Movies - TV
Why Darth Vader's David Prowse Was Banned From All Star Wars Events
By FATEMEH MIRJALILI
While the internet has made spreading spoilers of movies, TV shows, and books easy, there has always been a concern about fans and actors ruining any surprise twists. One major spoiler that almost destroyed the father-son reveal in the original "Star Wars" trilogy was shared by Darth Vader body actor David Prowse, causing George Lucas to ban him from all future "Star Wars" events.
Two years before "The Empire Strikes Back" hit theaters, Prowse made a public appearance where he revealed to the press that Darth Vader was Luke's father, which The San Francisco Examiner later reported. Prowse said there would be a Luke vs. Vader "do-or-die lightsaber duel" where the young hero would learn that his enemy is his father.
The actor later called the big reveal "a lucky guess" since the script hadn't been written yet, but Lucas was furious about the reveal. Not only did this lead to Prowse being banned from attending all "Star Wars" events, but the actor would be replaced by Sebastian Shaw for the unmasked Darth Vader parts in "Return of the Jedi," despite allegedly being promised that part as well.
Prowse's relationship with Lucasfilm was "ruined" after a journalist pointed out the actor was being replaced, and the following day, the Daily Mail ran the headline, "Darth Vader to be killed off in the next movie, in an interview with David Prowse." Although their relationship was strained, Lucas paid tribute after Prowse passed away, saying the actor made Darth Vader "leap off the page."