WARNING: Potential spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker follow…
While any and all specifics about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are being kept securely under lock and key by Disney and Lucasfilm, we do know that the Sith Lord Darth Sidious is set to factor into Episode IX in some way, shape or form – and now if a new rumour is to be believed, we may know what the Emperor is scheming in this final chapter of the Skywalker Saga.
According to a report from Making Star Wars, Palpatine will appear early on in the film, revealing to Kylo Ren that he wants the former Ben Solo to rule the galaxy as Emperor along with Rey as his Empress. The duo are said to represent both the negative and positive aspects of the force, which – when combined – will allow Palpatine to be rejuvenated, returning him to his full strength.
We’re going to hazard a guess that old Sheev will be thwarted in his efforts, as the site goes on to report that the final scene of the movie will see Rey paying a visit to the Lars homestead on Tatooine, where a local will ask her name, with Rey responding “Rey, Rey Skywalker”.
As always, rumours should be taken with a pinch of salt until confirmed, but it’s worth pointing out that Making Star Wars has a very solid track record and has proven to be one of the most reliable sources of info on all things Star Wars over the years.
What do you make of these new rumours? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @FlickeringMyth…
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).