Emperor Palpatine & Ian McDiarmid Rumored For Star Wars Episode VII

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A new rumor has surfaced suggesting that Ian McDiarmid will return as Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode VII.

The UK Star Wars fan site, Jedi News (via Yahoo UK), states they have been given information that Ian McDiarmid is set to return for Star Wars: Episode VII.

It’s stated the specifics on the role are unclear, but speculated to be for The Emperor.

In the comic books following Return of the Jedi, The Emperor returned using the Dark Side of The Force through the use of clones which prolonged his life. In essence, The Emperor would transfer from one body to the next.

It’s unknown if the movies will go that route as George Lucas has previously stated only the movies are canon and everything else is not. Obviously they could still use the idea, and Lucas isn’t involved as much as he used to be now that LucasFilm has been sold to Disney.

Back in March, Cosmic Book News was told Star Wars Episode VII may feature a disciple of Palpatine, so maybe it’s possible Ian McDiarmid could be brought back for flashback scenes involved with the new character.

Also around the same time in March, Ian McDiarmid said he would be interested in reprising as the Emperor for future Star Wars movies.

Most recently at Star Wars Celebration Europe, Ian McDiarmid reprised as The Emperor for Warwick Davis.

Star Wars: Episode VII has a 2015 release date directed by J.J. Abrams.

For more news on a galaxy far far away, head on over to the Cosmic Book News Star Wars movie hub.