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Rumour: Ian McDiarmid to voice Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars Rebels

May 14, 2017 by Gary Collinson

The Disney XD animated series Star Wars Rebels has featured a number of big name cameos from veterans of the galaxy far, far away, including the likes of James Earl Jones (Darth Vader), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Frank Oz (Yoda), Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera) and Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma), and it seems we may soon be able to add another to that list.

According to a report from Star Wars News Net, the previously announced Warwick Davis will not be the only familiar name to guest star in the fourth and final season, as apparently Ian McDiarmid has also taken part in a voice recording session, which was directed by the same person as Davis’ (who the site believes to be Rebels creator Dave Filoni).

While an Ian McDiarmid return as Emperor Palpatine would certainly be welcome, the Sith Lord has already featured in Rebels, where he was voiced by Sam Witwer (who did a rather splendid job). It is of course possible that Witwer could have been replaced, although the report also speculates that McDiarmid may have been voicing the Emperor for Star Wars Battlefront II, or even a potential voice cameo in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

So, it’s all a bit sketchy at the moment, but McDiarmid or not, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Emperor popping up for an appearance in the final season of the show.

SEE ALSO: Dave Filoni discusses Rogue One’s influence on Star Wars Rebels season 4

SEE ALSO: Star Wars Rebels’ final season will not feature Rogue One’s Battle of Scarif

SEE ALSO: Watch the trailer for Star Wars Rebels season 4

Originally published May 14, 2017. Updated November 30, 2022.

Filed Under: Gary Collinson, News, Television Tagged With: Ian McDiarmid, Star Wars, Star Wars Rebels

About Gary Collinson

Gary Collinson is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flickering Myth. He is a film, television and digital content writer and producer, whose work includes the gothic horror feature The Baby in the Basket and the suspense thriller Death Among the Pines. He is also the author of Holy Franchise, Batman! Bringing the Caped Crusader to the Screen.

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