Screen Rant

  • The Rise of Skywalker trailer ends with the chilling laugh of Emperor Palpatine. 1 / 7

    Kylo Ren Rey lightsaber duel Star Wars Rise of Skywalker vertical TLDR

  • Director J. J. Abrams and actor Ian McDiarmid have both confirmed the Emperor's return. 2 / 7

    Chancellor Palpatine Vertical

  • Instead of risking a leak, Lucasfilm decided to reveal the Emperor to generate buzz. 3 / 7

    Emperor Palpatine Vertical

  • The laugh does not show the Emperor, so fans can speculate about his return. 4 / 7

    Luke Palpatine TLDR Vertical

  • Previously, Abrams faced criticism about the return of a major villain in Star Trek Into Darkness. 5 / 7

    JJ Abrams and Knights of Ren on Star Wars 9 set vertical TLDR

  • Abrams lied and denied Khan's return... even though Benedict Cumberbatch WAS playing Khan. 6 / 7

    JJ Abrams Vertical

  • But with Palpatine confirmed to be back, the stakes are higher than ever. 7 / 7

    Star Wars - Emperor Palpatine Vertical