Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

A lot of the advanced buzz around Star Wars: Rogue One has been about how “gritty” and “dark” Gareth Edwards’ spin-off is going to be. This new, grimmer tone has raised the hackles of studio executives, who are reportedly trying to get more involved in the creative process, which we all know will only make the movie better, or at least wetter. But Edwards’ dark new direction probably makes more sense to them now that it looks like Darth Vader is going to make an appearance in his film.


Entertainment Weekly got an exclusive first look at Rogue One, and is dishing out the details, including the news that Darth Vader won’t just have a mental chokehold on the troops of the Empire. The publication confirms that Vader is back, trumpeting the statement on the latest cover. From what EW tells Good Morning America, it sounds like Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) is toiling in Vader’s shadow and trying to earn the Sith Lord’s approval.

“Darth Vader kind of looms large over the plot even when he’s not necessarily on screen because the new villain played by Ben Mendelsohn, Director Krennic … He’s trying to fulfill the wishes of the emperor and he’s got kinda Vader looming in the background over his shoulder, making sure that he gets the job done.”


At the very least, Krennic should get points for that sweet cape.

Star Wars: Rogue One


EW’s special Rogue One issue is out on Friday, and will also feature more background on all the characters, including Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso and Diego Luna’s Rebel Alliance officer. EW also has more details on the plot of the movie, which will focus more on everyday people who aren’t Force-sensitive, but who are rebelling against the Empire nonetheless.