The return of Emperor Sheev Palpatine has truly been one of the most unexpected things about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. However, it has already been confirmed that the villain was always meant to come back in Episode IX. So does this mean that the entire Skywalker Saga was never about Anakin or Luke all this time? Several clues have already pointed to the entire saga being about the Emperor.
In the original trilogy, the story started out with Luke Skywalker setting out on an adventure and discovering the truth about himself. Naturally, this led to everyone believing that Star Wars is all about Luke taking control of his destiny and becoming the one person who can save the galaxy. However, the story somehow changed when the prequel trilogy was released.
Again, people were led to believe that the prequels would be about Anakin Skywalker and how he eventually becomes Darth Vader. Interestingly, as ScreenRant points out, all three films somehow refer to Palpatine. He was the Phantom Menace that played both sides of the Senate and Trade Federation and also orchestrated the Attack of the Clones. Finally, it was his revenge that was indicated in Revenge of the Sith.
But how does this work out in The Rise of Skywalker? After all, the Emperor was killed (or so we thought) in Return of the Jedi? The details may be hazy but there is a possibility that Palpatine will be revealed to be behind everything that has happened all this time. From Kylo Ren being trained by Supreme Leader Snoke to the creation of the First Order itself. Although it is possible that he will be defeated by Rey at the final moment, it will still mean that the Skywalker Saga had been all about Palpatine all this time.
Find out what happens to Palpatine when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres on December 20.
Related: Billy Dee Williams Defends Mark Hamill And Controversial Star Wars Reunion Post
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Star Wars: Episode IX