We already know that Emperor Sheev Palpatine will be back in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, thanks to the first trailer for Episode IX. Interestingly, Ian McDiarmid has shared some interesting details on how the Emperor's iconic laugh came to be part of the teaser.
Not surprisingly, people have been reaching out to McDiarmid after he popped up at the Episode IX panel at Star Wars Celebration. The Star Wars prequel trilogy actor has been rather candid about his return in The Rise of Skywalker. For instance, he revealed that the laugh you heard in the film's trailer isn't a new recording.
"That particular laugh was not specially recorded. They found it somewhere, probably from one of the old movies or in a digital vault, or maybe George's iPhone, I don't know," McDiarmid told Cinemablend.
It's a minor detail but one that could reveal a little bit about Palpatine's return in The Rise of Skywalker. Could it mean that the Emperor has not yet recorded his lines for Episode IX? Will the film only make use of old footage of Palpatine?
For now, it looks like McDiarmid is definitely a part of the Rise of Skywalker cast. Director J.J. Abrams has confirmed that Palpatine is indeed in the film but refused to reveal more about McDiarmid's role in the movie. Hopefully, we'll learn more about how the Emperor will be brought back in Episode IX in the next few months.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is scheduled for release for December 20.
Related: Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Leak Reveals New Knights Of Ren Details
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Star Wars: Episode IX