What we Know about Darth Vader and 15 other Characters in Rogue One

This Thursday, August 11, during NBC’s coverage of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, an all new theatrical trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will air. Before we get there, it’s time have a refresher course on the characters that have been introduced, thus far…

During the 2016 Star Wars Celebration, a special Rogue One teaser was shown, only to those in attendance, and in that teaser, Darth Vader himself made an appearance…of sorts. The Sith Lord’s cameo in the trailer is described as thus:

"All of the sudden, the familiar breathing sound of Darth Vader can be heard. Vader is shown standing over a display unit. Vader’s reflection can be seen on the control panel, more than likely on the Death Star, as his breathing continues to echo."

However, what we are starting to put together, from the excitement surrounding Entertainment Weekly‘s run-up to the trailer’s release on Thursday, is that this trailer will be much longer in length, probably 2 to 3 minutes, making it the second official theatrical trailer for Rogue One.

In that vein, we here at Dork Side of the Force, think it’s time for a refresher course on the characters that have been introduced, so far.

We might as well start this little show with the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader:

Here’s what we know, from Entertainment Weekly’s interview with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, regarding Darth Vader in Rogue One:

James Earl Jones (85) will reprise his role as Vader’s menacing and fear-inspiring voice, while several large-framed performers will embody the character behind the mask. Sadly, David Prowse, who is now 80, and who was the man behind the mask and suit, will not return to the role, for obvious reasons.

According to Kennedy, Darth Vader isn’t really well known in the Galaxy, as of yet. It’s only been 19 years since the events of Revenge of the Sith, and Order 66 — which saw the extermination of most of the Jedi.

The Rebels don’t really know him, and. even within the Empire, he is more of a legend. Director Gareth Edwards had this to say about Vader:

"“Within the Rebellion, it’s not commonly spoken about. Within the Empire, there is the culture of knowing of the existence of Darth Vader. There’s definitely an underlying feeling that there is a power – a dark power – available to the Empire and that if you overstep your mark, you will suffer the consequences.”"

Yep, that sounds like my kind of Darth Vader.

Next: Ben Mendelsohn as Director Orson Krennic