Actor Sam Witwer’s association with the Star Wars franchise has been longstanding, having played two different characters. Interestingly, both of Witwer’s characters have had ties with the Sith, giving the actor a certain level of understanding of the dark side users that few others possess.
During an interview, Witwer spoke about the role of the afterlife in Sith philosophy, explaining why they did not return from the dead like their Jedi counterparts. In the process, Witwer proved that he had mastered the Sith philosophy, making him an indispensable part of the franchise. Here is why Witwer is a true master of the Sith code.
Sam Witwer Explained Why the Sith Do Not Return After Their Death
Sam Witwer played the role of Starkiller, the now de-canonized Sith apprentice of Darth Vader from the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video games. He also voiced the character of Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series.
During a behind-the-scenes featurette from the show’s fifth season, Witwer spoke about the Sith philosophy, especially their lack of belief in the concept of life after death. He said:
The thing is that for the sit there is no transcendent quality to their existence that they can conceive of there’s nothing beyond what they have right now.
Witwer made the above statement explaining why the Sith did not return after their death despite their Jedi counterparts being capable of using the Force to do so. The actor’s words are consistent with the lore set up by franchise creator George Lucas.
According to Dave Filoni, the Force spirits of Darth Bane and Darth Revan were expected to appear in the season 3 episode Ghosts of Mortis but were cut out at the last moment because of Lucas’ intervention. Subsequent episodes established that only the light side of the Force allowed spirits to transcend death.
Sam Witwer’s Mastery of the Sith Code Proves He is Henry Cavill of Star Wars
Witwer’s explanation about the Sith code and its take on the afterlife is the reason why he is such a fan-favorite. The actor’s words proved that not only did he have a deeper understanding of the franchise’s lore, but his statements were also aligned with Lucas’ vision.
Given Witwer’s knowledge of the Sith code, it is safe to compare the actor to Henry Cavill, who is known for playing the role of Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s adaptation of The Witcher series of books and games.
Cavill, who was a fan of the source material proved to be a walking encyclopedia of the same. Witwer can be held in a similar regard when it comes to the lore surrounding the Sith in the Star Wars universe.
Recently, The Acolyte creator Leslye Headland has been criticized for breaking the franchise’s lore, especially the rules set up by Lucas. As a result, it is simply refreshing to see an actor who is first and foremost a fan of the franchise.
Furthermore, Witwer’s comments suggest that he deeply cares about the franchise’s lore, and the same is also reflected in Witwer’s passion for the series, making him a true Star Wars equivalent of Cavill. Witwer’s love for the lore and the franchise as a whole is something that other creatives should look to replicate.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is streaming on Disney+.
