Forest Whitaker’s Rogue One character shares similarities with Darth Vader

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

While we patiently (not so much) await tonight's new ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY trailer, why not dive in and examine one of the interesting new characters found in Gareth Edwards' upcoming film. Although Saw Gerrera isn't exactly a brand new character, having appeared on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, enough time has passed since his introduction to present him in a new light. Played by Forest Whitaker, Gerrera is a extremist freedom-fighter who isn't afraid to use brutal tactics in battle, which is only one of the similarities he shares with Darth Vader.

Whitaker spoke with Entertainment Weekly recently and teased that "there are some similarities" between his character and the Dark Lord of the Sith, before adding "I don’t know if I should tell you that.” Along with sharing similar tactics, both Gerrera and Vader rely on technology to keep them alive. The rather bulky looking armour which Forest Whitaker wears in the film isn't just a fashion statement, it's a life support system.

This is his armored suit for flight, but also for maintenance. He’s been through many conflicts and many wars, so it’s also about [repairing] some of the many injuries he’s had. He wears it all the time.

Although Gerrera doesn't regret what he's done in the name of battling the Empire, with Whitaker saying that "he understands that the universe could be destroyed and worlds could be destroyed if he doesn’t succeed. And he’s one of the only people who will do everything to make sure the Imperial forces don’t,” he also cautions Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) about what may happen if she follows that same path.

He’s really close to her, and they have a very powerful relationship. He’s talking about how you maybe make compromises that may harm people, or may harm the situation, or people may question it, but if you’re doing it for the good, there’s a positive thing about that. But what does it make you become? And how do you change as a person?

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY will hit theaters on December 16, 2016.