Rumour: Is Darth Vader making a cameo in Star Wars: Rogue One?

Ever since Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was announced, rumours have persisted that because it takes place before Star Wars: A New Hope Darth Vader may make an appearance. The rumour has never been confirmed, but some new information suggests that it could be a likely prospect.

The report comes via Making Star Wars, who claim that the "Darth Vader Dream Team" is being reassembled for Rogue One. The outlet goes on to say that James Earl Jones will once again voice the iconic villain, and that the instantly recognisable costume "as seen in Star Wars: A New Hope has been meticulously recreated to match A New Hope perfectly".

If this rumour does turn out to be true, it would be great news for fans of the franchise. For The Force Awakens, we were all excited to see the old guard of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia on screens again. Rogue One is currently totally reliant on its new characters - confirmed young Han Solo cameo notwithstanding - and while that is not a bad thing, an appearance by the popular Sith Lord would only make the film more anticipated.

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.

Amon is a contributing editor and columnist for Empire magazine, but is also a Film and TV writer for GamesRadar+, Total Film, and others. He has also written for NME, Composer Mag, and more, along with being a film critic for TalkSport. He is also the co-host of the Fade to Black Podcast, and a video mashup creator. Can also do a pretty good Bane impersonation.