Star Wars veteran Ian McDiarmid responded to rumors that his character Palpatine would return in his own solo project.

During a Star Wars Celebration panel, McDiarmid was asked about a rumor that Disney is developing a prequel focused on Sheev Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, a role first played by McDiarmid in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. "I think it's a really good rumor," the actor said. He explained that it would probably be best for a younger actor to take over the role in a potential sequel, and joked, "Have you seen what they can do with faces?"

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McDiarmid did not outright deny the possibility of a solo series based on Palpatine's early life, he offer a cryptic hint at whether or not the Emperor would return in Disney+'s newest Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "That is a disgraceful question, and one which I have no intention of answering," McDiarmid said during the same panel. "All I would say about future speculation is, if you're expecting the Emperor to appear, soon in flesh and blood -- don't get your hopes up."

However, the actor's choice of words is notable, as it highlights the possibility of Emperor Palpatine appearing in another form. During another recent appearance, McDiarmid hinted at his possible return in an upcoming Star Wars project. "There's a certain show coming soon set right around the time I may have considered to be very active," he said. "Whether or not you will see my physical body, I cannot comment on. But you will certainly feel my presence."

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Created by George Lucas, McDiarmid first appeared in the Star Wars universe in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, where he was credited as "the Emperor." He appeared again in 1983's Return of the Jedi. McDiarmid would go on to reprise the role throughout the prequel trilogy films, which consist of Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). McDiarmid would reprise the role one more time for The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.

Lucasfilm has been steadily releasing several series for Disney+, with the newest release being Obi-Wan Kenobi on May 27. The release windows for three upcoming shows -- Andor, Ahsoka and The Mandalorian Season 3 -- were officially confirmed as well. Andor is set to release late this summer, which will be followed by the third season of The Mandalorian in late 2022 or early 2023, and Ahsoka in 2023.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is now streaming n Disney+.

Source: Star Wars Celebration - Ian McDiarmid: An Audience with The Emperor