In case you missed it, the first official trailer for Star Wars Episode IX has just been released and it hinted at the return of Emperor Sheev Palpatine. Not surprisingly, Ian McDiarmid even had a brief appearance at the film's panel at Star Wars Celebration, somehow confirming that he will reprise his role as the infamous villain. However, it looks like McDiarmid had actually predicted his character's shocking comeback in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker almost two years ago.
In September 2017, McDiarmid was interviewed by BBC Scotland about possibly returning as Darth Sidious (via ComicBook.com). At first, the prequel trilogy star played coy, saying that, "as far as the new films are concerned, I'm dead. There is no question about that." However, McDiarmid also pointed out how Palpatine could be brought back in the current trilogy.
"There is what they call the anthology series and actually the most recent one, Rogue One, was about the time when I was in charge. I was referred to a few times, Darth Vader popped up, but you did not see me," McDiarmid said. "Maybe they are keeping me as a surprise for later but I have no idea. Of course, I don't want anyone else to play him."
It's amazing how most of us missed that tease several years ago. Perhaps fans were just eager to see Hayden Christensen coming back as Anakin Skywalker but Palpatine's unexpected return is certainly a surprise. A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
Find out if Palpatine will play a major role when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker finally premieres on December 20.
Related: Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Official Poster Released
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Star Wars: Episode IX