Many weeks ago Ian McDiarmid teased the likelihood of his Emperor Palpatine character ever showing up in a live-action Star Wars production again, and now he is doubling down on his cryptic ways.
Recently, at ICCC, he was asked about wanting to reprise his role of Palpatine again, and he had this fairly direct response:
“There’s a certain show coming soon set right around the time I may have considered to be very active. Whether or not you will see my physical body, I cannot comment on. But you will certainly feel my presence”
Ian McDiarmid
Without confirming his involvement, Ian has confirmed his involvement in a soon-to-be released Star Wars series, which could very well be Obi-Wan Kenobi, or Andor. Both of these series are prime for peak Palpatine, but one seems more ripe for a guest spot than the other.
We discussed this on the SWTS, and while either series would work for a Palpatine cameo, we thought Kenobi would be the show for his return. We also predicted it would be via a hologram chat with Lord Vader, similar to how the Emperor was first introduced on screen in The Empire Strikes Back. This would certainly fall within Ian’s guidelines of possibly not seeing his physical body, but that fans would feel his presence.
Andor’s setting is also primed for a Palpatine appearance, so maybe he will have a moment in both, but the Kenobi series and its impending air date seems to be the most likely spot for Ian to bring the Emperor back to life once again.
Nick and I will talk more about Ian’s latest tease on this week’s episode of the SWTS, so don’t forget to tune into the Star Wars Time Show on a weekly basis via our podcast platforms or via YouTube if you prefer the livestream angle.
