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 Lucas decided the movies would work best as a trilogy. In the final act of the trilogy's final episode, "Return of the Jedi", Vader is ultimately redeemed through an act of sacrifice for Luke. This was in 1983, more than six years since the release of "Star Wars". Lucas admitted to being "burned out" and announced he would take a break from working on the saga. Throughout the 1980s, George Lucas remarked he had no desire to return to "Star Wars" and had unofficially canceled his sequel trilogy by the time of "Return of the Jedi". Because Lucas had developed