Emperor-free future? Rey's Jedi Order could be Star Wars' fresh start

Ian McDiarmid, the actor who portrayed Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars, has revealed that the character will not be making an appearance in the upcoming New Jedi Order movie. This news has sparked speculation that Palpatine's story arc in the Star Wars universe may have come to a close. Despite being presumed dead after Return of the Jedi, the character returned in The Rise of Skywalker as the saga's ultimate villain. Although he was ultimately defeated once again, the circumstances of his resurrection left fans unsure of his ultimate fate. McDiarmid has now confirmed that he has no knowledge of any future appearances for the character.

There have been no indications of McDiarmid's involvement in the New Jedi Order film. However, it is worth noting that he had previously kept his work on The Rise of Skywalker a secret until its official reveal, and had also denied involvement in Obi-Wan Kenobi. If McDiarmid is indeed involved in the upcoming film, it presents an opportunity for the Star Wars franchise to move beyond the Emperor's character.

Rey's New Jedi Order Is A Chance For Star Wars To Break With The Past

To move the Star Wars franchise forward, it's crucial to introduce fresh elements and break away from past tropes that have plagued the sequel trilogy. While the Sith will always be the sworn enemies of the Jedi, the franchise would benefit from a new and formidable antagonist, rather than resurrecting old villains like Palpatine. With Rey's New Jedi Order movie as a starting point, introducing a powerful new foe who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Emperor and Darth Vader could ensure the franchise's success for decades to come.

Source: ComicBook.com