Aside from the films, Palpatine appears in various canon and non-canon Star Wars media. Since the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983, Palpatine has become a widely recognized symbol of evil in popular culture, and since the prequel films, also one of sinister deception and the subversion of democracy.
In The Rise of Skywalker (2019), the final film in the sequel trilogy, Palpatine is revealed to be both the mastermind behind the First Order and the creator of its former leader, Snoke, as well as the grandfather of protagonist Rey. In the prequel trilogy, he is portrayed as a charismatic politician-and, secretly, a Sith Lord-who orchestrates the Clone Wars, all but exterminates the Jedi Order, ends the Galactic Republic, and seduces Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker to the dark side of the Force. In the original trilogy, Palpatine is depicted as Emperor of the Galactic Empire and the master of Darth Vader.
The character appears in each trilogy in the nine-film Skywalker saga, in which he is portrayed by Ian McDiarmid and serves as the primary antagonist.
Initially credited as The Emperor in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, he is also known by his Sith name Darth Sidious. Sheev Palpatine is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas.
