Star Wars: Episode IX Theory Suggests Palpatine Could Return Through Vader’s Helmet

Lucasfilm might have released a brand new trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but fans still have a lot of questions about the film, especially the involvement of the iconic Star Wars villain, Emperor Palpatine. Darth Sidious' appearance in Episode IX was hinted at in the very first teaser for the film, and fans have been busy cooking up various theories trying to explain how the long-dead Emperor might return in the upcoming Star Wars movie.

According to a new theory by Express, we may be able to see Palpatine return thanks to the Darth Vader helmet that Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) has been keeping with him in his chambers in the First Order. Star Wars canon has confirmed that Sith Lords can live on through Dark Side artifacts – in the official Darth Vader comic book series, readers learn that Vader had received a helmet from Palpatine that had originally from the Sith Lord Momin.

After he had been given the helmet, Vader had been able to speak to the soul of Momin. Seeing that he had given Vader Momin's helmet in the first place, it's clear to everyone that Palpatine is very much aware of how he could live on in Sith artifacts. If he were to really return in Episode IX, then Palpatine would probably do it through Vader's helmet, an artifact that Kylo Ren keeps with him and speaks with from time to time. Palpatine's return through the helmet would explain why the item had so much significance in Lucasfilm's Star Wars sequel trilogy.

What do you think of this theory? Will Palpatine return through Vader's helmet?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.

Read: Star Wars Director J.J. Abrams Reacts To Negative Fan Reactions on Episode IX