What Forest Whitaker's Star Wars: Rogue One Character Has In Common With Darth Vader

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is going to reveal some more secrets after tonight's big trailer reveal, and you can bet we'll be all over it once it drops. Thankfully, we don't have to wait that long for some new details to mull over, as an interview with Forest Whitaker revealed that his character, Saw Gerrera, shares a common affliction with Darth Vader himself. As it turns out, both men require a mechanized apparatus to survive some traumatic injuries.

Entertainment Weekly managed to capture the details during their talk with the Academy Award winner, as he revealed that the bounty hunter's bulky looking armor is not only a protective measure, it's also a vital component for him to live. Whitaker explained as follows:

This is his armored suit for flight, but also for maintenance. He's been through many conflicts and many wars, so it's also about [repairing] some of the many injuries he's had. He wears it all the time.

It's no surprise that Saw Gerrera is in such bad shape, as he's been involved with all sorts of rebellion since his introduction in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. According to the official bio for his character, Gerrera has been on the Jedi holy homeworld of Jedha, "coordinating a prolonged insurgency against the Imperial occupation." Something tells us that Saw Gerrera's forces are the direct opposition to those of Ben Mendelsohn's Director Orson Krennic, a man who will stop at nothing to impress The Empire and even Emperor Palpatine himself. So, obviously, a man who's ready to go toe to toe with any Imperial stooge who crosses his path is going to be a little worse for the wear.

Frankly, all of this talk about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has us anxious to watch the teaser to the new trailer again. You can do the same with the clip embedded below.

With the main conflict of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story involving a scrappy group of rebellious scoundrels and the Imperial government itself, what was once a mere spin-off story has become a more exciting prospect with each new puzzle piece we've been given. Though considering the frail condition of Forest Whitaker's character, and some other news that was accidentally released earlier this year, we have a feeling that Gareth Edwards' entry into the Star Wars galaxy will have a fair share of tears mixed in with the thrills. To be honest, we wouldn't have it any other way.

We don't have long to wait, as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story wages war on your wallet and box office records on December 16th. However, you'll want to stick around for that new trailer, as we'll be covering it as soon as it drops!

Mike Reyes
Senior Movies Contributor

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.