George Lucas Nearly Cast a Different Actor as Darth Vader Changing the Flow of the Franchise Forever

Darth Vader is undeniably one of the most iconic fictional characters, known for his menacing black suit and distinctive voice. Many other works of fiction and art make reference to the character, making it a familiar presence.

But, did you know that the role of Vader nearly went to a different actor? One who, at the time, might have been even more preferred than James Earl Jones given the circumstances?

During the late 1970s, while filming ‘A New Hope’ in London, David Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader physically, delivered all of Vader’s lines from behind the mask. However, the mask muffled his speech, necessitating dubbing in post-production. Prowse initially expected to dub his own lines, but logistical issues and concerns about his accent prompted George Lucas to seek another voice. Lucas sought a deep, distinguished voice befitting the enigmatic Darth Vader. Ultimately, James Earl Jones, then a relatively unknown actor, was chosen for the role over another notable actor, Orson Welles.

According to James Earl Jones in “The Making of Star Wars,” George Lucas reached out to Orson Welles about voicing Darth Vader. Whether Welles expressed interest is unclear, but later remarks from Lucas suggest it was a possibility.

At the time, Orson Welles was one of Hollywood’s most illustrious figures, and logically, he might have seemed like the superior choice. However, George Lucas understood the necessity for an iconic voice, one that would linger in people’s memories, and that quality was embodied by James Earl Jones’ voice.

Orson Welles was a versatile talent renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to film, radio, and theater. His directorial debut, ‘Citizen Kane,’ is often hailed as one of cinema’s greatest achievements, showcasing his prowess as both a filmmaker and actor. Welles’ innovative approach to storytelling and unforgettable performances in classics like ‘Touch of Evil’ and ‘The Third Man’ cemented his place as a legendary figure in the history of cinema.

Orson Welles garnered widespread attention with his 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds,’ which sparked panic among listeners who believed it to be a genuine news broadcast.

Nonetheless, Welles had already achieved artistic immortality before the era of Darth Vader. Subsequent to this unsuccessful casting, various actors assumed the role, either as physical performers or vocal talents.

In the original Star Wars trilogy, David Prowse inhabited the Darth Vader suit, while Bob Anderson executed the sword fighting, and Sebastian Shaw portrayed Vader’s unmasking scene. Hayden Christensen assumed the role in ‘Revenge of the Sith,’ and Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous donned the costume in ‘Rogue One.’ However, James Earl Jones remains closely linked to Vader for his iconic voice, which he provided in nearly all of the character’s screen appearances, despite never embodying him physically.

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