It was a reveal that had been long in the cards but even still, the moment when Rogue One‘s latest trailer hinted at the return of one Darth Vader – rasping breathing apparatus and all – Star Wars fans could barely contain their excitement. Of course, it was merely a teaser, offering up a shot of Vader’s back reflected on the shimmering floor of what we assume is either the Death Star or one of the primary Star Destroyers orbiting underneath its colossal shadow.
As such, beyond the fact that his master, Emperor Palpatine, plays no part in the Anthology movie, there’s still much we don’t know about Vader going into the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Will he hold a small supporting role opposite Ben Mendelsohn’s fellow big bad Director Orson Krennic? How will the galaxy’s greatest foe appear in Gareth Edwards’ standalone pic?
Shedding an inkling of light on the latter question is a new trading card for Rogue One that features Vader himself. It’s by no means final, but the image (see below) does appear to hint that the villain’s armor will be more in line with that seen in Revenge of the Sith than A New Hope.
In related news, just yesterday we brought you word of a new tie-in novel that offered up details regarding the relationship between Krennic and Mads Mikkelsen’s Galen Erso. Entitled Catalyst, the synopsis teases the ways in which Mikkelsen’s brilliant scientist is connected to the Empire and its prized Death Star.
War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story shoots for theaters on December 16.
