A new EW cover story on this fall’s Star Wars spinoff Rogue One confirms that the original enemy is returning to the big screen.

News of Darth Vader’s appearance in Star Wars: Rogue One first leaked a couple of months ago when a publisher accidentally unveiled stills from a book about the new movie. Now the news is official thanks to EW spoiling it on the front of its latest issue.

Details about Darth Vader’s role in the film are still scarce, but it’s easy to connect the dots: Remember, Rogue One is set before A New Hope (and 34 years before The Force Awakens), meaning that the evil Emperor is alive and well. A team of rebel forces will be aiming to steal the plans for the first Death Star. EW does hint that the film’s previously-announced villain, played by Ben Mendelsohn, is “eager to earn the favor of the Emperor – and avoid the wrath of his black-masked enforcer.”

There’s a lot of pressure on this Star Wars spinoff, as Disney and Lucasfilm are hoping people will turn out in droves for additional stories set in a Galaxy Far Far Away. Two other spinoffs are in the pipeline, including one following a young Han Solo. Having a familiar face like Darth Vader will surely help sell tickets — In fact, we’re sure he’ll appear in some form during an upcoming trailer.

Speaking of a recognizable face, EW teases that the movie will be “reintroducing a few classic” characters besides Vader. Hmm.

Star Wars: Rogue One hits theaters this December. Watch the latest trailer!