Ian McDiarmid Defends Palpatine's Return in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

"Somehow, Palpatine returned." This iconic line from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has become a meme that encapsulates fans' mixed feelings about the Emperor's controversial comeback. While many fans were displeased with Palpatine's resurrection through cloning after his supposed demise in Return of the Jedi, Ian McDiarmid, who has portrayed the character for over four decades, offered a different perspective on the backlash.

In a recent interview with Variety, celebrating the theatrical re-release of Revenge of the Sith, which has enjoyed significant box office success, McDiarmid addressed the criticism. He dismissed the controversy surrounding Palpatine's return, stating, "mine and Palpatine’s logic was entirely reasonable." He elaborated, "It seemed entirely probable that Palpatine had plan B. Even though he was very, very badly damaged, he would be able to be put it together in some form."

McDiarmid also shared his enthusiasm for the filming experience, particularly enjoying the "astral wheelchair" and the fun of being moved around the studio. He noted, "Daisy [Ridley] was more worried about that than anything else." Additionally, he relished the opportunity to explore a new, even more grotesque makeup look for the character.

Regarding the specific backlash to the Emperor's return, McDiarmid remained unfazed, saying, "Well, there’s always something, isn’t there? I don’t read that stuff and I’m not online. So it’ll only reach me if someone mentions it. I thought there might be a bit of a fuss about bringing him back. But as I said, mine and Palpatine’s logic was entirely reasonable." He further explained that Palpatine, anticipating the possibility of severe injury, had a contingency plan in place. McDiarmid concluded, "I loved the whole idea that he should come back and be even more powerful than he was before. Though this time, he had to be utterly destroyed. So I think he’s dead."

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

View 23 ImagesDespite the controversy, it seems unlikely that the core Star Wars fanbase will ever fully embrace Palpatine's return in The Rise of Skywalker. Many would prefer to overlook this plot point altogether. It remains to be seen how future Star Wars films will address this. Notably, Daisy Ridley's character, Rey Skywalker, is set to feature prominently in upcoming projects, having been hailed as the franchise's "most valuable cinematic asset."

Ridley is confirmed to return in a sequel directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which will follow Rey as she works to rebuild the Jedi Order approximately 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.