Ian McDiarmid Reveals 12 Shocking Revenge of the Sith Secrets

Famous “Star Wars” actor Ian McDiarmid has spilled some fascinating details about portraying Emperor Palpatine in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.” Given that he’s played the Emperor for more than 40 years, Ian McDiarmid boasts one of the longest acting careers in the galaxy. Interestingly, the actor has shared that his most enjoyable experience playing Palpatine was during “Revenge of the Sith” due to several reasons.

To mark the 20th anniversary and fresh cinematic return of “Revenge of the Sith,” Ian McDiarmid had an extensive chat with Variety, mainly delving into the intricacies of Emperor Palpatine, particularly focusing on the prequel trilogy and “Revenge of the Sith.” However, there were also some intriguing tidbits about the character in general that were brought up during the conversation. Here are all the insights Ian McDiarmid shared about Emperor Palpatine, as discussed in his interview with Variety (and beyond).

12. Even Ian McDiarmid Had No Idea One Major Revenge Of The Sith Twist Was Coming

Darth Sidious Wielding His Own Sith Lightsaber

McDiarmid shared an intriguing detail about portraying Palpatine in “Revenge of the Sith.” Unaware initially, he found out that his character would be quite active, even participating in lightsaber battles against powerful Jedi Knights such as Mace Windu and Grandmaster Yoda.

In the movie “Revenge of the Sith,” I had a larger role, appearing more frequently and spending more time with Hayden Christensen. This made the experience more rewarding for me. Additionally, I didn’t know that Palpatine would wield a weapon, so discovering his proficiency with a lightsaber was intriguing. To be fair, my stunt double deserves a lot of credit for those scenes involving Palpatine and the saber.

In the initial showing of “Revenge of the Sith” in 2005, spectators were taken aback to find Palpatine utilizing his own lightsaber, a weapon he had never previously been seen with, as he was only known for Force lightning. Interestingly, it appears that Ian McDiarmid felt the same shock when filming this scene.

11. With Phantom Menace, The Full Palpatine Plan Wasn’t Yet Mapped Out

Not Yet Fully Known How Palpatine Would Become The Emperor

It was not until Ian McDiarmid was brought back for “The Phantom Menace” in 1999 that the complete transformation of Senator Palpatine into Emperor Palpatine, as depicted in the original trilogy, had not been completely planned out.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit, the initial plot twist took me by surprise. I never imagined Palpatine would become such a pivotal character. Yet, as fate would have it, I was fortunate enough to embody the role of a younger senator at that time. Upon receiving the script, I discovered that this character was not just one person, but a complex amalgamation – an ordinary politician with a hint of hypocrisy, masking a monstrous secret lurking within. This duality made the role all the more intriguing to bring to life on screen.

It seems clear that George Lucas had a grand scheme in mind for Palpatine’s rise to power and reign over the Empire, but it’s intriguing to learn that the specifics of his transformation weren’t completely laid out at the start.

10. Ian McDiarmid Confirms Palpatine Only Ever Cared About One Thing

Unlimited Power From The Dark Side

It’s quite rewarding, though not shocking, to listen to the actor express his insights about Palpatine’s fundamental reasons and the key idea that fueled Darth Sidious as a Sith Lord – an endless thirst for power.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that this character is undeniably a hypocrite, yet exceptionally skilled in his acting craft. His sole ambition lies in amassing absolute power. At first glance, this may seem straightforward, but the complexity of his portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary. This character, Palpatine, personifies the dark side, savoring its malevolence. He looks down upon those who fail to appreciate or resist its allure, considering them foolish.

9. The Space Opera Was The Peak Of Palpatine’s Manipulation

The “Apotheosis” Of Darth Sidious’ Plot

McDiarmid asserts that the opera house scene in Revenge of the Sith signified the pinnacle of Palpatine’s deceit and scheming. This is because it was the instance where Palpatine started unveiling his true nature, attempting to entice and corrupt the Chosen One towards the dark side.

Palpatine recognizes the potential for ambition within him, and he encourages it. During the opera scene where Anakin requests his aid in saving Padme’s life, Palpatine subtly says “Not from a Jedi.” Essentially, this means that Anakin must abandon everything he believes in to join this side. He must fully embrace darkness and its entirety; otherwise, he will be of no benefit to himself – let alone Palpatine.

That opera scene was simply astonishing, and to me, it reached its peak. He extends an invitation for him to join his inner circle, becoming his trusted associate. As Palpatine’s physical strength wanes, Vader will only grow in power. (Star Wars reference)

8. Palpatine Was Always The Mask, Sidious Was The True Identity

Posing As Weak, Hiding Dangerous Power

McDiarmid too imparted a crucial guidance he got from George Lucas when the prequel trilogy commenced: a vital nugget of advice.

During the filming of “The Phantom Menace”, George Lucas suggested, “You should consider your face like an armored shell” – implying that I had been constructed, and beneath that facade was the true person. This was beneficial because accepting that my own face and voice were entirely fabricated aided me greatly in my performance.

In the prequels, it was revealed that Palpatine presented a public image, while his true villainous identity was Darth Sidious. Similarly, during Return of the Jedi, McDiarmid subtly portrayed this concept by adopting specific mannerisms like sitting on his throne in a certain way and using a cane, which concealed Palpatine’s hidden dark power. This was done to give an impression of weakness and frailty, much like how Palpatine pretended to be weak just before he fatally struck Mace Windu in Revenge of the Sith.

7. Steven Spielberg Knew McDiarmid Was The Perfect Palpatine

“Oh My God, You’re Evil!”

McDiarmid recounted a delightful anecdote about his time as Palpatine during the recording for Return of the Jedi, and that it was among the first instances where the actor breathed life into the character, with both legendary director Steven Spielberg and George Lucas present to bear witness.

Afterward, we returned to London’s studio to re-record everything, where I had my initial encounters with George and Kathleen Kennedy. Remarkably, I also met Steven Spielberg for the first time during this session. As we started filming the early scenes, Steven exclaimed, “Wow, you’re wicked!” At that moment, I was glad to hear it.

It’s clear that Steven Spielberg’s approval of McDiarmid’s performance was undoubtedly a significant boost to the actor, and to Lucas, as they were crafting The Emperor into one of the Star Wars franchise’s most formidable antagonists.

6. Somehow, Palpatine Returned (And Ian McDiarmid Was Always Surprised)

Never Expecting To Return (Both Times)

McDiarmid admitted that he felt equally astonished at being part of the prequel series as he did when he was invited to rejoin for ‘The Rise of Skywalker’.

Initially, I believed he had perished. However, when I received a call inviting me to discuss prequels and learn more about Sidious and others, I thought, “I’ve managed to get another lucky break,” but I assumed this was the end for good. But then JJ Abrams phoned me and shared the news that he would be reappearing. It was wonderful to be a part of that as well.

In my opinion, as a cinephile, the progression from Senator to Emperor in the prequels didn’t seem thoroughly developed at first. However, it’s been clarified elsewhere that Palpatine’s resurrection in the last sequel film was even more improvised. Yet, it’s thrilling to know that Ian McDiarmid embraced the opportunity to be part of both trilogies.

5. Ian McDiarmid Doesn’t Think Palpatine Ever Really “Did It”

At Least Not Traditionally

Was there a discussion with Ian McDiarmid regarding Emperor Palpatine having offspring, considering his granddaughter Rey was unveiled in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’? Previously, questions about romantic or sexual relationships involving Palpatine in the Star Wars universe have been posed to McDiarmid, but this time, his response seemed to deviate from previous statements.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve often been posed an awkward query: “Does this terrifying creature even engage in intimate relationships?” Frankly, I can’t provide a definitive answer. When considering such matters, one might imagine certain biological functions carried out through tubes, rather than conjuring up a disturbing image of this monster partaking in any form of romantic interaction with another being.

Since the release of “The Rise of Skywalker,” it has been established in canonical literature and comic books that Dathan, Rey’s father and Palpatine’s son, was a failed genetic experiment created by the Sith Eternal for the purpose of providing a suitable clone body for Palpatine’s resurrection. This experiment eventually managed to break free from the Sith world of Exegol. Although McDiarmid might not be aware of all the details surrounding these later revelations following Episode IX, he is correct in referring to Palpatine’s ability to procreate as involving “tubes,” rather than more conventional and troubling methods.

4. There Was Once An Emperor Palpatine Series In Development

Was This Star Wars: Underworld?

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder about an intriguing tidbit that surfaced during an interview – it seemed that once upon a time, Lucasfilm was working on a TV show centered around Palpatine, the enigmatic character played by Ian McDiarmid. Though McDiarmid and the interviewer didn’t delve deep into the specifics, one can’t help but speculate what this potential series might have been like and why it never saw the light of day.

Curiously enough, some speculate that this elusive show could have been none other than ‘Star Wars: Underworld’, George Lucas’ live-action series set during the Dark Times. This series was rumored to feature significant story arcs involving Palpatine, as portrayed by McDiarmid. However, the fate of this series changed dramatically when Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney in 2012, and the project never came to be.

3. Darth Plagueis Was All McDiarmid Knew About Palpatine’s Past

Darth Sidious’ Past Was Revealed Off-Screen

In discussing the Palpatine series, McDiarmid was inquired whether he had been informed about Palpatine’s mythology and background. To this question, the actor admitted that he wasn’t privy to such information.

I’ll share a tale about Darth Plagueis the Wise, a figure whose end I may have played a part in during my path to becoming Palpatine. However, there’s more to it than just that. With George Lucas, we didn’t delve into much; you simply appear and ‘eliminate’.

Given that Darth Plagueis first appeared in live-action in 2024’s The Acolyte, there might be a chance for a Palpatine prequel series before the prequel trilogy to eventually come to fruition. It would certainly be intriguing to have an official portrayal of Palpatine’s history, considering that the 2012 Darth Plagueis novel was reclassified as non-canonical “Legends” following Disney’s consolidation of Expanded Universe content.

2. Ian McDiarmid Believes Palpatine Having A “Plan B” Was Inevitable

A Resurrection Wasn’t All That Surprising

McDiarmid admits that he wasn’t taken aback when it was suggested he reprise his role for the sequels, since he already knew Palpatine had a contingency plan to extend his life beyond death, a fact unveiled in The Rise of Skywalker.

However, as I previously mentioned, our thinking with Palpatine was entirely logical. Given his severe injuries, it wasn’t unreasonable for him to fear the same fate might befall him someday. And we needed a contingency plan. The concept of him returning, stronger than ever before, held great appeal. Yet, this time he had to be completely annihilated. I believe he is no more.

Recognizing some criticism from fans about Palpatine’s reappearance, it’s comforting to know that actor Ian McDiarmid remains untroubled by this reaction. Indeed, the concept of Palpatine having an alternative scheme seems plausible. Most Star Wars enthusiasts might concede that the way Palpatine’s comeback was written into the storyline was more disappointing compared to the actual return of McDiarmid’s Palpatine character.

1. Like Palpatine, McDiarmid Is Also Fascinated By Unlimited Power

Those Who Have Riches/Power Always Want More

After portraying Palpatine for more than four decades, Ian McDiarmid was questioned if there was an unexpected aspect about the Emperor he now identifies with. While not a personal characteristic, McDiarmid acknowledges that he finds the concept of unlimited power and those who tirelessly pursue it to no end captivating.

I’ve always found power intriguing, especially observing wealthy individuals who seem insatiable in their pursuit of more wealth and power. It seems to be the primary goal for many people, a curiosity that has resonated with me, particularly when portraying Palpatine, both his younger and older versions.

Indeed, Emperor Palpatine was never satisfied with the power he wielded. Governing an Empire wasn’t enough for him; he yearned for a Death Star to be constructed, which would give him greater control and enable him to assert his dominance over the galaxy even more forcefully. Similarly, the primary motive behind Palpatine’s desire to prolong his life indefinitely was so that he wouldn’t have to relinquish the power he had accumulated, and could instead continue amassing even more power over time.

The 20th Anniversary Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Re-Release is now in theaters.

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2025-04-28 00:51