Prior to the events of the original tirlogy, Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader assign Vader’s loyal servant Vaneé with looking after Castle Vader on the volcanic planet Mustafar in their absence. Following the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Poe Dameron and BB-8 make an emergency landing on Mustafar, where they meet Graballa the Hutt. The crime boss has purchased Castle Vader and is renovating it into the galaxy’s first all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel. Graballa is also accompanied by his minions Baash and Raam, and his young mechanic Dean. Dean, who has aspirations of becoming a pilot, strikes a friendship with Poe.
In return for hiring Dean to repair Poe’s X-wing, Graballa convinces Poe to record a video promoting Castle Vader. While waiting for his X-wing to be repaired, Poe meets the castle’s caretaker Vaneé an his assistant droid NI-L8. Vaneé convinces Poe, BB-8, Graballa, Baash, Raam and Dean to go on a tour of the mysterious castle. During the tour, Vaneé shares three creepy stories linked to ancient artifacts and iconic villains from across all eras of Star Wars.
For the first story, Vaneé uses the helmet Ren to tell the story of how Ben Solo was corrupted by Ren, the leader of the Knights of Ren. Growing impatient with his uncle Luke Skywalker’s training, Ben goes joy-riding with the Knights of Ren. When Ben returns to Luke’s Jedi Temple, Ren tries to force him to burn his uncle’s temple as part of a rite of passage to joining the Knights of Ren. When Ben refuses, the Knights mock him, causing Ben to lose his temper and fight Ren. Ben uses the dark side to triumph over Ren, using rocks to crush him to death. The Knights of Ren submit to Ben.
In the present, Vaneé convinces the Force-sensitive Dean to unlock a vault, where the caretaker retrieves an ancient Sith lightsaber known as the Saber of Scardont. Poe learns that Dean is fearful of losing his job after his mother’s business was destroyed by the First Order. Using the relic, Vaneé tells a second story about the cybernetic Maul competing with General Grievous to gain control of the Saber of Scardont in order to curry the favour of Palpatine. Maul wins the quest but the weapon is damaged in the process. A displeased Palpatine casts him out.
Under the influence of the dark side, Dean unlocks the Temple of Mustafar, which contains a Sith holocron. Using the Sith holocron, Vaneé tells the story of the Wookiee’s paw, which is based on the The Monkey’s Paw. In an alternate retelling of A New Hope, Luke Skywalker gains a Wookiee’s paw which grants him several wishes including joining the Empire, reuniting with his father Darth Vader and becoming his Sith apprentice. The Battle of Yavin plays out differently with Luke and Vader pursuing Princess Leia and Obi-Wan Kenobi through the Death Star trench run. While attempting to destroy the rebel fights, Luke ends up destroying the Death Star.
In the present, Poe warns Dean that Vaneé’s account of Luke Skywalker is inaccurate. Vaneé convinces Dean to unlock the holocron, which he uses to form a suit of armor with various Sith artifacts including Ren’s helmet and the Saber of Scardont. Poe, BB-8 and Dean battle Vaneé and his army of battle droids. Following a climatic battle, Vaneé falls into the lava pit while attempting to retrieve his Sith holocron. To avoid the corrupting influence of Castle Vader’s Sith heritage, Poe convinces Graballa and his minions to abandon the castle. Poe recruits Dean as a Resistance pilot and offers to introduce him to Rey. A maniacal Vaneé is revealed to have survived his fall.
Vaneé's Duty
Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader assign Vader's loyal servant, Vaneé, the task of looking after Castle Vader on Mustafar. This establishes Vaneé as a key figure who will oversee the castle during the absence of his masters.
Emergency Landing
After the events of 'The Rise of Skywalker,' Poe Dameron and BB-8 make an emergency landing on the volcanic planet Mustafar. Their unexpected arrival leads them to encounter Graballa the Hutt, who has ambitious plans for the notorious castle.
Transformation of Castle Vader
Graballa the Hutt reveals that he has purchased Castle Vader with the intention of converting it into an all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel. This unique venture attracts various characters, including Poe and Dean.
Dean's Aspiration
Poe befriends a young mechanic named Dean, who dreams of becoming a pilot. Their relationship serves to highlight Dean's motivations and struggles, especially after his mother's business was destroyed by the First Order.
Promoting Castle Vader
In exchange for hiring Dean to repair his X-wing, Graballa persuades Poe to record a promotional video for Castle Vader. This introduces the idea of marketing a location steeped in dark history and lore.
Tour of the Castle
While waiting for his X-wing to be repaired, Poe meets Vaneé and his assistant droid, NI-L8. Vaneé invites Poe, BB-8, Graballa, and others on a guided tour of the mysterious castle, setting the stage for the unfolding stories.
The Tale of Ben Solo
During the tour, Vaneé tells a gripping story using Ren's helmet, recounting how Ben Solo was corrupted by Ren. This powerful narrative explores Ben’s struggles as he gives in to the dark side while rejecting his Jedi training.
The Vault and the Saber
Vaneé persuades Dean to unlock a vault where an ancient Sith lightsaber, known as the Saber of Scardont, is retrieved. This moment emphasizes Dean's growing involvement with the darker aspects of the Force.
Maul's Ambition
Using the lightsaber, Vaneé recounts the tale of Maul and General Grievous competing for the Saber of Scardont. Maul triumphs but subsequently faces Palpatine's wrath after damaging the weapon, highlighting the peril of seeking power.
Unlocking the Temple
Under dark influences, Dean unlocks the Temple of Mustafar, which contains a Sith holocron. Vaneé takes this opportunity to share yet another dark story tied to the fate of iconic Jedi, altering Dean’s perspective on the Force.
Luke's Wookiee's Paw
Vaneé unveils the tale of the Wookiee's paw, an alternate history where Luke uses the paw to grant wishes, including joining the Empire. This narrative flips the classic Star Wars story on its head, leading to unexpected consequences.
Confronting Vaneé's Lies
Poe expresses concerns to Dean about the inaccuracies in Vaneé's stories, particularly regarding Luke Skywalker. This moment underscores Poe's concern for Dean's safety and his own fight against the dark influences surrounding them.
Battle Against Darkness
Vaneé persuades Dean to unlock the Sith holocron, leading to a confrontation in which Dean creates a suit of Sith armor. In this climactic battle, Poe, BB-8, and Dean must face Vaneé and his army of battle droids to escape the castle's dark grip.
The Fall of Vaneé
In a dramatic climax, Vaneé falls into a lava pit while attempting to retrieve the Sith holocron. Originally thought defeated, this fall hints at Vaneé's resilience and potential return.
A New Beginning
After the confrontation, Poe convinces Graballa and his crew to abandon Castle Vader, aiming to escape its corrupting influence. He recruits Dean as a Resistance pilot and promises to introduce him to Rey, marking a hopeful new chapter for Dean.
Poe Dameron (Jake Green)
Poe Dameron is a skilled pilot and key member of the Resistance, known for his bravery and quick-thinking in dire situations. In the film, he takes on a mentorship role, guiding Dean and helping him to navigate the challenges posed by Vaneé and the dark influences of Castle Vader.
Dean
Dean is an ambitious young mechanic with aspirations of becoming a pilot. His character arc revolves around overcoming fear and self-doubt, as he navigates the dangerous environment of Castle Vader while forging meaningful connections with Poe and his friends.
Vaneé (John Di Maggio)
Vaneé serves as the caretaker of Castle Vader, embodying the sinister and manipulative influences of the dark side. His cleverness and cunning are juxtaposed with his desire to lure others into the depths of Sith tradition, using storytelling as a means to control those around him.
Time period
Pre-original trilogy, Post-Rise of Skywalker
The events occur prior to the original trilogy, with references to significant developments including the rise of Emperor Palpatine and the transformation of key characters. It also takes place after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, highlighting the lasting impacts of the saga's themes and characters.
Location
Mustafar, Castle Vader
Mustafar is a volcanic planet in the Star Wars galaxy, known for its lava rivers and treacherous landscapes. Castle Vader, located on this planet, has been repurposed into a sinister luxury hotel by Graballa the Hutt, presenting a chilling yet enticing attraction for those seeking a dark experience.
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Dark Side
The film explores the themes of temptation and the allure of the dark side, particularly through characters like Vaneé and Dean. The influence of ancient Sith artifacts and the ongoing struggle between light and dark are pivotal elements that drive the story forward.
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Friendship
The theme of friendship is underscored by the bond formed between Poe Dameron and Dean. Their relationship highlights the importance of trust, support, and guidance in overcoming one's fears and striving for aspirations, despite the dark circumstances that surround them.
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Storytelling
Storytelling is central to the film as Vaneé shares creepy tales linked to Star Wars lore. These narratives serve to connect the past and present, adding depth to the characters' experiences and showcasing the rich history of the Star Wars universe.
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