How much did Darth Vader make in Star Wars?

The Dark Lord’s Salary: How Much Did Darth Vader Make in Star Wars?

In the iconic movie franchise Star Wars, the character of Darth Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, is one of the most recognizable and fascinating figures. But have you ever wondered how much Vader, or rather the man behind the mask, got paid for his role?

James Earl Jones’s Voice Acting Salary

Initially, it was James Earl Jones, the legendary voice actor, who lent his voice to Darth Vader, making the character’s signature deep, ominous tone even more iconic. According to an American Film Institute (AFI) interview with James Earl Jones, George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, paid Jones $7,000 for his voice work in the original 1977 film, "A New Hope."

Bodybuilder David Prowse Inside the Costume

While David Prowse, a skilled bodybuilder and strongman, physically portrayed Darth Vader for all the iconic costume appearances, including the original 1977 film, no one knew it was Prowse under the mask due to his contract. At the time, Prowse was only paid around $12,000 to $15,000 per film for his on-screen work.

Post-Original Trilogy

Later, Prowse continued his role as Darth Vader, albeit as a background body double, in the later Star Wars films, primarily for safety reasons. Reportedly, Prowse asked for and received pay increases, but the actual figures are not publicly available.

The Real Anakin Skywalker’s Salary… or Lack Thereof

As Anakin Skywalker’s character progressed, so did his storyline. In Episode III, "Revenge of the Sith," as Anakin’s transformation to Darth Vader took place, his character’s salary would have remained relatively low considering his non-existent screen presence. Prior to his change, Anakin’s wages were minimal, as Jedi Knights typically didn’t collect a salary.

Tarkin’s Takeover, Palpatine’s Perks

After Anakin’s fall, Emperor Palpatine, played by Ian McDiarmid, took control of the Galaxy. Palpatine was essentially a puppet master who manipulated events to his benefit. In terms of money, Palpatine’s power and influence equaled an unlimited wealth, as he controlled the Sith Temple and the Galactic Empire, making his financial situation seemingly limitless.

The Mysterious Royalties

Concerning the franchise’s commercial success and merchandizing, Disney, following the acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, now holds the rights and royalties for the Star Wars franchise. As a result, it’s difficult to assign a direct salary to specific characters like Darth Vader.

| Salary Breakdown
| Character | Amount | Year |
| James Earl Jones (Voice) | $7,000 | 1977 (A New Hope) |
| David Prowse (Body Double) | $12,000 – $15,000 | 1977 (A New Hope) – 1980s |

Conclusion: The Dark Lord’s Pocketbook

In conclusion, though we have a rough understanding of Darth Vader’s original salary and body double costs, it’s essential to remember that his character and the franchise have evolved immensely over the years. Vader, as Anakin Skywalker and later Darth Vader, served as a powerful symbol within the Star Wars universe. His significance transcends salary figures, as his contributions to the franchise are multifaceted and far-reaching.

While we may never know the exact figures associated with the Dark Lord’s salary, we can grasp the significant impact he left on the Star Wars fandom and pop culture as a whole.