of the Bulge (1965) influenced the original Star Wars trilogy, but Lucas's publicist has denied that Anakin Skywalker was named after Ken Annakin, the director of those films. The original surname of Anakin and Luke was "Starkiller", and it remained in the script until a few months into filming Star Wars. It was dropped due to what Lucas called "unpleasant connotations" with Charles Manson, who became a "star killer" in 1969 when he murdered the well-known actress Sharon Tate. Lucas replaced the problematic name "Starkiller" with "Skywalker".

The Phantom Menace introduced the possibility that Anakin could be the Chosen One of an ancient Jedi prophecy, who is destined to bring balance to the Force. Lucas stated in an interview that "Anakin is the Chosen One. Even when Anakin turns into Darth Vader, he is still the Chosen One." Hayden Christensen said of Anakin: "He believes that he's the Chosen One. He's not doing wrong things knowing that it's having a negative impact. So there's that sort of naivety to him ... and it makes him more human in a lot of ways." Lucas later clarified that the plot element of Anakin's virgin birth was meant to align the character with heroes from mythology in general and not specifically Jesus.

After completing principal photography for Revenge of the Sith in 2003, Lucas made changes to Anakin's character by rewriting his turn to the dark side. He accomplished this through editing the principal footage and filming new scenes during pickups in London in 2004. In previous versions of the script, Anakin had several reasons for turning to the dark side, including his sincere belief that the Jedi were plotting to seize control of the Republic. Although he retains this belief in the finished film, Lucas's changes emphasized his desire to rescue Padmé from death. Thus, in the theatrical version of Revenge of the Sith, Anakin falls to the dark side primarily to save Padmé.

Anakin's apprentice Ahsoka Tano was introduced in the 2008 animated film The Clone Wars. Giving Anakin responsibility for a Padawan was meant to place the character in a role that forced him to become more cautious and responsible. It was also meant to provide him with insight about his relationship with his own master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and show how their relationship matured. Anakin's relationship with Ahsoka was seen as an essential story arc spanning both the film and the 2008 television series The Clone Wars.

Portrayals

Darth Vader

David ProwseJames Earl JonesLeft to right: David Prowse, James Earl Jones, and Hayden Christensen

David Prowse, a 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 m) bodybuilder and actor, portrays Vader in the original trilogy. Prowse was originally offered the role of Chewbacca, but turned it down, as he wanted to play the villain. Bob Anderson, a former Olympic fencer, portrays Vader during lightsaber fight scenes in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Lucas chose to have a different actor provide Vader's voice, because he felt Prowse's West Country English accent was inappropriate for the character. The director originally considered Orson Welles for the role, but selected James Earl Jones instead after deciding that Welles's voice would be too recognizable to audiences. Jones initially felt his role was too small to warrant recognition, and he chose to be uncredited in Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. He was finally credited in Return of the Jedi in 1983.

When filming the scene in The Empire Strikes Back in which Vader confesses he is Luke's father, Prowse was given modified dialogue to read that did not exist in the script. He was known for repeatedly leaking information to the public, and the filmmakers wanted to keep Vader's revelation a secret until the film was released. Prowse was asked to read the line "Obi-Wan killed your father" instead of "No, I am your father." Only the director, the producers, and Mark Hamill knew the actual line, which was dubbed in later by Jones. Prowse did not know the real line until he viewed the finished film.

Hayden Christensen portrays Vader in Revenge of the Sith, while Brock Peters provides his voice in the Star Wars radio series. Scott Lawrence voices Vader in video games, including the 2019 virtual reality series Vader Immortal. Matt Sloan voices the Sith Lord in both video games and television productions. Both Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous portray Vader in Rogue One, with Jones providing the voice. Jones also voices Vader in the Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) and the animated series Star Wars Rebels. In September 2022, it was confirmed that Jones would retire from voicing the character. His voice was digitally recreated by the company Respeecher for use in the series Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he later signed over the rights to his voice for future Star Wars productions.

Anakin Skywalker

Near the end of Return of the Jedi, Luke removes Vader's mask. Although Prowse had portrayed the Sith Lord throughout the trilogy, the filmmakers wanted a more experienced actor to play the unmasked Vader. Sebastian Shaw was selected for the role, which appears as "Anakin Skywalker" in the credits. Shaw's presence on set was kept secret from all but the minimum cast and crew, and Shaw was contractually obligated not to discuss any film secrets with anyone, even his family. In the final scene of the film, Shaw portrays Anakin's Force spirit. His likeness in this scene was replaced with that of Hayden Christensen in the 2004 DVD release.

When The Phantom Menace was being developed, hundreds of actors were auditioned for the role of young Anakin before Jake Lloyd was cast. Rick McCallum, the film's producer, said that Lloyd was "smart, mischievous and love anything mechanical—just like Anakin." When casting the role of 19-year-old Anakin for Attack of the Clones, the filmmakers reviewed about 1,500 candidates before selecting Hayden Christensen. The Canadian actor reprises the role in Revenge of the Sith and in the series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka. His performance in Revenge of the Sith garnered him a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Actor, while his portrayal of Anakin in Obi-Wan Kenobi earned him the Saturn Award for Best Guest Performance in a Streaming Series.

Anakin is voiced by Mat Lucas and Frankie Ryan Manriquez in the 2003 animated micro-series Clone Wars, and is voiced by Kirby Morrow in several television productions. Matt Lanter provides the character's voice in video games and in various television productions, including The Clone Wars, Rebels, Forces of Destiny and Star Wars: Tales. Lanter also voices Anakin in the film version of The Clone Wars. During the second-season finale of Rebels, Lanter's voice is sometimes blended with the voice of James Earl Jones.

Appearances

Original trilogy

Main article: Star Wars original trilogy

Vader was introduced in Star Wars (1977) as a cyborg commander serving the Galactic Empire. He and Grand Moff Tarkin have been tasked with recovering architectural plans for the Death Star battle station, which were stolen by the Rebel Alliance. Vader captures and interrogates the Rebel leader Princess Leia, who has sent the plans to Vader's former master Obi-Wan Kenobi. During Leia's rescue by Obi-Wan's allies Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Vader strikes down his mentor in a lightsaber duel. After placing a tracking device aboard Han's ship, Vader locates the Rebel base on Yavin 4. When the Rebels attack the Death Star, Vader pursues Luke in his TIE fighter. Before he can shoot Luke down, Han intervenes and sends Vader's ship spiraling off course, which allows Luke to destroy the Death Star.

In The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Vader becomes obsessed with finding Luke, who is now a Rebel commander. Vader's forces assault the Rebel base on Hoth, but the Rebels escape. Vader convinces the Emperor that Luke could be a valuable ally if he were turned to the dark side of the Force. Vader hires a group of bounty hunters to follow Luke's companions, and compels the Cloud City administrator Lando Calrissian to set a trap for them. After Han, Leia, Chewbacca and C-3PO arrive, Vader tortures and freezes Han in carbonite and gives him to the bounty hunter Boba Fett. When Luke lands on Cloud City to help his friends, Vader overpowers him and severs his hand. He tells Luke that he is his father, and tries to persuade him to join the dark side and help him overthrow the Emperor. Horrified, Luke escapes through an air shaft. Vader telepathically tells Luke that it is his destiny to join the dark side.

Vader and the Emperor supervise the construction of the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi (1983). Believing there is still good in his father, Luke surrenders to Vader in an attempt to bring him back from the dark side. Vader takes his son to the Death Star and brings him before the Emperor, who attempts to seduce him to the dark side. Luke lashes out at the Emperor with his lightsaber, but Vader blocks his strike, and the two of them duel once again. As Luke regains control of his emotions, Vader senses that he has a sister, and threatens to turn her to the dark side if Luke will not submit. Enraged, Luke overpowers Vader and severs his hand. The Emperor then betrays his apprentice by ordering Luke to kill Vader and take his place, but Luke refuses.

Enraged, the Emperor begins torturing Luke with Force lightning, leading to Luke begging his father to save him. Unwilling to see his son die, Vader throws the Emperor down a reactor shaft to his death, but is mortally wounded in the process. Luke carries him to a docking bay, where Imperial forces are evacuating in the face of a Rebel assault. At Vader's request, Luke removes his father's mask and looks upon the face of Anakin Skywalker for the first time. The redeemed Anakin Skywalker encourages him to go and tells him that he has saved him, before peacefully dying. On Endor, Luke burns his father's body on a funeral pyre. As the Rebels celebrate the destruction of the Death Star and the fall of the Empire, Luke sees Anakin's spirit appear alongside the spirits of Obi-Wan and Yoda.

Prequel trilogy

Main article: Star Wars prequel trilogy

The first film of the prequel trilogy, The Phantom Menace (1999), takes place 32 years before Star Wars. Anakin is a nine-year-old slave living on Tatooine with his mother Shmi. He is a gifted pilot and mechanic, and has built his own protocol droid, C-3PO. The Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn meets Anakin after making an emergency landing on Tatooine with Padmé Amidala, the queen of Naboo. Qui-Gon learns that Anakin was conceived without a father and can see the future. He becomes convinced that Anakin is the "Chosen One" of Jedi prophecy who will bring balance to the Force. After winning his freedom in a podrace wager, Anakin departs the planet with Qui-Gon to be trained as a Jedi, leaving his mother behind.

During the journey to Coruscant, Anakin forms a bond with Padmé. Qui-Gon asks the Jedi Council for permission to train Anakin, but they refuse, concerned that the fear he exhibits makes him vulnerable to the dark side. During a conflict with the Trade Federation, Anakin helps end the blockade of Naboo by destroying a control ship. Qui-Gon is mortally wounded in a duel with the Sith Lord Darth Maul, and with his dying breath asks his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to train Anakin. With the council's reluctant approval, Anakin becomes Obi-Wan's apprentice. Palpatine, the newly elected Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, takes an interest in Anakin and his career as a Jedi.

Attack of the Clones (2002) is set ten years after The Phantom Menace. Anakin has grown powerful but arrogant, and believes that Obi-Wan is holding him back. After rescuing Padmé from an assassination attempt, he travels with her to Naboo as her bodyguard. They begin to fall in love, despite a Jedi Code prohibition against romantic relationships. Sensing that his mother is in danger, Anakin travels with Padmé to Tatooine and finds that she was kidnapped by Tusken Raiders. He locates her at a Tusken campsite, where she dies in his arms. Overcome with grief and rage, Anakin massacres the Tusken tribe. Padmé is disturbed by what he has done, but comforts him nevertheless. Anakin and Padmé then go to Geonosis to aid Obi-Wan, only to be captured by the Sith Lord Count Dooku. Facing execution, Anakin and Padmé profess their love for each other. They are saved from death by an army of Jedi and clone troopers, led by the Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda. Anakin and Obi-Wan then confront Dooku, but he defeats them both and severs Anakin's arm. After being rescued by Yoda, Anakin is fitted with a robotic arm and marries Padmé in a secret ceremony.

A wax sculpture of Anakin Skywalker at the Madame Tussauds museum in London

Revenge of the Sith (2005) is set three years after Attack of the Clones. Anakin, who is now a Jedi Knight and a hero of the Clone Wars, leads a mission with Obi-Wan to rescue Chancellor Palpatine from the Separatist commander General Grievous. The two Jedi again battle Count Dooku, whom Anakin overpowers and then slaughters at Palpatine's urging. Anakin returns to Coruscant to reunite with Padmé, who tells him she is pregnant. Although initially excited, Anakin soon begins to have nightmares about his wife dying in childbirth.

Palpatine appoints Anakin to the Jedi Council as his personal representative, but the council is suspicious of the Chancellor. They decline to grant Anakin the rank of Jedi Master and instruct him to spy on Palpatine, which upsets Anakin. Later, Palpatine reveals to Anakin that he is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, the mastermind of the Clone Wars. He suggests that Anakin can prevent Padmé's death by using the dark side of the Force. Anakin reports Sidious' treachery to Windu, who confronts and subdues the Sith Lord. Desperate to save Padmé, Anakin betrays Windu by cutting off his hand, which allows the Sith Lord to kill him. Anakin then betrays the Jedi by pledging himself to the Sith, and Sidious dubs him Darth Vader.

On Sidious' orders, Vader slaughters all the Jedi in the Jedi Temple, including the younglings. After learning what her husband has done, a distraught Padmé travels to Mustafar and pleads with him to abandon the dark side, but he refuses. Believing that Padmé and Obi-Wan are conspiring against him, Vader uses the Force to strangle his wife into unconsciousness. He then engages Obi-Wan in a lightsaber duel that ends with Obi-Wan severing his limbs and leaving him for dead on the banks of a lava flow, where he catches fire and sustains severe burns. Sidious finds the barely-alive Vader and takes him to Coruscant, where his mutilated body is covered in black armor that keeps him alive. When Vader asks if Padmé is safe, Sidious lies to him and says that his strangulation killed her, which causes Vader to scream in anguish. At the end of the film, Vader supervises the construction of the first Death Star alongside Sidious and Tarkin.

The Rise of Skywalker

Anakin's voice is heard briefly in the third film of the sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker (2019), set 31 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. During Rey's confrontation with the resurrected Darth Sidious, she hears the voices of various deceased Jedi, including Anakin. He encourages her to return balance to the Force like he once did.

The Clone Wars (film)

In the 2008 animated film The Clone Wars, set shortly after the events of Attack of the Clones, Yoda assigns Anakin an apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. Anakin is at first reluctant to accept this responsibility. He calls Ahsoka "Snips" for her "snippy" attitude, while Ahsoka refers to him as "Skyguy". After earning Anakin's respect during a dangerous mission, Ahsoka joins him on a quest to rescue Jabba the Hutt's infant son, Rotta. Her impetuousness both annoys and endears her to Anakin, and he develops a friendly affection towards her.

Rogue One

In the standalone film Rogue One (2016), set immediately before the events of A New Hope, Vader summons the weapons developer Orson Krennic to his castle on Mustafar. He confronts him about his handling of the Death Star project and the destruction of Jedha City. When Krennic asks Vader for an audience with the Emperor, Vader refuses. At the end of the film, Vader boards a Rebel flagship and kills several Rebel soldiers as he tries to recover the stolen Death Star plans. Vader's role in the film was different in early versions of the story. In Gary Whitta's original pitch, the Sith Lord appeared on Scarif and slaughtered a Rebel blockade. In another early storyline, Vader killed Krennic for his failure to prevent the Rebels from stealing the Death Star schematics.

Television series

The Clone Wars

Anakin is featured in all seasons of The Clone Wars (2008–2014, 2020), set between the events of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. As a Jedi Knight, he leads the 501st Legion on missions with both his master Obi-Wan and his apprentice Ahsoka. Some of Anakin's actions taken out of concern for Ahsoka violate the Jedi code, such as torturing prisoners who may know her location. Throughout the series there are references to Anakin's eventual fall to the dark side, including visions of his future as Vader and his disillusionment with the Jedi Council after they wrongly accuse Ahsoka of bombing the Jedi Temple. While Ahsoka is later forgiven after the true culprit is found, she nonetheless chooses to leave the Jedi Order. Dooku's death at Anakin's hands during Revenge of the Sith is references by Obi Wan. Anakin appears as Vader in the final scene of the series finale, which occurs after Revenge of the Sith. He investigates the crash site of a Venator-class Star Destroyer, which was demolished during Order 66. Finding one of Ahsoka's lightsabers among the wreckage, he assumes that his former Padawan has perished.

Star Wars Rebels

Vader appears in the animated series Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018), which takes place fourteen years after the conclusion of The Clone Wars. The Sith Lord makes minor appearances throughout the first season, and plays a larger role in the second season. At the beginning of the series, he leads a squad of Force-sensitive Imperial Inquisitors who kill Jedi and Force-sensitive children. He dispatches the Grand Inquisitor to hunt a Rebel cell on Lothal, and later arrives personally to deal with the Rebel threat after the Inquisitor is killed.

In the second-season premiere, Vader orchestrates the murder of Imperial Minister Maketh Tua, who tried to defect to the Rebellion, and confronts the two Jedi Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger. When Vader attacks the fleet of the Phoenix Squadron, he discovers that Ahsoka is still alive and has joined the Rebel Alliance. She is overwhelmed when she recognizes Anakin under a "layer of hate". The Emperor then orders Vader to send another Inquisitor to capture her. Later in the season, Ahsoka has a vision in which Anakin blames her for his fall to the dark side. In the season finale, Ahsoka duels with Vader inside a Sith Temple. As the episode concludes, Vader emerges from the ruins of the temple, while Ahsoka's fate is left unknown.

Forces of Destiny

Anakin appears in multiple episodes of the animated web series Forces of Destiny (2017–2018).

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Hayden Christensen portrays both Anakin and Vader in the 2022 miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi, set a decade after Revenge of the Sith and 9 years before A New Hope. The series reveals that for a decade after their duel on Mustafar, Obi-Wan believed his fallen apprentice to be dead. While attempting to draw Obi-Wan out of hiding, the Imperial Inquisitor Reva Sevander tells him that Anakin is still alive. Vader begins hunting Obi-Wan, which eventually leads them to duel again. Although Vader initially overpowers his former master, Obi-Wan recovers his strength and wounds Vader multiple times. He slashes open Vader's helmet to partially reveal his face, then leaves him, weakened and wheezing. Flashback sequences in the series depict Anakin training under Obi-Wan in the years preceding the Clone Wars, as well as a newly minted Vader carrying out the massacre at the Jedi Temple.

Ahsoka

Hayden Christensen portrays Anakin in Ahsoka (2023), which takes place after the original trilogy. Anakin appears in spirit-form to his former apprentice Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds, an ethereal realm that exists outside of time and space. He leads her through visions of their shared past together, including her training, their battles during the Clone Wars, her departure from the Jedi Order and his fall to the dark side. Industrial Light and Magic used "de-aging" technology to make the 42-year-old Christensen appear younger.

Video games

Vader is featured in the three-episode virtual reality game series Vader Immortal, which is set between Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One. The first episode became available with the launch of the Oculus Quest virtual reality headset in May 2019, while the last was released in November of the same year. The series was later released for the Oculus Rift. In August 2020, all three episodes were released for PlayStation VR.

Vader makes a brief appearance at the end of Jedi: Fallen Order (2019). He kills the Second Sister for her failure to secure a Jedi Holocron that could lead the Empire to a number of Force-sensitive children. He then attempts to personally take the Holocron from Cal Kestis, who barely manages to escape. Vader returns as a boss in the sequel, Jedi: Survivor (2023), where he leads an Imperial assault on a Jedi hideout on the planet Jedha. He duels Cere Junda, whom he manages to slay after a prolonged battle.

Both Vader and Anakin are playable characters in every Lego Star Wars video game. Vader is a playable character and a boss in Disney Infinity 3.0, and can be unlocked as a playable character for a limited time in Disney Magic Kingdoms. A bird version of Vader appears as a playable character and a boss in Angry Birds Star Wars and its sequel.

Novels

Star Wars: Lords of the Sith was one of four canon novels released between 2014 and 2015. In it, Vader and Palpatine find themselves hunted by revolutionaries on the planet Ryloth.

Comics

The 25-issue Marvel comic series Darth Vader (2015–2016) focuses on the Sith Lord in the aftermath of the Death Star's destruction, as well as his life after learning about his son's existence. The series takes place parallel to the 2015 series Star Wars, in which Vader and Luke meet; the two series have a crossover titled Vader Down. A continuation series set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi debuted in 2020. The first few issues focus on Vader exacting revenge on those who concealed Luke; he also visits Padmé's tomb on Naboo and encounters her handmaidens. A subsequent story arc depicts Vader being tested by the Emperor. The five-issue series Obi-Wan & Anakin (2016) depicts the lives of the two Jedi between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.

Between 2017 and 2018, Charles Soule wrote a prequel-era series, also called Darth Vader (sometimes subtitled Dark Lord of the Sith). It begins immediately after Vader wakes up in his armor at the end of Revenge of the Sith and explores his emotional transformation upon learning of Padmé's death, his adjustment to his mechanical suit, how he creates his red-bladed lightsaber, and his hunting of Jedi in the Inquisitor program. Its final arc, which depicts the construction of Vader's fortress on Mustafar, implies that Palpatine used the Force to conceive Anakin in utero, as some had theorized that Revenge of the Sith indicates. A Lucasfilm story group member later clarified that "This is all in Anakin's head".

A five-issue limited series titled Vader: Dark Visions, was released in 2019. Vader Down writer Jason Aaron wrote part of the miniseries Darth Vader: Black, White & Red, an extension of a Marvel event highlighting fan-favorite characters.

Star Wars Legends

See also: Star Wars in other media

Following the acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disney Company in 2012, most of the licensed Star Wars Expanded Universe material produced between 1977 and 2014 was rebranded as Star Wars Legends and declared non-canon to the franchise. The Legends works comprise a separate narrative universe.

Books

Vader is featured prominently in novels set in the Star Wars universe. In the 1978 novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye by Alan Dean Foster, Vader meets Luke for the first time and engages him in a lightsaber duel that ends with Luke cutting off Vader's arm and Vader falling into a deep pit. Shadows of the Empire (1996) reveals that Vader is conflicted about trying to turn his son to the dark side, and knows deep down that he still has good in him.

Vader's supposedly indestructible glove is the MacGuffin of the young-reader's book The Glove of Darth Vader (1992). Anakin Skywalker's redeemed spirit appears in The Truce at Bakura (1993), set a few days after the end of Return of the Jedi. He appears to Leia, imploring her forgiveness. Leia condemns Anakin for his crimes and banishes him from her life. He promises that he will be there for her when she needs him, and disappears. In Tatooine Ghost (2003), Leia learns to forgive her father after learning about his childhood as a slave and his mother's traumatic death. In The Unifying Force (2003), Anakin tells his grandson Jacen Solo to "stand firm" in his battle with the Supreme Overlord of the Yuuzhan Vong.

Upon the release of the prequel films, the Expanded Universe grew to include novels about Vader's former life as Anakin. Greg Bear's 2000 novel Rogue Planet and Jude Watson's Jedi Quest series chronicle Anakin's early missions with Obi-Wan, while James Luceno's 2005 novel Labyrinth of Evil, set during the Clone Wars, depicts Anakin battling Separatist commander General Grievous. In Luceno's Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (2005), set a few months after the events of Revenge of the Sith, Vader disavows his identity as Anakin as he hunts down surviving Jedi and cements his position in the Empire.

In the Dark Nest trilogy (2005), Luke and Leia uncover old recordings of their parents in R2-D2's memory drive; for the first time, they see their own birth and their mother's death, as well as their father's corruption to the dark side. In Bloodlines (2006), Han and Leia's son Jacen—who has turned to the dark side—uses the Force to envision Vader slaughtering the children at the Jedi Temple.

Vader also appears in a series of tongue-in-cheek children's books by Jeffrey Brown. In Brown's series, a hapless Vader sets out to be a father to a young Luke and Leia, with some scenes portraying light-hearted versions of their darker film counterparts. For example, one scene shows Vader, Luke and Leia at the carbonite freezing chamber on Bespin, with Vader pronouncing the freezer adequate for making ice cream.

Comics

Vader appears in several comic books such as Marvel Comics' Star Wars (1977–1986). In Dark Empire II, he is revealed to have had a castle on the planet Vjun. Anakin Skywalker is a major character in Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Republic series (1998–2006). In Boba Fett: Enemy of the Empire (1999), Vader hires Fett a few years before the events of A New Hope. In Vader's Quest (1999), set soon after A New Hope, the dark lord encounters Luke for the first time. Star Wars: Empire (2002–2005) spans from about a year before A New Hope to several months afterwards. Anakin and Vader appear in the non-canonical Star Wars Tales (1999–2005); in the story Resurrection, Darth Maul is resurrected and faces Vader in battle.

Vader-centric comics released and set just after Revenge of the Sith include Dark Times (2006–2013), Darth Vader and the Lost Command (2011), Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison (2012), and Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows (2013–14).

Clone Wars

Anakin is featured in all three seasons of the Clone Wars micro-series (2003–2005), which takes place shortly after the conclusion of Attack of the Clones. Anakin becomes a Jedi Knight and is quickly promoted to General of the Republic, due in part to Palpatine's influence. Among other missions, he fights a duel with Dooku's apprentice Asajj Ventress, helps Obi-Wan capture a Separatist-controlled fortress, and rescues the Jedi Master Saesee Tiin during a space battle. During the third season, Anakin frees a planet's indigenous species from Separatist control and sees a cryptic vision of his future as Darth Vader. In the series finale, Anakin and Obi-Wan embark on a mission to rescue Palpatine from General Grievous, which leads into the opening of Revenge of the Sith. The series was removed from canon in 2014 and placed in the Legends universe.

Video games

Vader plays a central role in the Legends game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008), where he is playable in the first level and later appears as a boss. The game's main character, Galen Marek, or Starkiller, is Vader's secret apprentice. Vader also appears in the sequel, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (2010), as the final boss.

Other appearances

The Star Wars Holiday Special, a television special broadcast by CBS in 1978, features a brief appearance of Darth Vader, who appears on-screen speaking with Imperial officer "Chief Bast" in footage cut from the original 1977 film. The sequence is dubbed with new dialogue, performed by James Earl Jones. In the story, Vader colludes with Boba Fett to entrap the Rebels.

The character appears in various Lego Star Wars shorts, voiced by Matt Sloan as Vader and by Kirby Morrow as Anakin.

Darth Vader features in the 1981 radio drama adaptation of Star Wars, voiced by the actor Brock Peters. Vader makes his first appearance on the planet Ralltiir, where he treats Princess Leia with suspicion. In later extended scenes, he is heard interrogating and torturing Leia on board his Star Destroyer and aboard the Death Star.

Analysis

The French psychiatrist Eric Bui and his colleagues have considered Vader to be a useful example for explaining borderline personality disorder to medical students. Anakin's origin story in The Phantom Menace has been compared to signifiers of African American racial identity, particularly his being a slave, and his dissatisfaction with his life has been compared to Siddartha's before he became Gautama Buddha.

Cultural impact

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In 2003, the American Film Institute listed Vader as the third greatest movie villain in cinema history on AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains, behind Hannibal Lecter and Norman Bates. In 2010, IGN ranked Darth Vader 25th in the "Top 100 Videogame Villains". His role as a tragic hero in the saga has also met with positive reviews. Contrarily, in 1977, a New Journal and Guide writer criticized the lack of racial diversity in the original Star Wars film, pointing out that "the force of evil ... is dressed in all black and has the voice of a black man." George Lucas felt hurt at such accusations.

Darth Vader grotesque on the northwest tower of the Washington National Cathedral (Episcopal Church) in Washington, D.C.

Vader is parodied as "Dark Helmet" (Rick Moranis) in the Star Wars parody Spaceballs (1987). One of the primary antagonists of Final Fantasy IV (1991), Golbez, was stated by game creator Takashi Tokita to be based on Vader. A Mexican church advised Christians against seeing The Phantom Menace because it portrays Anakin as a Christ figure.

Chewing lice; the one on the right, with a Vader-esque head, is Ricinus vaderi.

The slime-mold beetle Agathidium vaderi is named after Vader, as is the louse Ricinus vaderi. A grotesque of Darth Vader looms over the east face of the Washington National Cathedral's northwest tower.

Many commentators and comedians have also evoked Vader's visage to satirize politicians and other public figures, and several American political figures have been unflatteringly compared to the character. In response to Ronald Reagan's proposed Strategic Defense Initiative (dubbed "Star Wars" by his political opponents), German news magazine Der Spiegel portrayed the president wearing Vader's helmet on its cover in 1984. In 2005, Al Gore referred to Tele-Communications Inc.'s John C. Malone as the "Darth Vader of cable", and political strategist Lee Atwater was known by his political enemies as "the Darth Vader of the Republican Party". Native American artist Bunky Echohawk portrayed General George Armstrong Custer as Vader in his painting Darth Custer. In 2015, a statue of Vladimir Lenin in Odesa, Ukraine, was converted into one of Vader due to a law on decommunization. Former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney has been compared to Darth Vader after he was quoted during a discussion on the war on terror saying, "I suppose, sometimes, people look at my demeanor and say, 'Well, he's the Darth Vader of the administration.'" This led to him being referred to as "Darth Cheney" by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. This comparison was followed by George Lucas stating that Cheney is more akin to Palpatine, and that a better stand-in for Vader would be George W. Bush.

In Ukraine, the Internet Party of Ukraine has had multiple people run for election under the name Darth Vader.

An Iraqi Fedayeen Saddam helmet in the Army Flying Museum

The Fedayeen Saddam, an Iraqi paramilitary organisation, was issued with fiber glass Darth Vader-style helmets from 1995, apparently at the instigation of their commander, Uday Hussein, who was said to have been an avid Star Wars fan. A number of them were brought to the United States and the United Kingdom as souvenirs following the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

In 2019, an original Vader helmet from The Empire Strikes Back was sold for $900,000 in an online auction.

In 2014, Hot Wheels created a full-size Darth Vader-inspired car (dubbed as the 'Darth Car') to coincide their partnership with Star Wars franchise. Built by Action Vehicle Engineering and designed by Bryan Benedict, the car was built on the Chevrolet Corvette C5 chassis and sporting a small-block LS3 V8 engine. The car was made its public debut at San Diego Comic-Con that year and currently as part of the Garage of Legends car collection.

See also

Notes

  1. Attributed to multiple references:
  2. Attributed to multiple references:
  3. Originally titled Star Wars, it was later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope.
  4. In the film, Palpatine tells Anakin about Darth Plagueis the Wise, "a Dark Lord of the Sith so powerful and so wise, he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life." This was preceded by the rough draft of Revenge of the Sith, in which Palpatine tells Anakin upon his fall to the dark side, "I arranged for your conception. I used the power of the Force to will the midi-chlorians to start the cell divisions that created you. ... You could almost think of me as your father."
  5. Soule elaborated that "The Dark Side is not a reliable narrator."
  6. Attributed to multiple references:
  7. In Marvel's 1977 series, Vader learns Luke's surname from a Rebel deserter, before later obtaining his first name. Vader's Quest sees him learning Luke's surname from a captured Rebel. In 2013's Star Wars, Vader hears Luke's name in a vision of his duel with Kenobi on the Death Star. In the current comic canon, Boba Fett tells Vader Luke's surname.
  8. Two men named Darth Vader were candidates at the 2014 Kyiv mayoral election and the Odesa mayoral election of the same day.

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Works cited

  • Hidalgo, Pablo; Sansweet, Stephen (2008a). The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia. Vol. I (First ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 9780345477637.
  • Hidalgo, Pablo; Sansweet, Stephen (2008c). The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia. Vol. III (First ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 9780345477637.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2013). The Making of Return of the Jedi (eBook v3.1 ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-54358-5.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2007). The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (eBook v3.1 ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-54286-1.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2008). The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (2008 ed.). Ebury Press. ISBN 978-0-09-192499-7.
  • Rinzler, J.W. (2010a). The Making of The Empire Strikes Back (eBook v3.1 ed.). New York: Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-54336-3.
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