At Fan Expo Boston, Hayden Christensen hinted at his eagerness to continue wearing the black suit for both Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader roles beyond his confirmed appearance in Ahsoka‘s second season. This brings up an intriguing point: is it fitting for Vader to have a standalone project of his own? If that’s the case, would it be more suitable as a series on Disney+ or as a complete film experience?
Why a Movie Makes More Sense Than a Series?
Let me clarify something upfront: when I refer to a “Darth Vader project,” I’m imagining a standalone film rather than a series. The reasoning behind this is that since Darth Vader is one of the most recognized villains in the galaxy, it would be more fitting for him to star in a feature-length movie instead of being spread out across multiple episodes on a streaming platform. A film provides a larger platform and grandeur that better suits such an iconic character.
Disney appears to concur with this sentiment. After a long time of rapidly producing series in response to the Disney+ vs Netflix streaming competition, it seems that Disney has moved away from this approach. While we did get some great shows like Andor, the first seasons of The Mandalorian, and even Loki (to give an example from a neighboring house), there were also shows such as Willow, and frankly, The Acolyte didn’t fare much better.
The current approach leans towards fewer productions, but with larger budgets and more impactful character-driven films. Moreover, the impressive box office performance of the re-release of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith could potentially serve as a cautionary signal for Disney.
Hayden’s Dream: The Clone Wars on the Big Screen
In simpler terms, Hayden mentioned that he is eager to return to the Clone Wars period, alongside Ewan McGregor once again. This prospect sounds fantastic indeed, evoking memories of lightsaber battles, camaraderie, and Natalie Portman’s presence. Essentially, it’s like a nostalgic feast of everything we enjoyed from that era.
The Clone Wars” series. Every significant moment, every fight sequence, and even the hints of future sorrow have been thoroughly analyzed. While it’s possible Disney could find gaps to expand on, it might not be robust enough to support a two-hour feature film.
Truth be told, it’s been two decades since the prequels first hit the big screen. If we were to make a movie set during the Clone Wars, it would mean extensively de-aging Hayden, Ewan, and Natalie for the entire duration of the film.
Absolutely, I must admit that “The Irishman” did an impressive job with its age-defying effects, a feat rarely seen in movies like “Gemini Man” or “The Dial of Destiny.” Yet, even in “The Irishman,” the unsettling realm known as the uncanny valley was still very much present. Picture two solid hours of a digitally rejuvenated Hayden trying to pass off as a 23-year-old. Personally, I’d rather pass on that experience.
In other words, it is far more logical for a film about Vader after Revenge of the Sith to be structured in such a way that Hayden is primarily concealed beneath the armor, as the scars, mask, and voice alteration provide an ideal disguise for his advanced age. The infrequent glimpses of his face, augmented by makeup, serve only to heighten the eerie authenticity of the character.
The Case for Darh Vader as a Protagonist
Now, here’s the elephant in the room: does Vader even work as a lead character?
As a fervent admirer, I might say: His impact can be overwhelming, akin to a force of nature that leaves one in awe but struggles to connect on a personal level. Granting him the limelight could potentially lead to an excess, making his essence feel diluted or overexposed.
As a film enthusiast, let me tell you about an extraordinary experience I had recently with the movie “Joker” (2019). A character who was once thought to be inseparable from Batman took center stage and even won an Oscar! That’s incredible, isn’t it? Now, imagine if Darth Vader got his own standalone film focusing on the psychological depth, pain, and internal struggles he’s known for. If executed skillfully, it could be just as captivating.
Could I rely on Disney to produce a film like this? Typically, my answer would be no, but given that they’ve successfully created “Andor”, it gives me a glimmer of optimism.
What a Vader Movie Could Explore
Imagine a narrative unfolding during the timeframe stretching from “Revenge of the Sith” to “A New Hope.” At this point, Darth Vader has not yet solidified into the chilling figure known across the universe. Instead, he is in the process of crafting his legend, a transformation that lies ahead.
In simpler terms, he is ruthlessly defeating rebels in public, spreading terror throughout the galaxy. However, privately, he is deeply troubled, haunted by Padmé’s death, burdened with sorrow, and struggling to maintain his composure, as Anakin slips away. His mechanical breathing serves as a recurring reminder of his internal struggle, acting as both a comforting mantra, a symbol of his new life, and an echo of his personal turmoil.
At the heart of this narrative lies an exploration of destructive behaviors such as despair, melancholy, and substance abuse – which can metaphorically be referred to as the ‘Shadow Side.’ This represents unhealthy methods individuals use to cope with their pain, like alcohol, drugs, and anger, but never truly alleviate it. The story unfolds as a Greek tragedy: a protagonist so shattered that he cannot escape his own despair, condemned to sink deeper until a character named Luke manages to rescue him from the abyss.
It would be raw. It would be brutal. And yes, it would be utterly unforgettable.
The James Earl Jones AI Controversy
To be completely honest, there’s no denying the undeniable connection between Darth Vader’s on-screen presence and a singular individual: none other than James Earl Jones. It’s his voice that echoes as Vader within my mind.
After Jones’ death, he assigned the rights for his voice to be artificially replicated using AI. Legally, this is acceptable. However, in reality, it creates an uneasy feeling. On one side, no fan would want Darth Vader without the distinctive bass. On the other hand, can a synthetic voice capture the same depth or does it overstep into the realm of the eerie and exploitative?
The question regarding whether this is an honorable tribute or merely a shallow tactic to preserve Jones’ legacy in the entertainment world remains unresolved among fans and Hollywood. Some view it as a thoughtful means of honoring him, while others perceive it as a heartless shortcut.
Should Disney Do It?
Is it possible that Darth Vader could star in his own movie at some point? There seem to be indications pointing towards this: Hayden’s enthusiasm appears genuine, Disney’s plan seems to support it, and the character’s historical significance makes it hard to overlook.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder if the production team is ready to delve into the complex depths of Darth Vader’s psyche, rather than simply offering us a two-hour display of lightsaber action. If executed skillfully, this could result in a captivating, tragic masterpiece that leaves audiences spellbound. However, if mishandled, it may turn into yet another empty spectacle designed to merely cash in on the Star Wars brand with an eye-catching poster.
But let’s be honest. If a Darth Vader movie ever gets announced, we’re all buying tickets anyway
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2025-08-30 01:23