Sound bites from the Dark Side: James Earl Jones' 8 best lines as Darth Vader

As news arrives that James Earl Jones is no longer the voice of Darth Vader, let us appreciate his finest line readings from the Star Wars universe

By Jen Lennon, Cindy White  |  September 26, 2022 | 11:10pm
Film Features Darth Vader
Sound bites from the Dark Side: James Earl Jones' 8 best lines as Darth Vader
Photo: Courtesy of Disney+/Lucasfilm

As Darth Vader, James Earl Jones has been dishing out some of the best lines in the Star Wars franchise since 1977, dropping bombshells like “I am your father” to Luke Skywalker, massively understating his murderous intent with “I’ve been waiting for you, Obi-Wan,” and echoing all of us as we watched Revenge Of The Sith in disbelief with a succinct “Noooo!”

Now 91 years old, Jones has decided to step away from voicing the character. That doesn’t mean he’s being replaced, though—at least not by another person. Throughout Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jones’ voice was replicated by an AI (with Jones’ blessing), which delivered all of Darth Vader’s lines. It’s almost kind of fitting, when you think about it, given how much of Vader’s body had been replaced or supported by machines. Finding a new voice actor probably would’ve been a lot cheaper than using the cutting-edge AI technology, but Jones’ voice is so integral to the character, so, dare we say it, iconic, that replacing him wouldn’t have just been controversial, it would’ve been straight-up wrong. Here are some of Jones’ best lines in Star Wars, arranged chronologically according to release date.

Star Wars (1977): “I’ve been waiting for you, Obi-Wan.”
I’ve been waiting for you, Obi Wan. We meet again, at last

Full quote: “I’ve been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but the learner, but now I am the master.”When someone starts a conversation with “I’ve been waiting for you,” you know it’s about to go down. Vader’s ominous mini-speech, full of bravado and self-righteousness, is cut off by Alec Guinness’ simple reply: “Only a master of evil, Darth.” Given their extensive history, Obi-Wan knows exactly how to hit Darth where it hurts. [Jen Lennon]

Star Wars (1977): “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
“I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing” Scene - Star Wars: A New Hope [4K UltraHD]

Full quote: “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”This whole scene can be summed up in four words: “Talk shit, get hit.” Admiral Motti (Richard LeParmentier) was on the receiving end of Darth Vader’s wrath after downplaying the power of the Force in front of one of the most powerful Force users ever. It’s a shocking display of power, and cruelty, that perfectly establishes Vader’s character. [Jen Lennon]

The Empire Strikes Back (1980): “I am altering the deal.”
“I Am Altering the Deal, Pray I Don’t Alter It Any Further.”

Full quote: “I am altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.”Here, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) learns two important lessons: Don’t talk back to Darth Vader—and definitely don’t expect him to honor his agreements. Yeah, Darth acknowledges, he’s changing the terms of their agreement, and Lando’s just going to have to deal with it because there’s nothing Lando can do about it. In the original trilogy, much of Vader’s character-building is done through dialogue that asserts his overwhelming power and his knowledge that no one is capable of stopping him. This is one of those moments that can take your breath away with its boldness—and it works because of Jones’ incredible delivery. [Jen Lennon]

The Empire Strikes Back (1980): “I am your father.”
I Am Your Father Scene [4k UltraHD] - Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Fight Scene (2/2)

Full quote: “No. I am your father.” If we were making a ranked list, this one would have to go at the very top. The fact that Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are one and the same may be common knowledge now, but back in 1980, when The Empire Strikes Back was first released, it was a world-shattering revelation. Jones has said in interviews that when he first saw that line in the script he was so shocked he thought Darth Vader must be lying. The scene is full of epic quotes, but Jones’ delivery of that one devastating line will always be the most iconic, ranking right up there with some of the greatest moments in cinematic history. [Cindy White]

Return Of The Jedi (1983): “Obi-Wan has taught you well.”
Obi Wan has taught you well

Full quote: “Obi-Wan has taught you well.” Fans have pointed out that when Darth Vader delivers this line in the middle of the climactic fight scene at the end of Return Of The Jedi, Luke has the high ground. That’s an interesting connection to the fateful lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin on Mustafar in Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith, in which Obi-Wan famously couldn’t help but point that out. Could that tactic be the teachings Vader is referencing here? Or is he observing Luke’s skill more generally? Either way, the delivery of this line is enough to give you shivers.[Cindy White]

Return Of The Jedi (1983): “Give yourself to the Dark Side.”
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Darth Vader vs Luke 4k

Full quote: “Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for … sister. So, you have a twin sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the Dark Side … then perhaps she will!”In the same scene as the previous line, Darth Vader’s trying to provoke Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and threatening Leia (Carrie Fisher) is the thing that finally sets Luke off. This speech is what kicks off Darth and Luke’s final fight, and neither the speech nor the fight disappoints. [Jen Lennon]

Revenge Of The Sith (2005): “Noooo!”
Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - The Rise of Darth Vader - 4K ULTRA HD.

Full quote: “Noooo!”Yeah, buddy, we feel you. This is the moment that Anakin finally becomes Darth Vader. It’s the moment he accepts that everyone he loves is gone and fully crosses over to the dark side of the Force. It’s also unintentionally hilarious, a melodramatic yowl that punctuates an often interminably hackneyed script. Still, Jones gives it all he’s got, and it’s certainly a moment everyone remembers, at least. [Jen Lennon]

 
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