James Earl Jones Officially Retires As Darth Vader

James Earl Jones has been involved in the Star Wars franchise for over four decades. But all things do come to an end eventually.

Vanity Fair reports that Jones officially retired from the voice-over role of Star Wars’ Darth Vader and has signed over his voice rights. The rights to the position are now with Lucasfilm and Ukrainian A.I. audio company Respeecher, who worked on The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi respectively.

Even though Jones is now done with the role, the two studios are discussing the plans for Vader with him and “heed his advice on how to stay on the right course.” At the age of 91, rarely audible differences in the Disney+ show, Obi-Wan Kenobi, from his original work and Respeecher being credited for undisclosed work.

Audiences have been wondering about Jones’ future in the Star Wars franchise as Darth Vader after Obi-Wan Kenobi, in which he was credited for providing his voice for the character. Some have speculated that Hayden Christensen may provide the voice of Vader through a modulator.

This is bittersweet news for Star Wars fans to learn James Earl Jones is officially done with Vader. We can celebrate Jones’ contributions to the role with the Star Wars franchise available to stream on Disney+.

What do you think of Jones hanging up the cape? Sound off in the comments!