Confirmed: Darth Vader Is In 'Star Wars: Rogue One'

For months now there has been speculation that Darth Vader would appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. And unlike some of the other theories and rumors floating around, this one passes the sniff test: the timing lines up (the story takes place shortly before the events of A New Hope) and so does the premise (the Rebels are out to steal the Death Star plans). But it's only now we're getting ironclad confirmation.

Yes, we will see Darth Vader in Rogue One, as revealed on a new Entertainment Weekly cover. 

Entertainment Weekly splashed the big news across the cover of their latest issue. There's no photo of Darth Vader in Rogue One yet, but we do get a look at the new heroes played by Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Alan Tudyk (he's the droid in the back there, thanks to the power of mo-cap magic).

While Darth Vader will be on hand to help out the Empire in Rogue One, he's not the main villain — that'd be the white-cloaked character played by Ben Mendelsohn. And it sounds like they'll be interacting in some interesting ways. The magazine hints that Mendelsohn is "eager to earn the favor of the Emperor – and avoid the wrath of his black-masked enforcer."

Darth Vader won't be the only familiar face returning for Rogue One, as the magazine teases the return of "a few classic [characters]." We already know Mon Mothma will be one of them, since she was in the trailer, and there have been whispers that Alden Ehrenreich could cameo as Han Solo. But are there others? Who could they be?

The "Darth Vader in Rogue One" rumors have been swirling for a while now. Last summer, we heard Vader would have only a small role, appearing "via viewscreen or holo projection or something" as someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. The reports have evolved since then, indicating that Vader could have some serious action scenes, with Spencer Wildling as the stunt performer inside the suit, and get some backstory explaining his changing fighting style. Again, none of that has been officially confirmed until now, but we should know more before too long.

There should be many more details coming about Star Wars: Rogue One as the week progresses. Watch this space.