Star Wars: Rogue One - Predicting The Entire Plot In 10 Steps
2. Vader Takes Over Command
When things go to sh*t, Darth Vader, according to the EW set report a mysterious figure who has existed in an unknown power gulf between the Emperor and rest of the Empire, emerges from the shadows for the first time in almost twenty years. Director Krennic has failed (because he underestimated family connections, no less) and he's going to clear up the mess.
We've seen Krennic has put himself on the battlefield across various trailers, which suggests a desperate last ditch effort or late-in-the-day survey of their defeat. Either way, Vader's unlikely to be pleased, offing the scheming Imperial and his ineffective black armoured troopers before turning his eyes to the plans, likely killing at least one of the main characters, which leads him to a planet he swore never to return to...
There's been little word on Vader's role in Rogue One, but talks of a major action beat and legendary reputation chime with the Death Star mishap being what brings him out of hiding; from there he becomes much more involved in the Empire's fight, meaning the events of this film technically start him on the path towards his redemption.