Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opened in theaters in 2016, bringing Star Wars fans their second new film in as many years. It was also the first Star Wars movie not considered a part of the Skywalker saga. And yet, Anakin Skywalker did make an appearance from a certain point of view. Early promotional footage for the film confirmed Darth Vader’s inclusion in the movie, but few if anyone expected him to draw his lightsaber in the movie’s finale. Vader cut through Rebel Alliance forces with ease while pursuing the Death Star plans acquired by Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, and their ragtag band of allies. It was the first time Darth Vader appeared in live-action Star Wars since Revenge of the Sith, and it certainly left an impact on fans. Rogue One writer Gary Whitta (whose next project is a take on Batman) recalled on Twitter when he first saw this scene in action.
I still remember vividly Gareth excitedly showing me the first cut of this. No music or VFX, wires still visible, but even in that nascent form it was clear that it was going to straight-up murder audiences. As I recall Peter Jackson was on set that day also losing his shit. https://t.co/IsPSNtLpvf
