Lucasfilm Bans Darth Vader from Star Wars Celebration

Ordinary subway patrons may love it when Darth Vader shows up unannounced, but Lucasfilm representatives aren't as keen on the idea. In fact, they've gone and banned the man who played Darth Vader from an upcoming Star Wars get-together.

Last month, David Prowse (who played the body of Darth Vader in the first three Star Wars films) was told that he'd been disinvited from Celebration V, a massive Star Wars event that will feature series stars like Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Anthony Daniels.

Some are speculating that Prowse dug his own grave by criticizing George Lucas over the years for various offenses (including the overdub of James Earl Jones onto Prowse's own line readings, which Prowse said came as a surprise to him), and that this is the Lucasfilm head's chokey, telekinetic revenge.

Here's Prowse's befuddled statement on the manner:

"It is with regret that I have been informed by my friends at C2 Ventures, Ben and Phillip, that I am not to be invited to C5 this year or any other Lucas Film associated events. After enquiring, the only thing I have been told is that I have 'burnt too many bridges between Lucas Film and myself' - no other reason given."

Fair enough. We would also have accepted a more succinct "NOOOOO!"

David Prowse Not Invited To CV? [The Force.net via AV Club]