Actor Spencer Wilding takes over David Prowse's role as Darth Vader in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." (Photo : Getty Images/Ian Gavan)
Last week Star Wars released the first trailer for its spinoff film "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" that introduced Darth Vader on screen to the audience again. The villain appears in the movie and Spencer Wilding portrays the character.
Wilding is no stranger to acting in blockbuster films or in TV shows. He has been acting since 2005, according to Cinema Blend. However, his name does not really ring a bell because of the roles he played. He is either mostly under heavy make-up or his parts were mostly cameos. At times he had no speaking parts.
Fans of HBO's "Game of Thrones" would probably recognize him as one of the White Walkers. He also appeared in "Guardians of the Galaxy" as the prison guard who stole Star-Lord's Walkman. He reportedly also appeared in creature forms in "Doctor Who." He also had cameo appearances in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," "Batman Begins" and "Wrath of the Titans."
However, portraying Darth Vader in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will reportedly be his first major role in a film. Wilding also has speaking parts in the movie, according to Flickering Myth. But it is believed that his voice will be dubbed by James Earl Jones.
David Prowse portrayed Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" trilogy. However, at 80 years-old he is not really physically capable anymore to reprise the role. That is why Wilding was cast since both actors have similarities in height.
Wilding is also very tall like Prowse. He is taller by two inches at 6 feet and 7 inches tall. His height gives him a powerful presence, and this power was felt during his brief appearance as Darth Vader in the "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer.
Darth Vader's physical presence is probably one of the much-anticipated highlights in the film especially for "Star Wars" fans. However, at this time it is still uncertain just how much screen time Wilding will have in the movie. Fans will have to wait and see when "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" opens in theaters on Dec. 16.
See Darth Vader in the "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer below.
