Star Wars 9 NEW footage: Darth Vader’s breathing HEARD – Is he BACK in Rise of Skywalker?

Yesterday, at the Disney D23 Expo, a Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker sizzle reel screened for a few lucky fans and press. Aside from a general commemoration of the series, new footage featured included Rey looking very Dark Sidey with a red double-edged lightsaber like Darth Maul. But what was even more shocking was Palpatine’s voiceover, which said: “Now your journey nears its end.” According to an attendee, this included hearing Darth Vader’s iconic breathing, so is the Sith Lord back with the Emperor?

It’s certainly possible. After all, if the Emperor is back why can’t Darth Vader be?

If JJ Abrams really wanted to go that way narrative-wise, he could make it work.

However, it’s worth pointing out that back in 2015 the official trailer for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens included a shot of Darth Vader’s crushed helmet and his breathing could be heard on the audio.

And, of course, when that movie was released he wasn’t alive again. Instead, the breathing sound was reflecting a memory of the past.

Likely, this is the same for the Darth Vader breathing heard in the Disney D23 sizzle reel.

Meanwhile, more new footage featured during the opening ceremony of D23 before this, which included a return of Darth Vader’s crushed helmet.

Clearly, the headgear will have some significance in The Rise of Skywalker seeing as JJ Abrams has chosen to bring it back.

One theory is that Palpatine has somehow survived by latching his soul on to it.

After all, it’s canon now in official Star Wars comics for Sith to live on through Dark Side artefacts like headgear.

Last year the official Darth Vader comic saw the yet-to-be-redeemed Anakin Skywalker given the helmet of a Sith called Lord Momin.

Interestingly, this was lent by Palpatine, before the helmet speaks to Vader.

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker will be released in UK cinemas on December 19, 2019.