Since Disney announced the acquisition of LucasFilm 18 months ago and their plan to release a new trilogy along with a bunch of spin-off movies, rumours have been rife about what direction their new story team would go and what characters, if any, would return. People even spoke about the possible return of The Emperor and Darth Vader, despite both conclusively dying in Return of the Jedi. Since then the new cast of Star Wars: Episode VII has officially been announced along with old friends Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, and Kenny Baker. However one man who definitely wont be returning is James Earl Jones.
In a recent interview with Variety the legendary James Earl Jones – the voice behind Darth Vader – spoke out about the new movies, amongst other things. When asked if he was approached about a return he replied, “Oh no…I’ve got no illusions that I will or even hankerings to be in them.” It’s not exactly a groundbreaking revelation however. I don’t even want to think about the reaction to Vader coming back from the dead. Jones then went on to say, “I have no idea where they’ll go with it but I hope they sustain the success of the first ones and do it well… I’m very proud to have been part of the original.”
I think we can safely conclude that James Earl Jones wasn’t a fan of the prequels…
Star Wars Episode VII is currently filming in Pinewood Studios London – having recently wrapped up shooting in Abu-Dhabi – and is due to be released December 2015.
Gavin Logan – Follow me on Twitter
Originally published June 5, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
