There was a whole lot of excitement when Lucasfilm released the very first teaser for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Not only did the video tease the inevitable showdown between Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), it also hinted at the surprising return of the fan-favorite villain, Emperor Palpatine.
While there's barely been any information about how Palpatine will return in Episode IX, multiple rumors have been circulating online, and one of the newest reports suggest that Darth Sidious may bring an army with him when he appears in The Rise of Skywalker.
Making Star Wars has the newest report on Episode IX leaks, and according to the site, the Sith Troopers which Lucasfilm just recently revealed this month would have significant ties to Palpatine. The publication suggests that the Troopers are going to be "hidden away inside a massive fleet" in the Unknown Regions of the Galaxy, waiting for their master's instructions.
Not only that, but this fleet also reportedly has Star Destroyers that carry with it "planet-destroying weapons" much like the Death Star. To find this mysterious fleet and "unlock Palpatine's legacy," Kylo Ren is supposed to find a device called a Wayfinder and head out on a mission on his own.
It's all really interesting really, but as with any rumor, we advise readers to take this whole report with a grain of salt. We still don't know how much involvement Palpatine will have in the film – it's very likely that we may just see the Emperor as a hologram in the remains of the Death Star that Rey and her team find.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.
Read: Star Wars Episode IX: Artist Rendering of the New Rocket Trooper
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Star Wars: Episode IX