New Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ Photo Reveals Darth Vader In All His Glory

Obi-Wan Kenobi is all the rage for Star Wars fans as the wait continues for the franchise's second live-action property of the year. Thankfully, the show's first full trailer finally made its long-awaited debut at Disney's Annual Shareholder's Meeting, giving nearly two minutes of epic footage for Ewan McGregor's return. For everything that came in that trailer, though, one character remained notably absent - Darth Vader.

The internet broke upon hearing the news that Hayden Christensen was set to return as Anakin Skywalker alongside his prequel trilogy co-star McGregor, finally bringing back Star Wars' biggest antagonist. Rumors have pointed to Vader being on the hunt for his equally famous children, Luke and Leia, as Obi-Wan lives out his exile on Tatooine in his limited series.

While Vader's impending return has certainly been a hot topic ahead of Obi-Wan Kenobi's release, Star Wars and its team have kept that comeback hidden in the show's massive vault of secrets.

Now, following the recently released first trailer, the man behind the black mask has finally opened up a little bit on what fans should expect to see in the Vader department.

First Look at Vader on Disney+

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Darth Vader star Hayden Christensen teased some of what to expect in his return to the role for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+.

The outlet also shared the first full look at Vader in the show with an image of him emerging from the meditation chamber seen in Episode V and Episode VI:

Lucasfilm

When asked if fans would see Vader without his iconic mask in the show, Christensen put up his own spoiler blockade and let everybody know he couldn't say anything on that matter:

"I wish I could tell you. I’m sworn to secrecy.”

He did, however, tease that fans are "going to see a very powerful Vader" as Obi-Wan Kenobi fills in the missing story between Episode III and Episode IV.

Series writer Joby Harold added to the theme of Vader's impending return, indicating the villain's presence looms large over the story. While Christensen's antagonist is "a part of the show emotionally" for Ewan McGregor's leading hero, it will go far past that:

“His shadow is cast across so much of what we do. And the degree of his proximity to that shadow is something that we’ll discover. But he is very much a part of the show emotionally for Obi-Wan, and possibly beyond that as well.”

Vader Coming Back With a Vengeance

Hayden Christensen has certainly taken to keeping Star Wars' secrets as he makes his comeback, not letting any details slip about what fans will see in Vader's anticipated inclusion in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Especially considering the character has only had one live-action appearance since Episode III, there is plenty to be excited about with him playing such a big role in this series.

During his only other recent appearance in 2016's Rogue One, fans saw a Vader that had truly embraced the power of the Dark Side. His lightsaber skills were at their peak, he was as ruthless as ever, and he was on a mission to extend his rule as far across the galaxy as possible.

With Obi-Wan Kenobi taking place even before that movie, Vader should be at the height of his power once again as he comes face-to-face with his old Master.

The image of Vader itself only confirms that fact further, even while it hides many of the details in his costume in darkness as he comes out of his chamber. Even so, that silhouette alone is enough to induce a sense of fear only seen in a few villains, and as long as he sees ample screen time, Vader's wrath will be felt.

Obi-Wan Kenobi will debut on Disney+ on May 25, 2022.