Ian McDiarmid won’t be in Rogue One…what does this mean for Emperor Palpatine?

According to a recent interview with Dutch website XGN, actor Ian McDiarmid will not be playing the role of Emperor Palpatine in Role One: A Star Wars Story…

In a recent blog post by Hounds Tooth Blog (via XGN), we’ve just learned that last actor to play Emperor Palpatine, Ian Mcdiarmid, will not be in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when the film hits theaters worldwide in December.

McDiarmid talks about his being left out of the role, around the 6:30 mark. Check it out:

“Rogue One’s on its way when I was in charge of things.  I mean the Emperor, not me. I am not featured in that myself, but I understand that Darth Vader may be making an appearance, and they’re trying to steal the plans to the Death Star.”

Here’s the thing, Ian McDiarmid doesn’t need to be in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story for Emperor Palpatine to be in the film. While yes, it would be amazing to have the last actor to have played the most powerful Sith Lord in the Galaxy, to once again don the dark robes and hooded cowl of Darth Sidious, Rogue One isn’t about him, it’s about the Rebellion.

In fact, one could even go so far as to say that Rogue One is going to be more about Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), more so than it is about the Empire, or any other character in the film. And yes, Mon Mothma’ s fledgling Rebellion is most certainly at the forefront of this film, but make no mistake, Jyn Erso is the centerpiece…the spotlight character, so to speak.

But going back to Palpatine: director Gareth Edwards can certainly have him in Rogue One, but just have another actor portray him, in heavy makeup and dark hooded robe. Then there’s the hologram aspect. Emperor Palpatine could definitely be in the film, talking to Darth Vader, in that aspect.

Next: Empire Magazine Reveals New Images From Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

We want to hear from you: Do you think Emperor Palpatine will appear in Rogue One? Do you think it’s a missed opportunity that Ian McDiarmid won’t be reprising the role? Let us know in the comments and on social media.