Source: David Prowse | TheForce.Net | Star Pulse

Wow, this is depressing. David Prowse, the man who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, said on his official website that he will not be appearing at the Star Wars Celebration V Convention this year in Orlando, FL because he is no longer allowed to attend any Lucasfilm associated events. Read on to find out why.

Here is the quote from David Prowse himself:

“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.

I have also been advised by the promoter of Paris Manga in September that LFL have requested no photo opportunities with the 501 Squadron, even though I am commander in chief of the 501.

Sincere apologies to all my fans who were hoping to meet with me – I shall miss you too. As you will see from my events page I will be at many conventions all over the world so we can still keep in touch.”

George Lucas and Lucasfilm have been at odds with David Prowse for years. According to Star Pulse, Lucas accused Prowse of leaking plot details for Return of the Jedi back in 1983. Prowse said, “He (Lucas) believed I had revealed to the press that Darth Vader was going to die in the film. But I didn’t even know my character was going to be killed off.” He intended to reconcile any differences he and Lucas may have had when he appeared at the previous Star Wars Celebration Convention back in 2007, but Lucas was not in attendance that year. It appears that they still have not spoken since 1983.

Phillip Wise from TheForce.Net confirmed this story:

“Lucasfilm does have the right to prevent celebrity invitations to official Star Wars conventions and they did exercise this right as it relates to Dave Prowse and Celebration V.”

I’m pretty bummed about this. David Prowse is always a gentleman in person and it just won’t be the same without him being at Star Wars Celebration V. Perhaps they’ll make up for it by getting James Earl Jones (the voice of Vader) to attend instead…