Disney Plus’ new series, Star Wars: The Acolyte acts as a prequel to Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, which leaves people asking whether Palpatine will return as Darth Sidious in the series. Here’s a deep dive into the show’s timeline and Palpatine’s age to break down his potential presence in the show.
Does Palpatine appear in The Acolyte as either a senator or Darth Sidious?
No, Emperor Sheev Palpatine is not expected to return as a sentor or Darth Sidious in the series.
Palpatine has been the prime villain of all three Star Wars trilogies. He was born in 84 BBY and elected as the Senator of Naboo in 52 BBY, which was 20 years before The Phantom Menace.
Meanwhile, The Acolyte is confirmed to take place about a hundred years before the rise of the Galactic Empire. Its events are set towards the latter half of the High Republic Era, which was between 500 BBY to 100 BBY. So, it isn’t likely for Palpatine to appear in the prequel series as a senator or Darth Sidious unless the series expands its lore up to 50 more years in potential future seasons.
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Since the show is set way before The Phantom Menace, it would have multiple familiar elements from the Star Wars lore. But, not many familiar characters from the prequel or original trilogy, such as Yoda, should be expected to return.
As per the official description (via Starwars.com), the series is “an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….”
Star Wars: The Acolyte features Lee Jung-jae as Master Sol, and Amandla Stenberg as Mae/Osha in the lead. Apart from them, it also stars Dafne Keen, Manny Jacinto, Charlie Barnett, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.
