Did Fans Know Darth Vader Was Anakin Skywalker Before Revenge of the Sith?

For years, fans of the Star Wars franchise have debated when exactly they knew that Darth Vader was, in fact, Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the original trilogy, clues have been woven in for those who pay close attention, and by the time Revenge of the Sith was released, the connection had become common knowledge.

The Evolution of Knowledge

Before The Phantom Menace was even released, it was already speculated who Palpatine was and what his role in the story would be. However, the revelation that Darth Vader was none other than Anakin Skywalker didn't hit home until several movies into the saga. By the time Return of the Jedi was released in 1983, fans had become familiar with the character development and the tragic arc of Anakin Skywalker.

The connection between Anakin and Darth Vader became undeniable in The Empire Strikes Back. A pivotal conversation between Darth Vader and the Emperor, coupled with the iconic line “Luke, I am your father,” solidified the revelation in fan's minds. Even in Revenge of the Sith, there were few individuals who knew the truth about Anakin's fate, but they formed a significant part of the overall narrative.

Who Knew Beforehand?

Several characters in the Star Wars universe had knowledge of Anakin’s destiny before the general public. Here's a list of notable individuals who were aware of this crucial information.

Mas Amedda: Amedda was a Imperial advisor and had access to critical information. He likely knew the truth about Anakin before the public. Yupe Tashu and Sith Cultists: Tashu, a primary source for wine, wine, and a known Sith sympathizer, likely had insider knowledge. Sith cultists may have had rumors or knowledge that pointed to Anakin's dual identity. Grand Moff Tarkin: Being a high-ranking Imperial official, it is probable that Tarkin had knowledge of this significant revelation. Grand Admiral Thrawn: Thrawn, a strategic genius, would have had access to crucial information. It is quite plausible that he knew the truth about Anakin. The Grand Inquisitor: The Grand Inquisitor, a known Sith lord, deduced the truth based on the unique and distinct fighting style of Darth Vader. Senator Leia Organa: Being Anakin and Padmé's daughter and raised by her aunt and uncle, Senator Organa had access to essential information. She likely knew the truth, as did her wife, Bail Organa. Senator Mon Mothma: She was a key leader in the Rebellion and had suspicions. By referring to him as "Formerly Darth Vader" in Bloodlines, it is made clear that she too knew. Revenge's Other Sith: Former Sith like Maul and Reva, the third sister, also knew the truth. They were part of the original Sith tradition and likely maintained their knowledge. Ashoka Tano: A Jedi Knight and part of the New Jedi Order, Ashoka had insight into the events of the previous films and thus likely deduced the truth. Ezra Bridger: Living on the planet Malachor, Ezra had information that connected the dots and revealed the truth. Ethical Jedi Survivors: High-ranking Jedi like Eeth Koth and Master Jocasta Nu, who lived to see the events of the original trilogy, might have puzzled over the clues and eventually deduced the truth.

Conclusion

From the moment The Phantom Menace dropped, fans began to speculate about the identity of Darth Vader. However, by the time Revenge of the Sith was released, and with the revelation that Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker, the truth had become common knowledge through various characters who held crucial information.

Though the exact details of who knew when exactly can vary, it's clear that the knowledge of Anakin's fate was kept among a select few until the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, when the truth was finally revealed. The journey from speculation to confirmation has cemented the connection between Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.