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‘Revenge of the Sith’ Supervillain Ian McDiarmid on His ‘Star Wars’ Heel Turn, ‘Rise of Skywalker’ Backlash and Steven Spielberg’s Reaction to The Emperor: ‘Oh My God You’re Evil’
As 'Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith" turns 20, Ian McDiarmid talks playing the Emperor for four decades and 'Rise of Skywalker' backlash.
The Emperor has existed as long as the franchise itself, from a passing mention in “A New Hope” to his unexpected (and controversial) reappearance in “The Rise of Skywalker.” But the 2005 prequel finale “Revenge of the Sith,” now re-released to theaters and celebrating its 20th anniversary on May 19, forms the inflection point between his benevolent public persona and his true (and truly evil) identity. To commemorate the “Revenge of the Sith” anniversary, McDiarmid spoke with Variety from his flat in London to discuss the character’s climactic pivot, and the process of building his arc after first being cast in the role — replacing late voice actor Clive Revill — for “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. And, in addition to my throat and the fact it was late in the afternoon on a Friday, there was a birthday party for the first AD, and a man in a gold suit — i.e. Anthony Daniels — was busy getting the champagne ready just off the set on a trolley.
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