Star Wars Introduces the Jedi Version of Darth Vader (& He’s Even More Terrifying)

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Darth Vader is arguably the most famous villain in the Star Wars saga and a truly memorable character in film history. His intimidating all-black costume certainly contributes to his frightening presence, but it’s his distinct, mechanical breathing that really signals his arrival. A scene in the game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order perfectly illustrates this: when Cal Kestis and Cere Junda recognize Vader’s breathing as an Inquisitor approaches, Junda immediately tells Cal to flee, understanding that confronting him would be a hopeless battle.

It’s unlikely Star Wars will ever feature a villain as iconic as Darth Vader, mainly because the events that created him – surviving dismemberment and fiery destruction – are incredibly rare. While Lucasfilm occasionally explores stories outside the main timeline, allowing for experimentation with similar characters, they recently introduced a new figure who’s frightening in a different way. This villain is a Jedi, and surprisingly, even more terrifying than the Sith Lord who inspired their creation.

A Jedi Does His Best Darth Vader Impression in Star Wars’ Newest Release

The newest season of Star Wars: Visions includes a continuation of the story from the first episode, “The Duel.” In “The Duel: Payback,” the wandering warrior, the Ronin, is still tracking down Sith Lords, but he’s lost faith in the organization he once fought alongside. He wants to avoid a fight if possible, but he won’t allow Aneé-san to continue using her powers for harm. However, their conflict is interrupted by the arrival of the Crusaders, a group of Jedi who quickly cause problems. The Crusaders’ leader, the Grand Master, reveals a personal grudge against the Ronin, explaining that a past encounter left him severely injured and forced him to rely on cybernetic enhancements.

The fight begins with the Grand Master wearing a helmet, clearly echoing Darth Vader. It ends badly for the Ronin, whose droid, R5-D56, is destroyed. By befriending Aneé-san and her group, the Ronin recovers and develops a strategy to defeat the Crusaders. Once they strike back, the Ronin realizes this isn’t a typical Jedi – the Grand Master has abandoned all principles and is driven only by revenge. This understanding gives the Ronin the edge he needs to win the fight.

The Grand Master Fails Because He Loses Something Vader Never Does

Throughout the original Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker senses that something isn’t right about Darth Vader, and he’s proven correct when Vader reveals their father-son relationship. Instead of joining Vader, Luke challenges him, persistently believing there’s still goodness within the Sith Lord. This faith is rewarded when Vader ultimately defeats the Emperor and restores balance to the Force. While the Emperor likely believes he’s capable of immense power, including ruling the galaxy, he’s lost all compassion, preventing him from understanding the larger consequences of his actions.

During their final showdown, the Ronin and Aneé-san find themselves at a disadvantage against the Grand Master. They soon discover, though, that he gains strength from his own anger – much like a villain who thrives on negative emotions. By dismantling his tough exterior, they start to gain the upper hand. The turning point comes when they show him they are more connected to goodness and balance than he is. True power, they explain, comes from finding harmony, and when someone as strong as the Grand Master loses sight of that, they become a threat, but ultimately won’t last long.

Star Wars: Visions is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-11-02 19:43