The Banned Icon: Why David Prowse Was Excluded from Star Wars Events

David Prowse, the imposing figure behind Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, found himself facing a significant ban from official Star Wars events. This exasperated relationship with the franchise culminated in an official prohibition on his attendance at key gatherings and conventions, orchestrated by Lucasfilm. Despite these challenges, Prowse remains a beloved figure among fans, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Darth Vader.

Disagreements and Controversies

The reasons behind the ban are multifaceted, but primarily stemmed from public disagreements with Lucasfilm and his controversial remarks over the years. Prowse's public statements, particularly those critical of George Lucas and the overall direction of the franchise, escalated tensions. These remarks, made at various points, were often seen as challenging Lucas's creative vision and the evolving nature of the Star Wars universe.

Iconic Portrayal and Community Disputes

Despite the exclusion, Prowse's portrayal of Darth Vader remains iconic, resonating with fans worldwide. His contributions to the franchise have been widely recognized and celebrated, even as challenges in his relationship with Lucasfilm continued. The disputes surrounding his role and recognition in the Star Wars community only added to the tensions.

Behind the Scenes: Sordid Details

There are conflicting reports on the exact details of the ban, but it is commonly believed that George Lucas was unhappy with Prowse's tendency to reveal plot details without authorization. Disagreements regarding compensation and credit for his role as Darth Vader were also contributing factors. One particularly contentious incident involved the death scene in Return of the Jedi. According to Prowse, he was supposed to be under the mask when Luke removed Vader's helmet, but Sebastian Shaw was brought in to play the unmasked character. Prowse's dissatisfaction with this decision led to a significant fall out, making him persona non grata at Star Wars events.

Joke Gone Awry

A key turning point in the controversy involved a joke Prowse made at a press event before the release of Empire Strikes Back. During this event, he jokingly suggested that it would be hilarious if Darth Vader were Luke's father. Ironically, this joke turned out to be a prescient comment, as the idea of Vader being Luke's father became a central plot point in the subsequent films. This comment inadvertently aligned him with the eventual storyline, further complicating the relationship with Lucasfilm.

Exclusion and Future Prospects

The ban was officially imposed in 2010, as Prowse claimed on his website that he was told he had "burnt too many bridges" with Lucasfilm. Despite his exclusion, Prowse did participate in the documentary The People vs. George Lucas, though he expressed shock at how the interview was eventually used. His relationship with Lucasfilm remained fraught, with Prowse still feeling the effects of the public disagreements and behind-the-scenes disputes.

David Prowse's legacy as Darth Vader is immortalized in the hearts of Star Wars fans, despite the challenges he faced with the franchise. His portrayal remains a cornerstone of the series, and his contributions are highly valued, although his direct connection to Lucasfilm was ultimately severed.