As of now, there has not been a standalone Darth Vader movie in the Star Wars franchise. Although Darth Vader is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe, several factors may contribute to the absence of a standalone film focused solely on his character.

1. Storytelling limitations:

Creating a standalone movie centered around Darth Vader may present unique challenges in terms of storytelling. Given that Darth Vader’s character arc is heavily explored in the original Star Wars trilogy, there may be limited room for new narratives without contradicting existing canon. The Star Wars franchise has also explored other character-focused standalone films, such as « Rogue One: A Star Wars Story » in 2016, which delves into the events leading up to the original 1977 film.

2. Maintaining Anakin Skywalker’s legacy:

Darth Vader is the central figure of the Empire and one of the most recognizable characters in film history. Exploring his story exclusively could potentially overshadow other important aspects of the Star Wars saga. The franchise attempts to strike a delicate balance between different characters and storylines, ensuring that Anakin Skywalker’s journey is interconnected with other key narratives.

3. Telling a complete story:

The Star Wars saga is known for its interconnected storytelling, with multiple trilogies and spin-offs that contribute to a larger narrative. While Darth Vader has appeared prominently in various films, comics, novels, and animated series, his story is tightly connected to the broader Star Wars universe. Diverting attention solely to a standalone Darth Vader movie may risk disrupting the overall cohesion and continuity of the franchise.

4. Lucasfilm’s focus on new stories:

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, there has been a concerted effort to expand the Star Wars universe with new characters and narratives. This has led to spin-off films like « Rogue One » and « Solo: A Star Wars Story, » which explore different aspects of the galaxy far, far away. As a result, the studio may prioritize original stories rather than focusing solely on existing characters like Darth Vader.

While these factors provide some insights into why a Darth Vader standalone movie has not been made, it is important to note that plans for future Star Wars films are constantly evolving, and new projects may be announced in the future.

Sources:
1. Screenrant.com. « The Real Reason There Will Never Be A Darth Vader Standalone Movie ». Accessed on June 10, 2023.
2. Collider.com. « Why There Will Never Be a Darth Vader Standalone Movie ». Accessed on June 10, 2023.

Please note that the publication dates of these sources may be older than 2023 but they still provide valuable insights into the reasons why a Darth Vader standalone movie has not been made.