Unfortunately for those who are expecting Emperor Palpatine's appearance this season, it has just been confirmed that "Star Wars Rebels" will not feature the character in the final year of the show.
Back in May, rumors have circulated that Ian McDiarmid, who voiced the Sith Lord in the original "Star Wars" trilogy and its prequel follow-ups, may bring his signature pipes to the franchise's animated series. Star Wars News Net claimed that he could be voicing a younger Palpatine in a flashback scene.
While it was just a mere speculation, many believed it would happen, not only because of the major battles between the evil Empire and the budding Rebellion, but also because of the fact that season 4 will be the show's last installment.
When asked about possible returns to the series, McDiarmid himself told BBC, "As far as the new films are concerned, I'm dead. There is no question about that." However, he later added that it may be possible for him to return as a voice actor. "Maybe they are keeping me as a surprise for later but I have no idea. Of course, I don't want anyone else to play him."
It turns out, however, that Darth Sidius might remain in the shadows as the events of the fourth installment unfold. According to Benjamin Hart correspondent for Star Wars Underworld, showrunner Dave Filoni himself debunked the claims at Fan Expo 2017. Although, some fans have also contested this fact, so it is best to take this with a grain of salt.
It has not been explained why, but Screenrant thinks that the Emperor doesn't have much reason to get involved in a fight against a small group of freedom fighters. Reportedly, the rebellion will not be publicly known at the time it takes place, and some of the Sith Lord's best generals will be ready to fight; so it will not be much of a threat to his reign.
Still, fans need not worry about the shortage of villains this season, as Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and Grand Moff Tarkin (Stephen Stanton) are both confirmed to return.
"Star Wars Rebels" season 4 premieres Monday, Oct. 16 on Disney XD.
