Darth Vader is the central antagonist in George Lucas's first three Star Wars films and Revenge of the Sith, voiced by James Earl Jones and portrayed physically by David Prowse in the original Star Wars trilogy and by Canadian actor Hayden Christensen in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Vader is one of the most iconic villains of all time, and was listed as the third greatest movie villain of all time on a list by AFI.[1]

The original trilogy depicts Darth Vader as a fearsome cyborg and Sith Lord who serves at the right hand of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), leading the brutal Galactic Empire in oppressing the galaxy and hunting down the Rebel Alliance. The prequel trilogy depicts him as Anakin Skywalker, a slave boy who becomes a heroic Jedi Knight and hero of the Clone Wars. He then falls to the "dark side" of the mystical Force after Palpatine manipulates him into betraying the Jedi and destroying the Galactic Republic. In Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, the series' final chronological installment, Vader redeems himself by killing Emperor Palpatine and saving his son Luke's life, sacrificing himself in the process.

[1] AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains", American Film Institute, last accessed April 17, 2008.

The character's image was created when concept artist Ralph McQuarrie drew the opening scene where Vader and his stormtroopers board a Rebel ship.[2] It was initially imagined that Darth Vader would fly through space to enter the ship, necessitating a suit and breathing mask.[2] This equipment was later made permanent and incorporated in the story.[2]

The iconic sound of the character's respirator breathing was created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who created the sound by recording himself breathing into a scuba regulator.[3]

Darth Vader's costume is one of the areas in which Lucas' interest in feudal Japan — in particular samurai warriors — is most clearly manifested.[4] According to Star Wars wardrobe master John Mollo, "Darth Vader's helmet started as a World War I German helmet".[5]

[2] "Darth Vader (Behind the Scenes)". Star Wars Databank. Lucasfilm. Retrieved on 2008-04-28.

[3] Burns, Kevin and Edith Becker. Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy [Documentary].

[4] Henderson, Mary (1997). Star Wars: The Magic of Myth. Bantam Books.

[5] Ingram, Richard; Arthur Ward (2007). Buying and Selling Wartime Collectibles: An Enthusiast's Guide to Militaria. Crowood. pp. 17.