Darth Vader Proves There’s Still Good in Him After All
A touching video garnered quite the response on TikTok recently. A cosplayer dressed as Darth Vader proves there’s still good in the notorious villain.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Disney+’s recent release of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series gave fans an emotional moment they had not been expecting. In a scene that made even grown men admittedly cry, Darth Vader faces off with his Jedi master in an epic lightsaber battle.
While Vader had the “high ground” at the beginning of the fight, Kenobi succeeds in the end, ultimately coming out on top. After striking Vader in the head, a portion of his mask comes off, revealing half of Anakin’s face.
The two stare at each other eye to eye and exchange some words that will stick with Star Wars fans forever. As the light switches between colors, symbolizing the duality of his character, Vader eases his mentor’s mind stating, “You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker…I did.”
Darth Vader at the Parks
Within Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will not see Anakin’s good side displayed in any of his character interactions. The villain acts precisely as his name suggests, a villain.
But cosplayers have the liberty to stretch the limits when it comes to staying in character. One Star Wars cosplayer, who goes by the name @miamivader on TikTok, shows fans Vader’s light side in some of his meet-and-greets.
JR Martinez
JR Martinez, AKA @miamivader, appears in costume as Darth Vader for public events. Recently, he was in attendance at an affair for kids with down syndrome.
He posted a few videos from the occasion, but one will leave you with a tear in your eye. As a child approaches, Vader hugs the young man, who leans his head back and grabs his hand.
Vader grabs it back as the two pose for a picture. Although you can’t hear his voice due to the music overlay, the text describes the boy saying, “I’m happy.”
Lord Vader gives him a hug and pulls him close. Martinez is part of a group called the 501st Legion. Their official website describes its mission:
“…The 501st Legion is an international costuming organization dedicated to celebrating STAR WARS™ through the creation and use of quality costumes that portray the villainous, morally ambiguous, or non-partisan characters from the STAR WARS™ universe. The Legion promotes interest in STAR WARS and facilitates the use of these costumes for STAR WARS-related events as well as contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work…”
Hats off to JR Martinez and his wonderful work, which brings smiles to the faces of so many deserving individuals. I guess there really is good left in Darth Vader, after all.