Star Wars: Rogue One rumors cast a Game of Thrones White Walker as Darth Vader

Despite his seeming absence from the Star Wars: Rogue One trailer, the shadow of Darth Vader looms large over any events that happen during the original timeline. No surprise then that reports suggest not only will Vader make an appearance, but that he'll play a major role. Flickering Myth even claims to know who'll be inside the suit - and it's not anyone you'd probably guess.

The site reports that the former Jedi known as Anakin Skywalker will be played by Spencer Wilding. Name not ringing a bell? Thanks to his bulk and towering frame at 6 feet, 7 inches (about 200 cm), Wilding has often been cast as intimidating characters, though he himself has often been hidden behind prosthetics and makeup.

He had a bit role as the alien trying on Star-Lord's headphones in Guardians of the Galaxy, the creature in Victor Frankenstein, and a White Walker in Game of Thrones. I'd say making him a Dark Lord of the Sith fits well with this resume.

Flickering Myth also reports that Wilding has been delivering lines on the set. This would suggest that, much like in the original trilogy, one man will be the physical presence of Vader, while another man provides the voice. James Earl Jones is rumored to be reprise the role, and - hnnnnngh, can November just hurry up and get here already?!

Directed by Gareth Edwards and starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen and Alan Tudyk, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is scheduled to open in UK and US cinemas on December 16, 2016.

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Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.