Your favourite character could be returning to Star Wars

The following article relates to the upcoming Star Wars spin-off film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Directed by Gareth Edwards, it's set for release in December this year. If you do not wish to have any elements of the film's plot or characters 'spoilt' for you, we advise you stop reading. Why you even bothered opening this article is beyond us.

The swish of a cloak. The electronic snap of a lightsaber. The iconic rasp of a respirator.

Darth Vader is returning to haunt the Star Wars universe.

Ever since Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was announced - telling of the events of a group of Rebel soldiers stealing the Death Star plans that lead to Episode IV: A New Hope - rumours have been rumbling that old saga characters might return. 

Making Star Wars is determined to amplify those rumbles to a roar, stating that Brian Muir - the original sculptor of Darth Vader's mask - has been working on a new Vader costume to perfectly match his original look from Star Wars: A New Hope. 

The site also claims that James Earl Jones will be returning to his iconic role as the voice of Vader - but a new actor will replace David Prowse (he's 80, bless him) as the imposing figure of the Sith Lord.

It's not known how much of a role Vader will have in the new film - whether a few scenes or the central menace of the action - but we can't wait to get reacquainted with our favourite villain.