Ian McDiarmid Doesn't Want Anyone Else to Play Palpatine

Actor Ian McDiarmid debuted as one of the most iconic villains in history with his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi in 1983. The actor returned to the role for the prequel films, beginning in 1999 with The Phantom Menace, and, while the actor doesn't know what future films hold, he doesn't want any actor but him to play Palpatine.

"I suppose there must be a chance but I think you'd find out about it more quickly than I would," McDiarmid explained to the BBC about the possibility of him returning to the saga. "But there is what they call the anthology series and, actually, the most recent one, Rogue One, was about the time when I was in charge. I was referred to a few times, Darth Vader popped up, but you did not see me. Maybe they are keeping me as a surprise for later but I have no idea. Of course, I don't want anyone else to play him."

The actor, now 73, would most likely undergo some heavy makeup or digital plastic surgery to appear as a slightly younger Palpatine, but considering Rogue One managed to accomplish that feat with Princess Leia and even resurrected the image of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin for the film, anything is possible.

McDiarmid was only in his 30s when he first portrayed the character, his appearance made much older with the help of makeup. When he returned to play a young Palpatine, McDiarmid was much closer in age to his actual on-screen persona.

The Force Awakens saw the debut of a new villain in Supreme Leader Snoke, whose identity is a mystery. Many have theorized the possibility that Palpatine survived the events of Return of the Jedi and has reemerged as "Snoke."

"As far as the new films are concerned, I'm dead. There is no question about that," McDiarmid debunks.

[H/T BBC]

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