Star Wars’ James Earl Jones Returns as Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi

This article contains spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 3.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part 3 features the return of an iconic franchise actor reprising his role as the most infamous voice in the galaxy.

The latest installment in Star Wars' latest Disney+ series sees James Earl Jones once again lend his vocal talents to Darth Vader. The iconic Sith Lord appears throughout the episode, most notably engaging in a dramatic fight against Obi-Wan. Jones has voiced every live-action version of Vader, going all the way back to the character's 1979 debut in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. He also played the villain in the Star Wars Rebels animated series. Prior to Obi-Wan Kenobi's latest episode, Jones was not confirmed to feature in the show.

While Jones is still responsible for Darth Vader's voice, fellow Star Wars alum Hayden Christensen is the actor in the ominous costume. Reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Christensen's unmasked face was shown briefly during the finale moments of Obi-Wan Kenobi's second episode. It's currently unknown whether an unscarred version of the fallen Jedi will make an appearance in the series.

Speaking about donning the Sith Lord's robes once again, Christensen explained that his decision to return to the Star Wars franchise didn't require much thought at all. "It just seemed like a really exciting opportunity," Christensen said. "It was a no-brainer. In a heartbeat. When I got the call, I was instantly elated... I was just so excited to get to come back after all these years."

As for Christensen's future as Darth Vader, the actor is open to returning for even more projects set in the galaxy far, far away. "Yeah, I mean... absolutely," Christensen said when asked if he was open to a Darth Vader spinoff series. "I think this is a character that sort of resonates within our culture in a very profound way and there's certainly more there to explore, you know? There are so many other stories that have been told in these other mediums and I would love to get to continue my journey with [Darth Vader]."

Obi-Wan Kenobi is now streaming on Disney+ with new episodes arriving every Wednesday.

Source: Disney+

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