Summary
One popularStar Warsactor shared how it felt playing their villainous role. In doing so, they admitted enjoying one specific part of it — being manipulative.
Star Warsdebuted on June 10, 2025, with the first movie eventually being retitledStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. George Lucas directed the very first film, which changed pop culture forever. Since its debut, there have been 11 live-action features released and several iconic villains, too. One spoke about their character in the hit franchise and what they enjoyed about it.
Ian McDiarmid spoke withVarietyabout his role inStar Warsto commemorate theRevenge of the Sith20th anniversary. McDiarmid debuted inStar Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi(1983). He has since reprised the role in multipleStar Warsfilms, includingThe Phantom Menace(1999),Attack of the Clones(2002),Revenge of the Sith(2005), andThe Rise of Skywalker(2019). Recounting his role inRevenge of the Sith, where Palpatine took full control after years of malicious machinations, McDiarmid said, “The manipulation was always fun.” He also shared the other elements that he loved during filming, including his longer screen time and having more moments with co-starHayden Christensen, who plays Anakin Skywalker. He said:
I had more screen time, more time with Hayden [Christensen] — so that was more satisfying. I also had no idea that Palpatine would have power with a weapon, so to find that he was very good—to give my stunt double full credit—with a saber was interesting.
During the interview, they talked about how Palpatine’s arc was mapped out when he was rehired inThe Phantom Menace. According to McDiarmid, it was not mapped out at the time. He was in his 50s inThe Phantom Menaceand was still young enough to play Senator Palpatine. InAttack of the Clones, he became Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who manipulates the galaxy. InRevenge of the Sith, he fully becomes Emperor Palpatine, who creates the Galactic Empire. He returns as a resurrected Emperor Palpatine inThe Rise of Skywalker. When asked about playing the character later on and whether there was a sort of reverse-engineering of Palpatine’s decrepitude, McDiarmid said the character’s aging “wasn’t really relevant” because what was significant was the “evil process.” Even if Palpatine’s body is getting weaker, his mind remains active. “Palpatine certainly had a hyperactive mind,” he added.
Ian McDiarmid’s Emperor Palpatine Is One Of The Greatest Villains In All Of Cinematic History
McDiarmid’s portrayal of Emperor Palpatine, especially inRevenge of the Sith, was widely acclaimed. Many were impressed by how he convinced Anakin to turn to the dark side. In theStar Warsmovies, Palpatine befriended Anakin when he was still the Chancellor of the Republic and treated him like a special protégé. He made Anakin feel important. However,the Jedi Counciloften distrusts Anakin and keeps him at arm’s length. Palpatine takes advantage of this by filling the emotional gap as Anakin’s mentor and father figure. Anakin fears losing people close to him because he has already lost his mom, and he has visions of his wife Padmé dying in childbirth. Palpatine uses his fears by encouraging Anakin to turn to the dark side because only they could prevent Padmé’s death.
Manipulative Palpatine has planted seeds of doubt against the Jedi in Anakin. So when the Jedi Council asked him to spy on Palpatine, it helped the latter’s case. The latter played the victim when Mace Windu tried to arrest Palpatine, leaving Anakin desperate and confused, ultimately helping kill Windu. Later, Anakin realizes he has crossed a line, but Palpatine promises to teach him the dark side powers tosave Padmé. At that point, Anakin feels there’s no turning back because he has already betrayed the Jedi. Palpatine names him Darth Vader. Palpatine is a pro when it comes to manipulating people. He twists Anakin’s emotions and takes advantage of his fears. He also knows how to fake weakness to gain leverage over his opponent, like pretending to be helpless against Windu, so Anakin will side with him. While Darth Vader is often considered the most famous villain, Palpatine is the true mastermind.
