While May 4th is usually a big day for Star Wars fans to celebrate their favourite franchise, this weekend is the Star Wars Celebration event in Chicago, US. And as part of it, the first official trailer for Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series has now arrived, and it looks rather good.
The new trailer gives fans a decent look at the upcoming virtual reality (VR) series, detailing more of the story, fight scenes and of course Vader himself.
It wasn’t just the trailer that’s been revealed during Star Wars Celebration, actress and comedian Maya Rudolph will star as ZOE3, a quick-witted droid co-pilot that viewers partner with. Additionally, Oculus has confirmed that Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series isn’t exclusive to standalone headset Oculus Quest, with the series coming to Oculus Rift and OCulus Rift S as well.
“Much in the way Alan Tudyk did with K-2SO, we needed somebody for this role that could create a unique character using their improvisation and performance skills,” said writer and executive producer David S. Goyer in a statement. “Maya truly was the first person we thought of, right from the very beginning, and her contributions and sense of humour have guided ZOE3 every step of the way.”
Originally announced during Oculus Connect 5 last year, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, with viewers stepping into the role of a smuggler operating near Mustafar, a volcanic planet that’s home to Darth Vader. Unexpectedly pulled out of hyperspace, they’ll head off on an adventure eventually coming face to face with the Sith Lord himself.
“Vader Immortal lets you step inside a Star Wars story, so you’re not just observing what’s happening. You’re the lead character,” director Ben Snow adds. “As a fan, I’ve always wanted to feel what it’s like to be close to Darth Vader. So to have him walk right up in VR — not only with his mechanical breathing, but talking to and addressing you directly — is something that I think is going to be meaningful for a lot of fans.”
For the looks of the trailer content and Snow’s ‘you’re not just observing what’s happening’ comment, it seems as though Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series will be far more interactive than a simple entertainment series. As further announcements are made, VRFocus will keep you updated.