 In 1982 , Shaw was chosen for the small but crucial role of redeemed Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi , the third and final film in the original Star Wars trilogy . Although David Prowse played the costumed scenes and James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader , just as they had in the first two films , Shaw was cast in a single scene with Mark Hamill , during the moment aboard Death Star II when Luke Skywalker unmasks his dying father . Since the scene was unquestionably the emotional climax of the film , the casting crew sought an experienced actor for the role . 
