"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is set to launch in theaters this December, and while the film will be featuring a returning Darth Vader, it has now been confirmed that Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is not. McDiarmid himself confirmed the Emperor would not be appearing during the recent Amsterdam Comic-Con.
In an interview with OIDOO, McDiarmid explained that Darth Vader would be the main villain alongside Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn).
"Rogue One's on its way, when I was in charge of things - I mean the Emperor, not me. I am not featured in the movie myself, but I understand that Darth Vader may be making an appearance," McDiarmid explained, confirming that he would not be reprising the role for the film.
However, as stated by Cinema Blend, this does not entirely mean Emperor Palpatine is not in the movie as there is a possibility a younger actor may be cast to portray him. This is due to the fact that the movie takes place before the events of "Star Wars: A New Hope" and this would require a younger actor for the role.
if Palpatine is indeed absent in the film then Darth Vader and Orson Krennic will serve as the primary antagonists, particularly the latter as he is the director in charge of the production of the Death Star. As Krennic handles the manufacturing of the giant military station Vader will handle the military operations to defeat the Rebel Alliance.
Cinema Blend also points out that without Palpatine the film will be able to focus on its new and original characters. Very few are returning characters such as the aforementioned Darth Vader, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) and Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits), ensuring that the film will not rely solely on nostalgia.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" releases in theaters this Dec. 15.
