Originally published August 26, 2019. Updated August 27, 2019.
One of the biggest talking points of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the inclusion of Emperor Palpatine – who was presumed dead after the events of Return of the Jedi. There has been constant discussion as to how he returns and the size of Ian McDiarmid’s contribution to the film, whether it would be a cameo, flashback, or a major part to the final episode in the saga.
Now in a recent interview with IGN, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega have both revealed that the Emperor will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Star Wars sequel.
“He’s the biggest baddie in Star Wars history. Now that we’ve done the story, I’m like, it couldn’t have happened any other way,” Ridley stated. “It had to be that. But he’s very instrumental to the plot of the film. It’s not just like he appears again; it’s all explained.”
John Boyega followed up on these comments by discussing the Emperor’s significance to not only Star Wars lore, but to the overall story of The Rise of Skywalker:
“I think the Emperor and his doctrine has trickled down to so many of the characters in the Star Wars universe,” said Boyega. “The Dark Side, it is what it is because of a lot of his actions and plans. To have him come back, he’s like the greatest foe, the greatest enemy. I mean, we might as well take him down properly.”
What do you think of Ridley’s and Boyega’s comments regarding The Emperor? Do you think it was a good decision to bring him back as the main villain for The Rise of Skywalker? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @flickeringmyth…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0E96MaUMig&t=5s
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is set for release on December 19th 2019 in the UK and December 20th 2019 in North America 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 Macbeth), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), and Keri Russell (The Americans).
