Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Star Wars script reveals how Darth Vader plot twist was kept secret even from actors

Script belonging to Darth Vader star is set to be sold at auction next month

Louis Chilton
Wednesday 21 April 2021 08:48 BST
Comments
Darth Vader's entrance in Star Wars

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An original script for Star Wars:The Empire Strikes Back belonging to Darth Vader actor David Prowse is set to be auctioned.

The script reveals how producers managed to keep the film’s famous twist – the revelation that Vader was Luke Skywalker’s father – secret even from its stars.

Prowse died in November at the age of 85. While he provided the character’s physical performance, Vader was voiced by James Earl Jones.

In the film’s climactic moment, Vader tells Luke (played by Mark Hamill): “I am your father”.

However, Prowse’s script has Vader say: “Luke, we will be the most powerful in the galaxy. You will have everything you could ever want... do not resist... it is our destiny.”

The script is being auctioned by East Bristol Auctions. The organisation’s auctioneer, Andy Stowe, explained the misdirect in the script to CNN.

“The only people that knew I think were about three or four members of the cast,” he said.

An example page of the Darth Vader script being sold at auction next month
An example page of the Darth Vader script being sold at auction next month (PA)

The script, which is marked with the word “Vader” at the top of every page, is expected to be sold for between £2,500 and £4,000.

Other Star Wars memorabilia items are also being featured in the auction, which will take place on 4 May, known internationally as Star Wars Day.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in