Sheev Palpatine is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. He first appears on screen in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), in which he is credited as The Emperor, and is the overarching antagonist of the three film trilogies in the Skywalker Saga, in which he is portrayed by Ian McDiarmid. The character is also known by his Sith name, Darth Sidious, which was first used in the novelization of The Phantom Menace (1999). In creating Palpatine, Lucas was inspired by real-world examples of democratic backsliding during the rise and rule of dictators such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Adolf Hitler.
The Emperor in the original 1980 version of The Empire Strikes Back, portrayed by Marjorie Eaton wearing a mask with chimpanzee eyes superimposed and voiced by Clive Revill
Chancellor Palpatine's robes from Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Ian McDiarmid as Senator Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Sam Witwer originally provided the voice for Palpatine in Rebels
Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
Star Wars characters Darth Vader (left), Emperor Palpatine (center), and Luke Skywalker (right)
Timothy Zahn authored the Thrawn trilogy, which was widely credited with revitalizing the dormant Star Wars franchise in the early 1990s.
George Lucas made much of his fortune by retaining his rights to the franchise's merchandising.
The aerial warfare of WWII inspired the space fights.
