The Star Wars franchise is home to a few terrific and terrifying villains. Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Count Dooku are shown prominently in the movies, but, across all forms of media, Palpatine is the undisputed king. He orchestrates the events of the prequel trilogy, oversees the Empire's reign of terror in the original trilogy, and, in the sequels, is the puppeteer who established the First Order. Ian McDiarmid did a stellar job playing the bad guy, making him the iconic character he is today.
Most things went right for Palpatine over the course of the Skywalker saga. Yet, in another universe, many of his schemes could have failed, and here are 10 ways the Sith Lord's story could have played out differently.
He Could Have Stayed An Apprentice (Or Worse)
Every great Jedi or Sith learns their power from somebody else. Anakin Skywalker was mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn learned everything from Count Dooku, and, in the sequel trilogy, Luke Skywalker is a mentor for Rey. Palpatine's own master was Darth Plagueis.
In Revenge of the Sith, the future Emperor reveals Plagueis was killed in his sleep having previously learned the path to immortality. It's implied Palpatine ruthlessly murdered his superior, but that plot could easily have backfired. Plageuis was strong with the force, and, had he been more on the ball, would likely have been far too strong for his apprentice. It's unlikely Palpatine would have been able to continue training, meaning he could have continued to be Plagueis' stooge or killed as punishment for his act of treachery.
His Plan Could Have Backfired
In Attack of the Clones, Palpatine is busy planning his rise. He ensures Padme Amidala is forced to step away from the Senate, leaving Jar Jar Binks to take control of things in her place. Palpatine preys on the Gungan, who is manipulated into giving the Chancellor powers to effectively sanction the beginning of the Clone Wars.
But, this plan could easily have backfired. Had Anakin and Obi-Wan been successful in killing Count Dooku on Geonosis, the Clone Wars would have ended before they even started. This means that Palpatine's plot to overthrow the Jedi would have required him to go back to the drawing board. Given his immense intelligence, however, he'd likely have come up with another way to ensure the Sith reclaim power.
He Could Have Been Outed
At the beginning of Revenge of the Sith, Palpatine is thrilled when Anakin Skywalker manages to defeat Count Dooku in a lightsaber duel. Dooku lies powerless after having both of his hands severed by the young Jedi Knight, and he's horrified when Palpatine, who he knows is really Darth Sidious, sanctions his execution on the spot.
Had Dooku spoken out and revealed the truth, Palpatine's world would have come crashing down. Anakin could even have killed him instead to ensure the safety of the Galactic Republic—bear in mind this happens before he learns Padme Amidala is in danger. Instead, Dooku's failure to speak out ensures events proceed as McDiarmid's character intends.
He Could Have Been Arrested
When Anakin does finally learn the truth about Palpatine, he's torn. He chooses to report the Sith Lord to Mace Windu, who then attempts to wipe the villain out once and for all. Things obviously don't go as planned, with Anakin intervening to cut Windu's hand off and swing the battle his future master's way.
Had Anakin not turned up, however, Palpatine could have been arrested and stood trial, or Windu could have killed him. Either way, he'd have been unable to rise to power, and the galaxy would have been all the better for it.
He Could Have Lost To Yoda
Revenge of the Sith sees Palpatine and Yoda have an epic lightsaber duel on Coruscant. It's one of the highlights of the movie, though it ends with both characters surviving. McDiarmid's character travels to Mustafar to save Anakin following his defeat to Obi-Wan, while Yoda goes into exile, getting a lift back to Tantive IV from Bail Organa.
Palpatine could have feasibly lost, however. He's disarmed during the duel, and it's his force lightning that prevents him from dying, throwing Yoda off balance and prompting the Jedi to run away. Had he not had that ace up his sleeve, the Empire may have died on the same day it was born.
He Could Have Lost His Dream Apprentice
Anakin is extremely lucky to emerge from his fiery duel with Obi-Wan with his life still intact. He's abandoned by his old mentor on Mustafar, becoming engulfed in flames. The fallen Jedi Knight is only able to survive thanks to Palpatine, who turns up on the scene and whisks him away to get his Darth Vader armor.
For Palpatine, keeping Vader alive is of paramount importance. He spent years wooing him to the dark side, and, had Anakin died, he wouldn't have had a powerful apprentice at his disposal. Without Vader, the Empire would have been far weaker. Certainly, one of their biggest threats wouldn't have been around to keep the people in line.
He Could Have Killed Luke
In Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker successfully brings the Empire's cruel reign of terror to an end. Yet, this only happens because of Darth Vader, who suddenly decides to defend his son before throwing his son down the chute of the second Death Star.
Had Vader not intervened, Palpatine would certainly have fried Luke with his force lightning. Mark Hamill's character had discarded his lightsaber and effectively gave the Sith Lord a free shot. Ultimately, Vader's transformation back into Anakin changed everything and ensured his son reigned supreme rather than his master.
Could Have Gained A New Vader
While Palpatine spends plenty of time in The Rise of Skywalker hoping to make Rey his apprentice, it's Kylo Ren he's long dreamed of having at his disposal.
He was able to influence Ben Solo, turning him to the dark side, and trained him via Supreme Leader Snoke. However, Palpatine hoped Ben would be a crucial asset in the same way Darth Vader once was. Alas, he's mistaken, with Kylo Ren choosing to shed his villainous alter ego and embrace the light side of the force again towards the end of the blockbuster.
He Could Have Succeeded
Palpatine comes precariously close to crushing the Resistance towards the end of the ninth and final Skywalker saga movie. He looks poised to defeat Rey, thus becoming her, until the appearance of Ben Solo changes things.
Had Kylo Ren not joined the fight, it's likely the former Jakku scavenger would have been unable to reign supreme. Palpatine would have successfully goaded her into striking her down before possessing her body and causing yet more chaos across the galaxy. His finest hour, long years of planning, very nearly came to fruition. Alas, it wasn't to be.
He Could Have Stayed Dead
There was very nearly a different version of Episode IX. The Rise of Skywalker was reportedly primed to be called Duel of the Fates during the time where Colin Trevorrow was lined up as director. Leaked exerpts from that script suggest Palpatine would have stayed dead instead of being resurrected for Disney's last hurrah.
Trevorrow was going to keep Kylo Ren as the big bad villain of the sequel trilogy. Some fans will have preferred this decision, while others were undoubtedly happy at seeing such an iconic character return for one last battle. Palpatine's comeback was certainly divisive, but he helped ensure that the saga ended on a thrilling and action-packed note.