20 Useless Things You Probably Never Knew About Star Wars
15. The Voice Of A Generation
Just try and imagine anyone other than James Earl Jones providing the voice for scary Sith Lord Vader. It's virtually impossible and everyone who's ever heard Vader will no doubt be proud of the impression they do between their hands.
Although, it very nearly wasn't Jones who voiced Darth Vader, as George Lucas is reported to have preferred the thought of Orson Welles' dulcet tones. Sadly, Lucas decided that Welles' voice would be too easily recognisable even with vocal effects applied in the edit and so it was back to the drawing board.
Jones was approached and offered the role without much need for audition, as Lucas was already a fan of his powerful baritone. However, Jones couldn't really be considered part of the cast and crew as he only worked for one day - two and a half hours, $7,500 later and Jones was done with A New Hope.
It remains unknown as to whether Jones provided the voice for Vader in Revenge of the Sith and the actor refuses to be drawn on a clear answer.