When it was first announced that Lucasfilm was planning a "Star Wars" spinoff film set before the original trilogy, many fans wondered if that meant we'd catch a glimpse of some familiar faces in the movie (or learn the answers to some burning questions from "The Force Awakens"). Later came a rumor that none other than the Dark Lord himself Darth Vader would be showing up for a brief cameo in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." However, that theory was never confirmed and given the grounded nature of "Rogue One" and Lucasfilm's emphasis on telling a non-Jedi related story, this became increasingly unrealistic.
Until now, that is.
A new report from Flickering Myth, who scored a couple of accurate scoops on "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," claims that the Sith Lord will indeed be making an appearance in the upcoming "Star Wars" anthology film.
Originally thought to be Hayden Christensen in full Vader get-up, Flickering Myth is now reporting that British actor Spencer Wildling has been cast to play the body of Vader in "Rogue One." The 6-foot-7 actor is a more physically imposing presence than Christensen and is a quality successor to David Prowse, who donned the all-black Imperial suit back in the Original Trilogy.
Wilding is far from a household name, we know. He's enjoyed bit parts in "Batman Begins," "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" and "Wrath of the Titans." He is perhaps best known as the prison guard who stole Star-Lord's Walkman in 2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Flickering Myth reports that Wilding has been running lines on set, which means Vader may have a speaking role in "Rogue One" and not just a cameo walking in the background. Given this, we can assume that James Earl Jones will return to lend his voice to the iconic role once again, though his potential involvement is unknown at this point.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will follow a group of Rebel soldiers and bounty hunters as they attempt to steal the plans for the first Death Star. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Madds Mikkelsen, Forest Whittaker, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk and others, he film will hit theaters Dec. 15, 2016.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
