'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Spoiler Alert: Darth Vader Is Back, More Details On The Spin Off Movie Unveiled

For four months, there have been rumors that Darth Vader would appear in the upcoming "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story". Finally, the new Entertainment Weekly cover revealed it all. We will see Darth Vader in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" and the cover says he is definitely back.

Entertainment Weekly's splashed the big news across the cover of their latest July 1 issue on Wednesday. They are still keeping any Darth Vader photo in Rogue One under wraps, but we do get a first look at the new heroes played by Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Alan Tudyk who's playing the role of the droid seen at the back of the first two main characters on the cover, as per /FILM.

Darth Vader is not the main villain but he will be seen on hand helping out the Empire in Rogue One, and  will be at the villainous Imperial's back. The white-cloaked character will be played by Ben Mendelsohn. Writer Anthony Breznican explained that there's a sense of Vader lurking in the background over his shoulder and he makes sure he gets the job done, according to E! News. The magazine issued a press release confirming that Mendelsohn is "eager to earn the favor of the Emperor - and avoid the wrath of his black-masked enforcer."

The new issue also reveals that Mads Mikkelsen will play the protagonist, Jyn Erso's father. He's the scientist who is sought by both sides for his skills and knowledge.

Rogue One is set 34 years before the original Star Wars and focuses on a group of mercenaries who are hired to capture the plans to the Death Star. The upcoming spinoff of Star Wars is directed by Godzilla's Gareth Edwards, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker also stars in the movie.

Lucasfilm has yet to announce the masked villain's character casting. But the magazine promises to release more details about the reshoots, the first look at the entire cast, the weaponry, and the role that the Empire will play in the film. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is set to be in theaters on December 16, 2016.

 Darth Vader is BACK in ‘#RogueOne: A #StarWars Story!’ Pick up this week’s issue for an exclusive first look at the cast, characters, costumes and more.