Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Louis Chilton

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

Photograph: ©1980 Lucas Films

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 (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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.