Star Wars Hints at the Exact Moment Darth Vader's Dark Hope For Luke Skywalker Reawakened

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Darth Vader #45

Summary Vader learns of Luke's Force confession on Tython, sparking dark hope for turning his son once more.

Luke admitted that he's thought about Vader's offer to rule the galaxy together as father and son, and what might have happened had he agreed.

Vader is gathering vast amounts of power to overthrow Palpatine and may try to turn Luke to the dark side before RoTJ.

Star Wars hints at the moment in which Darth Vader's dark hope for his son Luke Skywalker was reawakened before Return of the Jedi. Following Luke's rejection of his father in Empire Strikes Back and Palpatine revealing more of the true power he'd hidden from his apprentice, Darth Vader believed that he'd have to destroy his son and remained committed to his master. However, Vader has since been preparing to resist his master once more in the months before the final original trilogy film, though a key reveal has seen Vader learning a surprising new truth about Luke.

In Marvel Comics' canonical Darth Vader #45, Vader is joined by the Schism Imperial as he returns to the ancient Jedi world of Tython. Having visited the planet in the past, Vader seeks to claim a Force confessional made of kyberite, a rare mineral that can channel and amplify the Force in unique ways. Known as the Martyrium of Frozen Tears, the confessional holds the sins of countless Jedi who once unburdened themselves of their guilt. However, this also includes Luke Skywalker who also recently visited the world, leaving behind an echo of his confession that catches Vader by surprise:

Recalling the major Star Wars moment where Vader offered Luke the chance to join him and rule the galaxy as father and son, it seems Luke still dwelled on his father's offer, the implication being that he's at times wondered what might have been had he said yes.

Related Star Wars Movies In Order: How To Watch Release Order, Chronologically & With The TV Shows What's the best way to watch Star Wars? Here's everything you need to know to watch in release or timeline order, and how to include the TV shows.

Vader Witnessed Luke's Major Force Confession Before Return of the Jedi

Did Luke Have Doubts About Refusing His Father?

Following the iconic scene between Vader and Luke on Cloud City, Vader then sees the echo of Luke thinking back to his key Force vision in Dagobah's Cave of Evil. Facing a manifestation of Vader during the key Empire Strikes Back scene, Luke beheaded the Sith Lord only to see his face beneath Vader's mask. Naturally, this vision foreshadowed Luke's connection to Vader (as well as the risk that Luke could fall to the dark side).

Now that Vader has seen Luke's Dagobah vision in this new issue, it's going to be interesting to see how the Dark Lord might react going forward. After all, seeing that his son had doubts about whether he should have rejected him must be quite a surprise. As such, it's certainly teased that Vader may have regained a dark hope that he can still turn his son to his side, especially considering all the power he's actively trying to build against Palpatine.

Will Vader Try To Turn His Son Before Episode VI?

Darth Vader and Luke Will Meet Before Endor

As seen in current issues of Darth Vader, the Dark Lord is amassing vast amounts of power alongside the Schism Imperial which seeks to overthrow Palpatine as well. This explains his desire for the Force-amplifying kyberite in this new issue. Likewise, it also explains the planet-draining superweapon, a droid army, and the corruption of Rebel cyborg soldiers into his service in previous issues.

Darth Vader is about to launch a massive attack on his Sith master, though having Luke by his side could help ensure his victory. With the final page teasing that Vader is heading directly for Luke, it does appear as though the Dark Lord of the Sith will attempt to turn his son to the dark side once more before the events of Return of the Jedi.

Darth Vader #45 is available now from Marvel Comics