The well-known villain Darth Vader has already been portrayed by several actors. However, within the original trilogy, director George Lucas replaced his actor once – without the cast being aware of it.
In the original trilogy of Star Wars, David Prowse portrayed the famous intergalactic villain in three films, while James Earl Jones provided the character’s voice.
But then, in the dramatic moment when Luke Skywalker removes Darth Vader’s mask, we see the face of Sebastian Shaw.
According to Collider, the reason for the re-casting could have been a huge spoiler that reportedly worsened the already existing tensions between the actor and the director.
Here you can see a trailer for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope:
In A New Hope, Prowse himself voiced the character during filming. Although he suspected there would be post-synchronization, he thought he would be the one speaking as Darth Vader.
When it came time for post-production from London to Hollywood, it was apparently too expensive to fly the actor in – so James Earl Jones was chosen as the voice actor.
The 1st big spoiler about fatherhood
After Star Wars became a huge hit in 1977, a sequel was approved. So Prowse, along with his cast colleagues, went on a press tour.
When he spoke about the upcoming film in 1978, he was quoted. It sounded as if he had spoiled the father-son relationship between Luke and Darth Vader.
However, in 2015, Prowse explained in a documentary that it was by no means a spoiler on his part, but rather pure speculation. At that time, he hadn’t even seen the script for The Empire Strikes Back.
Given that the screenplay for the film was only completed afterward and only Mark Hamill knew of the famous father quote, this supports the actor’s statement.
You can also read more about Star Wars here from our colleagues at Moviepilot: Star Wars 10 with Daisy Ridley: Release date, trailer, cast, and all further information about the Rey Skywalker sequel
The 2nd spoiler incident about Darth Vader’s death
But then there was another leak about the villain. Prowse was interviewed again. During the interview, the interviewer allegedly suggested that Darth Vader would be killed in the third part.
In response, the actor allegedly claimed he was unaware of it. Nevertheless, the villain’s death was announced in the press.
According to speculation, that was the point at which George Lucas decided on a new Darth Vader actor.
The scene where Darth Vader removes his mask was then shot with Sebastian Shaw, without Prowse or the other actors knowing about it.
Prowse later also claimed that he was supposedly never paid for Return of the Jedi.
More about Star Wars on MeinMMO: The shooting of Star Wars: Episode 1 had to be interrupted when Liam Neeson used a lightsaber for the 1st time
