'Star Wars' News & Updates: Darth Vader, Other Major Characters Set to Return in 'Star Wars: Rogue One"
Familar Faces Will Return in This Year's 'Star Wars' Film
Lucasflim and Disney has confirmed that "Star Wars: Rogue One" will be the first film in the series that will not focus on the Skywalker family. However, that does not mean that there will not be several familiar characters from the extended "Star Wars" universe. In fact there, several characters are set to return to the screen after a long absence from the movies.
Darth Vader
Perhaps the biggest name to appear in "Star Wars: Rogue One" is Darth Vader. Vader will once again be voiced by James Earl Jones and will have a significant role in this film. Considering that "Rogue One" takes place before the events of "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope," it makes perfect sense to have Vader in the film.
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However, it should be noted that during this time of Imperial rule, Darth Vader's role is not fully understood yet and may not get a lot of screen time. But the mere fact that Darth Vader's appearance has been confirmed will bring fans in.
Mon Mothma
On the Rebel Alliance side of the story, the biggest character returning will be Senator Mon Mothma who is credited with co-founding and leading the Rebel Alliance for many years. During "Star Wars: Rogue One," the Rebel Alliance will still be in its infancy stages with many battles still being lost.
Senator Mothma made her debut during "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" during the planning stages of the Death Star assault. Considering this film will be focusing on stealing the Death Star plans, an appearance from Mothma will boost the story.
Saw Gerrera
Being played by Forrest Whitaker, Saw Gerrera is a returning character but not from a film of the series. Instead, Gerrera is a character that made his debut in the animated series "Star Wars: Clone Wars." This marks the first time that a character who debuted in an animated "Star Wars" series will make the jump to the silver screen.
He is a member of the Onderonian resistance and was even trained under former Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the art of warfare. Sources have said that during the times of "Star Wars: Rogue One," Gerrera has become a loose cannon of sorts. The character will be in charge of a group of rebel extremist that even the alliance is having a hard time controlling.
"Star Wars: Rogue One" is set for release on Dec. 16, 2016.
