The end is near for the current season of “Star Wars Rebels,” and Darth Vader is as dark and imposing as ever when he makes his return for the season finale.
Airing on Disney XD on Mar. 2, a preview video of the “Fire Across the Galaxy” episode obtained by TheWrap reveals that Luke Skywalker’s father, voiced by James Earl Jones, is well and truly back.
The Sith Lord had previously appeared as a hologram in the animated movie that launched the series.
The finale is also filled with X-wing starfighters and light saber duels as the rebels, including Cowboy Jedi Kanan, Hera, Ezra, Zeb, Sabine and droid Chopper, face their enemy.
“Star Wars Rebels” focuses on the early years of the Rebel Alliance’s attempts to overthrow the Empire. Several stars of George Lucas‘ earlier films have made guest voice appearances, including Jones as Darth Vader, Frank Oz as Yoda, and most recently, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. Among the other notable voice stars are Freddie Prinze Jr. as Kanan and “Selma” actor David Oyelowo as Agent Kallus.
As TheWrap previously reported, “Star Wars Rebels” debuted with strong ratings last October, drawing 1.03 million total viewers for its premiere episode — making it the top animated series premiere in Disney XD’s 15 year-plus history.
Prior to that, “Star Wars Rebels” was launched on Disney XD with a one-hour movie event, “Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion” in early October 2014.
The series has been renewed for a second season.
“Star Wars Rebels” airs at 9.00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD.