• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy confirm Emperor Palpatine return in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

April 14, 2019 by Gary Collinson

Well, it looks like Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrissian isn’t the only Original Trilogy cast member set to make his return to the galaxy far, far away for the first time in the Sequel Trilogy in December’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, as both director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy have confirmed that Ian McDiarmid will indeed be reprising the role of Emperor Palpatine in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.

“Working with Ian was among the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had,” say Abrams during an interview with Variety at Star Wars Celebration. “He’s like a breaktakingly good actor and I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun for audiences.

“This has been in the blueprint for a long time, yeah,” added Kennedy when asked if it was always the plan for Darth Sidious to make his return in Episode IX. “We had not landed on exactly how we might do that, but yes, it was always [going to be in this film].”

Palpatine’s laugh was of course heard at the end of the first teaser trailer for The Rise of Skywalker, and at this point, it’s unclear in what capacity he’ll appear, or how he’ll factor into the story. Our guess – he’s a Sith Ghost and has manipulated the Force into creating Rey as a new host for his consciousness (and probably had his eye on Kylo Ren for a time too, maybe while he was inhabiting Snoke).

SEE ALSO: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker promo art revealed at Star Wars Celebration

Are you excited about the return of The Emperor in The Rise of Skywalker, or does it detract from the ending of Return of the Jedi? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is set for release on December 20th 2019 with J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) directing a cast that includes Star Wars veterans Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa) as well as new additions Naomi Ackie (Lady Mabeth), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), and Keri Russell (The Americans).

Filed Under: Gary Collinson, Movies, News Tagged With: Ian McDiarmid, J.J. Abrams, Star Wars, Star Wars Celebration, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

About Gary Collinson

Gary Collinson is a film, TV and digital content producer and writer, who is the founder of the pop culture website Flickering Myth and producer of the gothic horror feature film 'The Baby in the Basket' and the upcoming suspense thriller 'Death Among the Pines'.

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Underrated 2000s Cult Classics You Need To See

7 Forgotten 2000s Comedy Movies That Are Worth Revisiting

Great Cyberpunk Movies You Need To See

Who is the Best Final Girl in Horror?

The Essential Modern Conspiracy Thrillers

Exploring George A. Romero’s Non-Zombie Movies

Classic Retro Video Games Based on 80s UK TV Game Shows

Ten Essential Films of the 1940s

Ranking Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Post-Governator Starring Roles

Underrated Modern Horror Gems That Deserve More Love

Top Stories:

Crazy Cult 90s Horror Movies You May Have Missed

Dune 3 gets official title as production begins

Movie Review – Daniela Forever (2025)

Netflix shares Wednesday season 2 trailer and promo images

Movie Review – Superman (2025)

Great Tarantino-esque Movies You Need To See

New trailer for Netflix mystery-thriller series Untamed starring Eric Bana

7 Underrated World War II Romance Movies

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

10 Great Recent Horror Movies You Need To See

13 Great Obscure Horror Movie Gems You Need to See

Fantastical, Flawed and Madcap: 80s British Horror Cinema

7 Cult 90s Teen Movies You May Have Missed

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket