Emperor Actor Ian McDiarmid Will Not Appear In ‘Rogue One’

Those hoping to catch a cameo by Emperor Palpatine in this December’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be disappointed.  There was fan speculation that the Emperor would be making an unannounced appearance as the storyline focuses on the Galactic Civil War. Adding fuel to that fire was the mysterious shot in the first trailer of a cloaked figure bowing to someone surrounded by the Emperor’s royal guard.

Speaking to a reporter at the Amsterdam Comic-Con this past weekend, Ian McDiarmid, who has played the iconic role, stated that he has no involvement in the film.

Rogue One’s on its way, when I was in charge of things – I mean the Emperor, not me. I am not featured in [the movie] myself, but I understand that Darth Vader may be making an appearance.

Although there is the possibility this is a misdirect; it seems unlikely. The other possibility is that the Emperor is in the film but played by an entirely different actor – also highly unlikely. McDiarmid has been very enthusiastic of his role and given the Emperor’s age, it would be appropriate for him to reprise it in Rogue One. So, Star Wars fam, we will need to settle on sinking out teeth into new characters like Jyn Erso (portrayed by Felicity Jones) and celebrating characters we know and love like Alliance founders Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and of course the Emperor’s apprentice, Darth Vader.

I am excited to see the Galaxy Far, Far Away expand. What do you think of this latest news? Will you miss the Emperor?

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16th, 2016.

Source: XGN (via Star Wars News Net)

Nelly Singla

Nelly Singla

Pop culture junkie. Game of Thrones expert. Ruler of men. First of her name.