Rumors: Darth Vader to Return in Rogue One and Episode VIII?

Duck! The rumors are flying wild once again! But two of them, reported by Making Star Wars, are about Darth Vader and are ones I could actually get behind.

SEE ALSO: Gwendoline Christie on Playing Captain Phasma in Episode VII

Be wary of potential spoilers ahead.

Rumor #1: Darth Vader will appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Here’s what Jason Ward of Making Star Wars had to say about this possibility.

"We still haven’t been able to firmly confirm Darth Vader makes an appearance in Star Wars: Rogue One. Earlier in the year there were rumors that concept art existed showing the inclusion of the character… The most I have heard at this juncture is that a fully operational Darth Vader chest piece along with  the helmet made it to the creature shop for the next film. The lights on the chest piece work and everything."

Unfortunately, things get dicey after that.

"Here’s where I get hesitant about it: There were not several of them, just one seen by a source and mentioned by another. I believe that part of the info is correct that a suit made it to the props area. Does that mean it is in the film? Not entirely."

So, there’s a Darth Vader suit floating around the prop shop. But that may be all it’s doing, so to speak. It may not be for any in-film appearance.

Now, on to the next rumor, which excites me more than the first.

Rumor #2: Darth Vader, or Anakin Skywalker, will return to the saga in Star Wars: Episode VIII and be played by Hayden Christensen

The following quote comes from one of Ward’s spoiler sources.

"“A team in the U.K. are soon heading to the U.S. to begin training Hayden Christensen for a Star Wars: Episode VIII appearance of some sort.”"

I realize Christensen is not a popular figure in the Star Wars fandom. I consider this unfortunate, as I’ve come to appreciate his portrayal of the dark and complex character that is Anakin Skywalker, AKA Darth Vader. I also think bringing Christensen into the sequel trilogy would be a fitting move not just for the continuation of the Skywalker story, but also as an homage to the oft-disregarded prequels.

SEE ALSO: Rumor: Disney to Re-release Theatrical Cuts of the Original Trilogy

More from Darth Vader

• Top 5 most memorable moments from Ahsoka
• Ahsoka: Rosario Dawson discusses bond with Hayden Christensen, addresses rumors of his involvement in the series.
• Ahsoka and Anakin’s bond of extreme importance to Ahsoka series
• Return of the Jedi almost ended with this shocking twist
• Star Wars should make the best of Hayden Christensen’s return

As to how Christensen would bring his character back to life for Episode VIII, I have a few ideas. I think it’s logical we could see Anakin coming back as a Force ghost to commune with his children or perhaps even his grandchildren (who knows!). But another possibility is, Anakin or Vader could appear in some kind of vision to one of the new characters or to Luke or Leia, perhaps portending a dark future as Anakin’s visions in Revenge of the Sith did.

Whatever the case, I certainly hope that rumor #2 is true. With regard to rumor #1, I think whoever would play Vader would have a great legacy to shoulder; but then, it’s been done before. Perhaps Hayden Christensen is returning to Star Wars for a role in Rogue One, as well.

Next: Anthony Daniels Gets Catty About His Star Wars: The Force Awakens Co-Stars