It looks as though Dave Prowse – the original Darth Vader – would have loved to return in Star Wars VII… but the 79-year-old actor admits that it wouldn’t have been easy.
It’s no secret that Darth Vader probably won’t return in the upcoming Star Wars sequel – after all, he was rather ceremoniously killed off at the end of Return of the Jedi. But that’s not stopped Dave Prowse from wanting to return in a cameo. Unfortunately, it looks as though that’s not meant to be as he admits he was never asked to return.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, the 79-year-old British actor – famous for donning the costume of Darth Vader while James Earl Jones provided the voice – revealed that he would have loved to return to the galaxy far, far away.
“It wouldn’t have mattered what it was,” he said. “I would have loved to have done something in it – even if it was just a cameo.”
Of course, it’s no secret that Prowse wasn’t asked to return… and in an interview with me back in September 2013, he admitted that it was extremely unlikely that he’d return.
“I don’t think there’s the faintest chance of me being involved in [Episode] 7, 8 or 9,” he explained. “I was killed off… but there could always have been another part in the new trilogy for me. I’d love to come back and play another role.”
This wouldn’t be the first time a Star Wars alumnus had returned for another movie. After all, Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch landed a small role in the prequel trilogies. But it looks as though Darth Vader himself just wasn’t extended that courtesy.
But after being diagnosed recently with dementia, he admits that even if he was asked back, he might have a bit of trouble with his lines.
“Sometimes I can’t remember things I did yesterday,” he explained to the Daily Mail. “That worries me more than not remembering something 20 years ago… Now I would probably forget my lines.”
Although he won’t be returning to Star Wars, Dave Prowse recently enjoyed a surge in popularity after appearing in some brand new Green Cross Code adverts. I don’t think I’m alone in wishing Dave all the best. And he’ll always be Darth Vader to me.
Do you think Dave Prowse should have been invited back? Would you like to see him in a Star Wars VII cameo? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
