A longtime Star Wars theory suggests that Anakin Skywalker was always destined to become Darth Vader, but the franchise has debunked this idea. The pull between destiny and free will is a recurring theme throughout the Star Wars saga, leaving it open to interpretation whether key events were inevitable or the result of choice. Nowhere is this debate more prevalent than in Anakin's role as the Chosen One, with Yoda himself acknowledging that the prophecy could have been misread. That possibility is what led some to believe that Darth Vader was always Anakin's destiny.
However, there are too many problems with this theory for it to be true. Not only is there evidence throughout the franchise that contradicts this view, but it also clashes with some of the Star Wars saga's core themes. A closer look at Anakin's story in the films reveals that many aspects of this theory stem from incorrect assumptions about the Force, and information from other canon sources offers additional clarity. Finally, George Lucas' own views on the Force and destiny are on full display through the saga's overarching narrative, proving that Anakin was never destined to become Darth Vader.
Darth Vader Was Always Anakin Skywalker's Destiny: Theory Explained 
The theory of Darth Vader being Anakin's destiny comes from the prophecy of bringing balance to the Force. The prophecy foretold that the Chosen One would destroy the Sith and bring the Force back into balance, but there were only two Sith at any time during Anakin's life. Therefore, one way to interpret the prophecy is that Anakin had to destroy the Jedi first, balancing the light and dark sides of the Force, thus making it his destiny to become Darth Vader. While this idea may have some merit at first glance, the official Star Wars canon includes several moments that suggest this was not the will of the Force.
Star Wars Has Revealed The Force Opposed The Jedi Purge 
Several Star Wars stories reveal that the Force opposed the Jedi purge. A warning came to Yoda in a vision, where he saw Jek just before the clone soldier tried to kill him during Order 66. While this vision was vague, its meaning should have become more apparent to Yoda and the other Jedi throughout the war. Inhibitor chips were discovered inside the clones after one malfunctioned and led to the death of a Jedi, and Dooku was eventually exposed as having played a role in creating the clone army. These clues should have made clear what the Force was trying to tell Yoda at the start of the war.
This was only the first Order 66 vision Yoda had, with a second one coming to him on Dagobah after being guided by the spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn. Yoda was understandably skeptical to trust these visions after seeing many Jedi succumb to the dark side while trying to prevent them. Jedi Master Pong Krell, however, was more than willing to trust his vision of Order 66, believing it was best to join the dark side. This makes it unclear whether Yoda was right to ignore his own visions, but their persistence among the Jedi demonstrates that the Force was trying to warn them of their impending doom.
