Stargate SG-1 Features a Surprise Cameo from a Star Wars Icon
When it comes to iconic genre actors, they often transcend the boundaries of a single franchise. Major sci-fi universes are a prime example; just look at the many actors who have made appearances in both “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” over time. It’s an intriguing surprise when a performer best known for one sci-fi universe crosses over into another, often unnoticed until the credits roll. Enter the legendary James Earl Jones, the unmistakable voice behind Darth Vader.
Though he never physically appeared on-screen, Jones’ iconic voice has become synonymous with the “Star Wars” legacy, and his recognizable face is familiar to countless fans. Therefore, it might seem impossible for him to sneak in a cameo in a different prominent sci-fi series without drawing immediate attention. Surprisingly, that’s exactly what happened in “Stargate SG-1.”
In the first season’s ninth episode, titled “Thor’s Hammer,” Jones lends his voice to a character that fans might easily overlook. Rather than portraying a role like Teal’c’s father, which he would have undoubtedly fit, Jones provides the voice for a nameless Unas creature who is host to the parasitic Goa’uld antagonist Ruax. The showdown unfolds on the planet Cimmeria, where he faces off against Teal’c and Jack O’Neill, portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson, only to meet the grim fate typical of many sci-fi villains. True to his “Star Wars” roots, Jones doesn’t appear in person; instead, Vincent Hammond physically embodies the character while Jones adds his distinctive vocal touch.
The cameo is rather brief, making it the kind of moment that could easily slip under the radar. The Unas, under Ruax’s influence, exchanges a few lines before launching an attack on Jack and Teal’c. After a quick confrontation, Teal’c manages to push the Ruax-controlled Unas into the titular Thor’s Hammer, leading to Ruax’s explosive demise. While this villain doesn’t quite have the gravitas of Vader, that was never the intent. Ruax-Unas serves as a throwaway antagonist in a season marked by some of the less notable episodes of “Stargate SG-1.” The fact that Jones voices such a quick, unremarkable villain adds an amusing layer to the encounter.
James Earl Jones has demonstrated versatility across various genres, famously voicing characters like Mufasa in “The Lion King.” Following the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” in 1977, he predominantly stayed away from prominent roles in non-“Star Wars” sci-fi productions. In fact, he seldom utilized the Darth Vader voice outside of the franchise, with the exception of a playful incident where he interacted with truckers via a CB radio.
Nonetheless, Jones occasionally indulged in sci-fi-adjacent projects, including narrating films like the 1995 “Judge Dredd” and lending his voice to the alien sitcom “3rd Rock From the Sun.” His guest appearance in “Stargate SG-1” aligns perfectly with this pattern, allowing him to showcase his sci-fi voice talents while keeping the series on its intended path without the distraction of “the Darth Vader guy” taking center stage.
