In a recent interview, Ian McDiarmid, the actor renowned for portraying Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars saga, reflected on the controversial return of his character in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. His comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the film's narrative choices and the backlash from fans regarding Palpatine's resurrection.
McDiarmid expressed that it was "very satisfying" to discover that Palpatine had a granddaughter, Rey, played by Daisy Ridley. However, he acknowledged the confusion surrounding this revelation, admitting, "There was never any discussion of any of that. It was up to me to work it out in my head." He further elaborated on the lore introduced in The Phantom Menace, where midichlorians were said to be involved in Anakin Skywalker’s birth, hinting at a deeper, yet unexplored, connection to Palpatine's lineage.
Addressing the awkward question of whether the dark lord ever engaged in sexual relationships, McDiarmid humorously suggested that the answer might lean towards "things in tubes" rather than any romantic entanglements. This light-hearted approach underscores the challenges and peculiarities of crafting a backstory for such an iconic villain.
Despite the backlash surrounding Palpatine's return, McDiarmid appeared largely unfazed. "Well, there’s always something, isn’t there? I don’t read that stuff and I’m not online," he stated, indicating that he only hears about fan reactions when mentioned by others. He anticipated some controversy over Palpatine's comeback, yet he felt the rationale behind it was sound, noting, "This man who was horribly maimed thought maybe one day it might happen to him, and we’ve got to have a plan B." He added, "I loved the whole idea that he should come back and be even more powerful than he was before," though he confirmed that this time, Palpatine had to be utterly destroyed.
Interestingly, McDiarmid also touched upon a long-rumored, unproduced Star Wars television project that George Lucas had been developing before selling Lucasfilm to Disney. He mentioned that the series was rumored to delve deeper into the Sith, particularly the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise, whom Palpatine famously referenced. "Just the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise. It’s fairly obvious that my character murdered Plagueis on his road to becoming Palpatine. But beyond that, no," McDiarmid explained.
While Palpatine’s dark legacy continues to echo throughout Star Wars lore, fans should not expect to see him in the upcoming season of Andor. Tony Gilroy has confirmed that Palpatine will not appear in the second season, and with the recent cancellation of The Acolyte, any plans to explore Sith legends further seem to have been quietly shelved.
In a related note, Daisy Ridley, who portrayed Rey, has also been in the spotlight recently. The 33-year-old actress has been vocal about her experiences following her role in the franchise. In a candid interview, she stated, "I’m not an arsehole!" showcasing her down-to-earth personality amid the pressures of fame. Ridley has hinted at a top-secret spin-off project centered around her character, sparking interest among fans eager to see more of Rey’s journey.
Ridley’s reflections on navigating the challenges of early fame resonate with many actors who find themselves thrust into the limelight unexpectedly. She described being "battered and bruised" on the set of her film, a sentiment that highlights the often overlooked struggles that accompany sudden celebrity. Despite this, Ridley continues to embrace her craft, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to evolving as an artist.
As both McDiarmid and Ridley navigate their respective paths post-Star Wars, their insights offer a glimpse into the complexities of legacy and expectation within one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history. The interplay between character development, fan expectations, and the realities of production continues to shape the narratives that Star Wars fans hold dear.
As of April 29, 2025, the future remains uncertain for both Palpatine and Rey within the Star Wars universe. While fans eagerly await new content, the discussions surrounding past films and characters serve as a reminder of the passionate engagement that the franchise inspires. Whether through McDiarmid's reflections on Palpatine's return or Ridley's exploration of Rey's character, the Star Wars saga remains a vibrant topic of conversation, with fans and actors alike deeply invested in its ongoing legacy.
