The news of Hayden Christensen’s return to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. That means both a lot of pressure, and a lot of possibilities.
Much of Darth Vader’s story between knew his former identity as Anakin Skywalker. As a result, the tyrannical, masked figure became a source of stories and legends across the galaxy.
Obi-Wan Kenobi will surely add to that growing mythos, though exactly how remains to be seen. The show’s title makes it clear that the series will focus primarily on Kenobi, which means Vader could be little more than a climactic cameo, as he was in Rogue One. However, it seems likely that the dark lord’s role will be more substantial this time around. He is, after all, Obi-Wan’s closest (former) friend and greatest failure, and it would make sense for him to play a key role in the limited series. Still, a lot of questions remain to be answered.
Will Darth Vader Have Hayden Christensen’s Face Or Voice?
The announcement that Christensen will be playing Vader is exciting for fans of the prequels, but it’s unclear exactly what the performance will look like. Since Darth Vader is almost never seen without his full armor and mask, most of the characterization has come from the voice – traditionally done by James Earl Jones – or the in-suit physical presence. Replacing Jones with Christensen’s voice would be a major change, likely criticized by many fans, but if he’s not doing the voice, Christensen’s return seems almost unnecessary.
That’s not to say that Vader’s physical performance isn’t complex, nuanced, and iconic. Certainly it is, but if fans never see his face, and Jones continues doing the voice, Christensen might as well be any other capable performer inside the suit. If he doesn’t do the voice, or even if he does, it’s likely that audiences will see a bit more of Vader’s face than has been common previously. Any look behind that infamous mask is inherently interesting and vulnerable, and Christensen’s return would make more sense if viewers get to directly see what’s become of Anakin Skywalker at this point in the timeline.
Will Darth Vader Have An Independent Story In Obi-Wan Kenobi?
The show is named for Obi-Wan. The show centers Obi-Wan. And presumably, the show will be almost entirely about Obi-Wan. But depending on the size and nature of Darth Vader’s role, it could be a lot about him as well. The two characters have always orbited each other in Star Wars lore, and if they’re going to meet in the new series, seeing the build up from both sides would add incredibly layers of drama and intrigue. Up until recently, it was believed that Vader and Obi-Wan didn’t encounter each other at all between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. That’s clearly going to change when the new show comes out, but the two’s direct interaction will still likely be limited. Does that mean Vader could get his own independent plotline that eventually intersects with his old master? Maybe, and for Vader fans, hopefully.
Will The Obi-Wan Show Include Anakin Flashbacks?
Before Disney announced Darth Vader’s role in Obi-Wan Kenobi, rumors and theories of Christensen’s return were already circulating. At the time, the prevailing belief was that he would reprise his role as Anakin in one or more Clone Wars era flashbacks. That theory has since been largely ignored in the wake of the Vader news, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t still manifest. Obi-Wan’s story from the duel on Mustafar until his death is largely one of recompense. His exile is a symbol of his failure as a teacher and as a friend. His burden is living with the weight of what he wasn’t able to do.
Most of that failure is caught up in Anakin’s turn to the dark side, so some flashbacks to their friendship and time together in the war could still make a lot of sense. It would help justify Christensen’s return, and it would add emotional weight to his scenes as Vader. Even if the new series doesn’t go all the way back to the Clone Wars, it could show some moments of Vader’s early days in the armor and the beginning of his role as the Emperor’s enforcer.
Will Darth Vader’s Role Retcon A New Hope?
Perhaps the biggest question raised by fans since the Darth Vader news was announced is how his presence will coexist with A New Hope. In the original film, famously, the two duel aboard the first Death Star, with Obi-Wan ultimately giving up the fight and becoming one with the Force. In that scene, Vader declares, “When I left you, I was but the learner. Now, I am the master.” For years, that line has been interpreted to mean Obi-Wan and Vader's duel is the first time they’ve met since the battle on Mustafar. Now it seems that’s no longer the case.
So will Vader’s role in the new show retcon the original trilogy? Not necessarily. While Vader’s line might seem explicit in its reference their fight in Revenge of the Sith, it could mean something else. Vader could be referring to when he left the Jedi Order, for instance, or it could simply mean that he’s grown stronger in the dark side since the last time they fought – whenever that was. It’s also worth noting that the original trilogy has never been safe from soft retconning, even from Lucas himself. In Vader also mentions to Luke that Obi-Wan once believed he could be reconverted to the light side. That could be a reference to their exchange on Mustafar, or it could be alluding to a confrontation we’ve yet to see.
What Will Obi-Wan And Vader’s Fight Be Like?
Regardless of retcons or how it all fits together, one thing seems certain – Obi-Wan and Vader will duel once more. Given that their two existing onscreen battles are some of the most iconic moments in the whole franchise, the prospect of a third is enough to get any fan excited. But what will the impending showdown take shape? The two’s duel on Mustafar is generally seen as one of the high points of the prequel trilogy, but some have criticized it for overly acrobatic and occasionally nonsensical choreography. On the other hand, the original fight on the Death Star has been a constant point of contention by some, as it doesn’t seem to hold anywhere near the level of intensity or emotional significance one would expect. The new fight can learn from both of these complaints, balancing fierce choreography with grounded emotional intensity.
An encounter between the films would also help explain why the battle in A New Hope feels so calm. Vader’s rage at being physically decimated by Obi-Wan can come out in full display, as can Kenobi’s grief and aching pain at seeing what his old friend has become. They can have a proper rematch with all that weight behind them, and thereby turn the Death Star battle into a very different kind of fight. If it’s yet another inevitable meeting between them, rather than the first time they’ve met since Mustafar, their measured energy would make more sense, and the duel would become two old men whose lives refuse to let them be rid of each other. Is that what viewers will get? It remains to be seen. With luck, Vader’s return in Obi-Wan Kenobi will be satisfying for all Star Wars fans.