"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be bringing back several characters from the older "Star Wars" films given that it is set right before the events of "Star Wars: A New Hope." Darth Vader has been confirmed to make an appearance, and during an interview on The Talk (via Collider), actor Jimmy Smits confirms he will return as Senator Bail Organa.
Bail Organa was mentioned in "A New Hope" but was never really shown given that he and the rest of the population of the planet Alderaan were all killed when the first Death Star fired its weapons against the planet, destroying it in an instant.
Smits portrayed a younger version of the character in the three prequel films and was presen when Luke (Mark Hamill) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) were born. At the time, Yoda and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) decided it was safer to separate Darth Vader's children and while Obi-Wan took Luke to Tatooine, Bail and his wife adopted Leia.
Collider reports that the actor was severely underutilized in the prequel films given that he is known as a very formidable drama actor in projects such as "The Get Down." It is possible he will have a more substantial part to play in "Rogue One" given that Bail Organa is a supporter of the Rebellion.
A report from Variety also confirms that this is not the first time he had returned to play the role. Smits did the voice work for Bail Organa in the PS3, PC and Xbox 360 game "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed." Bail Organa also plays a significant role in a select few episodes of the "Star Wars Clone Wars" cartoon series.
Variety points out that the character will be seen in his prime, aiding the growing Rebellion as they prepare to fight the Empire and steal the Death Star plans.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" opens in theaters this Dec. 16.
