Darth Vader’s Epic Revenge: How Rogue One Resurrects His Most Shocking Legends Death

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The conclusion of “Star Wars: Andor” has given new significance to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Throughout the two seasons of the Disney+ series, there are numerous references to the movie. However, unlike other Star Wars productions, “Andor” steers clear from the long-standing conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. Bail Organa, who appears in several episodes during Season 2, knows Obi-Wan Kenobi’s whereabouts but doesn’t hint at it until “Rogue One.

Another significant Force-wielder that Andor tends to avoid is Darth Vader. Although he’s present during the timeline of the series, he has already had plenty of screen time in the original trilogy and was also featured in Rogue One. Interestingly, the 2016 film offers him an opportunity for vengeance against the individual who caused his most famous death according to Star Wars Legends.

Darth Vader Is a Weapon for the Empire in Rogue One

In essence, Darth Vader mostly avoids getting involved with the happenings of “Rogue One” since he’s not concerned with the administrative aspects of the Empire. The time between “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: A New Hope” finds him pursuing Jedi like Obi-Wan, Cal Kestis, and Ezra Bridger, who all pose a significant threat to the Emperor’s plans. However, he temporarily halts his mission only when Imperial officers like Director Orson Krennic commit such severe mistakes that they require a clear demonstration of who truly holds power.

In the movie “Rogue One,” Krennic pays a visit to Darth Vader’s castle following the devastating assault on Jedha City. This attack causes chaos across the planet. Krennic tries to pin the blame on Grand Moff Tarkin, but Vader isn’t interested in excuses; instead, he tightens his grip around Krennic before dispatching him to rectify his errors. As the pressure mounts, Krennic is still on duty when Cassian, Jyn Erso, and their fellow rebels sneak onto Scarif with plans to snatch the Death Star blueprints. Despite Krennic’s best efforts to stop them, he ultimately fails, and can only look on as the very weapon he oversees arrives and annihilates the planet.

With the Death Star blueprints exposed across the galaxy, Vader pursues the Rebel fleet, storming their command ship. The rebels on board are helpless as Vader ruthlessly eliminates them. Yet, during a famous hallway scene of Vader’s, a voice echoes that is linked to the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video games.

Darth Vader Loses a Critical Battle in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Prior to the creation of Rogue One, Lucasfilm had already introduced two video games featuring Galen Marek, who was secretly trained by Darth Vader. Vader recognized his potential in the Force at a young age and fine-tuned his abilities before sending him out into the galaxy. Known as “Starkiller,” Marek diligently carried out his tasks, but his perspective shifted drastically after being betrayed by Vader. He then aligned himself with the leaders of the Rebellion to retaliate against the Empire.

At the conclusion of the first The Force Unleashed game, Starkiller confronts his previous mentor, Emperor Palpatine, in his throne room. After overpowering Vader, Starkiller aims for Palpatine. The game offers a decision to the players: either align with the light side by preserving Vader or opt for the dark side by eliminating him permanently. Players who pick the dark side witness as Starkiller stabs Vader with a lightsaber, demonstrating he’s now surpassed his teacher and become the master himself.

Despite not being recognized as canonical within the game or overall Star Wars universe, the dark side ending stands out as one of the most audacious moments in Star Wars lore. Fortunately, it led to a positive outcome for Starkiller’s voice actor, Sam Witwer, who later voiced significant characters like Darth Maul and even appeared in Rogue One, where he shouts “Open fire!” at Vader before Vader retaliates with his lightsaber, swiftly defeating the adversaries.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-06-07 23:41