Former Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker director Colin Trevorrow reveals J.J. Abrams came up with the idea to bring back Emperor Palpatine. Despite The Rise of Skywalker hitting theaters in just under a month, many plot details are still scarce. Trailers have held very few details about what to expect from the highly-anticipated film, but the first trailer did feature one exciting tidbit: Palpatine is back, somehow.
First appearing in Return of the Jedi, Palpatine was Darth Vader's master and quickly became the franchise's biggest villain. He was killed by Vader in the same film, but he appeared in all three prequel films, which depicted his rise to power and his growing influence over Anakin Skywalker. Most fans accepted his death and never questioned it, but the trailer for The Rise of Skywalker changes things. Exactly how Palpatine will appear is unclear, whether he is truly alive or simply a ghost, but actor Ian McDiarmid is returning for the film.
Trevorrow was initially picked to write and direct Episode 9, but was removed by Lucasfilm due to creative differences. Abrams was brought back on to fill his spot, but Trevorrow retains a story credit due to elements of his initial draft being used in the film. Talking to Empire recently, Trevorrow shared his thoughts on how he feels about some of his ideas being kept in the film, saying "It’s exciting that fans will get to see the moments that felt essential to all of us." He also shed more light on the decision to bring back Palpatine, explaining "Bringing back the Emperor was an idea JJ brought to the table when he came on board. It’s honestly something I never considered. I commend him for it. This was a tough story to unlock, and he found the key."
These comments don't quite match up with previous statements from Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy about Palpatine's return. Back in April, when Palpatine's return was first confirmed, she said there was always a plan to have him reappear, though they didn't know how. Trevorrow's comments, however, make it seem like Abrams came up with Palpatine's return when he joined The Rise of Skywalker. Instead, it's possible he could have meant that Abrams suggested it when he first joined the franchise for 2015's The Force Awakens, which would support Kennedy's comments that Palpatine's return "has been in the blueprint for a long time."
Regardless of when the decision was made, Palpatine's involvement in The Rise of Skywalker has excited fans and fueled numerous theories about how it's possible. With Rey potentially being swayed to the Dark Side and Kylo Ren taking over as Supreme Leader, there are plenty of interesting roles Palpatine could play. Since this is the final film in the Skywalker Saga, it is fitting that the franchise's biggest villain should make a reappearance, and as long as he actually makes an impact on the story, his return will be worth it. After months of speculation, fans' questions will be answered in just a few more weeks.
Source: Empire
