The Remake So Perfect, You'll Forget the Original Performance Ever Existed

The Big Picture

Marjorie Eaton, Clive Revill, and special effects makeup combined forces to bring the original Emperor Palpatine to life in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.

Ian McDiarmid took on the role of Palpatine in Return of the Jedi when the initial actor became unwell, and he continued to portray the character for nearly four decades. His exceptional portrayal solidified Emperor Palpatine as a formidable and clever Star Wars antagonist. McDiarmid further exemplified his versatility and influence as an actor by returning to the role in both the prequels and the sequel trilogy.

In the realm of cinematic role recasts, one figure reigns supreme as the most underrated yet greatest of them all. Emperor Palpatine, the legendary villain of the Skywalker Saga, famously portrayed by Ian McDiarmid, did not always possess the voice and face we know. Initially introduced only in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and later briefly glimpsed in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Palpatine came to life through a combination of individuals, makeup, and various elements, all designed to embody the sinister mastermind behind the Galactic Empire. However, it was not until Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi that McDiarmid took on the role, seamlessly transitioning into the role of the ruthless ruler. His exceptional portrayal was so effective that he continued to portray Palpatine throughout the prequel and sequel trilogies, solidifying both the character's reign and McDiarmid's ownership of the role for nearly four decades.

Who Played the Original Emperor Palpatine in 'The Empire Strikes Back'?

Image via Lucasfilm

The original Emperor's backstory is unnecessarily complex for a brief appearance. The physical role was portrayed by character actress Marjorie Eaton, who heavily relied on makeup. The voice, on the other hand, was provided by stage and film actor Clive Revill, known for his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth in Batman: The Animated Series. To enhance the mysterious and ominous aura, Eaton's eyes were digitally replaced with those of a chimpanzee. Due to her uncredited role, there was prolonged speculation regarding her involvement. Detractors claimed that it was actually Elaine Baker, the wife of special effects artist Rick Baker, hiding beneath the layers of cosmetics.

The release of J.W. Rinzler’s book The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 2010 set the record straight. According to the author, Eaton’s footage was unsatisfactory, and it was Baker’s portrayal that ultimately made it to the final cut of the Emperor’s brief holographic exchange with Darth Vader (David Prowse/James Earl Jones). The Baker/Eaton/Revill/chimpanzee mashup serves as a short but effective introduction, shining the spotlight on the Emperor and leaving the audience wondering about the man who has the ability to control Vader. However, for Return of the Jedi, a full performance by an actor was necessary to portray the galaxy’s Big Bad.

How Did Ian McDiarmid Become Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars Franchise?

Image via Lucasfilm

The path towards assuming the position of the Emperor in Return of the Jedi was far from smooth. In 2013, Rinzler unveiled The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, shedding light on the fact that British actor Alan Webb was initially chosen for the role. Unfortunately, Webb had to withdraw due to a severe bout of flu. This would have profoundly altered the narrative of the saga given that Webb passed away in June 1982; hence, the film would have marked his final performance. Consequently, there would have been no Palpatine character in the prequel or sequel trilogies. Moreover, the book discloses that renowned actors Ben Kingsley, fresh off his celebrated portrayal in Gandhi, and David Suchet, famous for his portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Poirot, were also under consideration for the role.

With all these obstacles, the filming schedule was already behind, so McDiarmid was quickly chosen for the role. George Lucas and director Richard Marquand had a brief meeting with him, which lasted no more than 10 minutes and did not discuss the movie. Instead, they talked about life and complimented McDiarmid's nose, ultimately leading to their decision. Despite originally casting a 75-year-old actor, McDiarmid, at the age of 37, convincingly portrayed the visibly aged Emperor Palpatine. It took him four hours to undergo the transformation into the sinister, wrinkled makeup. Consequently, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Palpatine appears younger and fresher as a senator, as the actor was 54 years old at the time.

Ian McDiarmid Cemented Emperor Palpatine As the Saga’s Big Bad

Image via Lucasfilm

To cast Emperor Palpatine, a specific vision was laid out: a British stage actor capable of delivering a dramatic, theatrical performance that verged on being over-the-top. McDiarmid embraced this vision and executed it with excellence. The Emperor, who is not yet named in Return of the Jedi, is not merely a secondary villain added to enhance the grandeur of the film. He is a formidable force to be reckoned with. Even Darth Vader, the merciless villain we had feared throughout two films, submits to his commands. With no need to showcase physical combat skills, the Emperor dominates his scenes from his throne, clearly demonstrating his ability to strategize and manipulate events in his favor, no matter the cost. Through his chilling laugh, commanding tone, and forceful directives, McDiarmid succeeds in evoking a sense of hopelessness in the audience during the movie's climactic moments. Will things go his way, leaving our heroes without a happy ending? Fortunately, a last-minute intervention by the rebels, combined with Darth Vader's change of heart towards his son, Luke Skywalker, secures a hard-earned victory for them.

McDiarmid’s impact ensured his return for the prequel trilogy, despite not pursuing a career in film. His role as Senator Palpatine and Darth Sidious was a bit of an obvious reveal, but it allowed him to demonstrate his range. As the senator, he portrayed a believable ally focused on political advancement. As Sidious, he played the long con as the puppet master behind the fall of the Republic. His intense clashes with Padmé and the Jedi council showcased his ability to deceive and rise to power. In Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine somehow returned, revealing himself as the mastermind behind the First Order and Supreme Leader Snoke. Although the decision was controversial, McDiarmid once again proved his ability to handle such a mammoth task.

McDiarmid's performance in Return of the Jedi solidified his role as Emperor Palpatine. He portrayed a mighty, ruthless ruler who mastered the power of the dark side. This performance secured his position as Palpatine for almost four decades. Lucas even had him film an extra performance during the production of Revenge of the Sith to replace the previous version in later releases of The Empire Strikes Back. This effective and lasting recast, with several actors as runner-ups, demonstrates that some things are simply meant to be.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi was directed by Richard Marquand and released on May 25, 1983. The cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew. It is classified as a PG-rated film and falls under the genres of action, adventure, fantasy, and sci-fi.