"Somehow, Palpatine returned." This iconic line from The Rise of Skywalker has become a meme that encapsulates the divisive reaction to Emperor Palpatine's return in the Star Wars saga. Many fans expressed frustration over the character's revival via cloning after his supposed demise in Return of the Jedi. However, Ian McDiarmid, who has portrayed Palpatine for over four decades, offered a different perspective on the backlash during an interview with Variety.
The interview coincided with the re-release of Revenge of the Sith, which has enjoyed significant box office success. McDiarmid dismissed the negative reactions, asserting that "mine and Palpatine’s logic was entirely reasonable." He elaborated on Palpatine's foresight, stating, "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 enjoyment of the filming process, particularly the use of an "astral wheelchair" and the development of a new, more grotesque makeup look.
Addressing the backlash directly, McDiarmid remarked, "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 emphasized Palpatine's preparedness and the idea of returning even more powerful, concluding, "Though this time, he had to be utterly destroyed. So I think he’s dead."
The Rise of Skywalker offers a nebulous explanation for Palpatine's return, suggesting that ancient Sith magic, as hinted by Palpatine's own words, "The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities that some would consider to be... unnatural," played a role. Despite this, the core Star Wars fanbase remains skeptical, with many wishing to ignore Palpatine's comeback altogether.
Looking ahead, the Star Wars universe continues to expand with numerous upcoming movies and TV shows. Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker is set to feature prominently in future projects, including a sequel directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. This film will explore Rey's efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, indicating that the saga will continue to evolve despite the controversies surrounding Palpatine's return.
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