Darth Vader U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under Trademark #77419252 and is officially described in the documentation as ""The sound of rhythmic mechanical human breathing created by breathing through a scuba tank regulator."" Commentators have often pointed to the influence of Akira Kurosawa's films such as "The Hidden Fortress" (1958) on George Lucas, and Vader's Samurai-inspired costume design is held up as a significant example of the Japanese influences on "Star Wars". Darth Vader was portrayed by bodybuilder David Prowse in the original film trilogy, and by stunt performer Bob Anderson during the character's intense lightsaber fight scenes. Lucas originally intended for
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is the first installment in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy and stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Pernilla August, and Frank Oz. The film is set 32 years before the original film, and follows Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala in hopes of securing