Did Palpatine Really Die At The End Of The Last Star Wars?
The Rise of Skywalker was arguably the most controversial part of the whole saga. It not only ruined George Lucas' idea of a Chosen One, but also proved a fact that no one really died in the galaxy far, far away.
The end of Episode 9 left many Star Wars fans with questions and speculations about the fate of Emperor Palpatine.
The final scene showed the Sith Lord completely obliterated by his own Force blast, leaving only a pile of ashes. But is the Sith really dead for good?
In the climactic battle on Exegol, Rey confronts Palpatine, who reveals that he has been manipulating her all along and plans to transfer his essence into her body.
Kylo Ren, who has turned to the light side and taken the name Ben Solo, arrives to help Rey, and together they battle the Sith's guards and his dark power.
It is important to note that Palpatine has a history of cheating death. In the prequel trilogy, he survived being thrown down a reactor shaft by Darth Vader, and even later in Revenge of the Sith, he was struck by his own lightning when Mace Windu reflected his dark powers.
This suggests that the Emperor may have had contingency plans for his own demise, and it is possible that he could have survived again (also if Disney wants him to).
The Star Wars franchise also has a long history of resurrecting characters. Darth Maul was thought to be dead after being sliced in half in Episode I, but later returned in the animated series and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Even beloved Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi returned as a Force ghost in the prequel trilogy.
Palpatine's death in Episode 9, however, seemed irreversible and conclusive. His body had disintegrated, and there was no sign of any lingering presence or Force energy.
Also, the filmmakers have stated that they consider The Rise of Skywalker to be the conclusion of the family saga, which would suggest that they do not intend to bring Palpatine back in any form.
Ultimately, the fate of the Emperor remains a subject of debate among Star Wars fans.
While there are certainly arguments for his possible survival, it is also possible that his death was indeed final.
Regardless of his fate, Palpatine will always be remembered as one of the most iconic and sinister villains in cinematic history.