Vader Episode I: Shards of the Past
Vader Episode I: Shards of the Past is a 2018 Star Wars fan film created by Star Wars Theory. Set eight months after Revenge of the Sith, it follows Darth Vader as he wrestles with Padmé’s loss and his new life as a Sith. A surviving Jedi Master lures him to the home planet of Padmé’s tomb, testing how far Vader will go.
Directed and written by Danny Ramirez, with Star Wars Theory also involved, the film stars Dupree Jones as Vader and features a supporting cast including Steven Bartlett, Catherine LaSalle, and others. It premiered in Los Angeles on December 20, 2018 and was released on YouTube December 21, 2018. The project started with a smaller budget and ended up around $164,000.
A sequel, Vader Episode II: The Amethyst Blade, was in pre-production as of October 2022. About six minutes of the episode were released in two teasers, with the full episode expected within a couple of years and a third part in early development.
Rights and funding were a notable part of the story. Lucasfilm gave permission to create the film but not to crowdfund or monetize it. After a copyright claim on the soundtrack by Warner/Chappell Music, Star Wars Theory spoke out, arguing the principle over money. In January 2019, Lucasfilm removed the strike, restoring the video.
The film received positive notes from critics for its production quality and look. Nerdist called it impressive, Comic Book Resources praised the production and voice impersonations, and io9 highlighted the faithful live-action feel and costume design. CinemaBlend and Collider also praised its spirit and fan dedication, while some reviewers pointed to weaknesses in writing and dialogue. Fans and commentators generally hoped for a strong second part.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 11:02 (CET).