The spirit of Darth Sidious

For weeks now we have heard that actor Matt Smith will portray a Sith acolyte in Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker.

The part of this rumor that is most fascinating, is that this acolyte will in fact be posessed by the spirit of Darth Sidious!

That’s right; Emperor Palpatine himself is said to return, only as a spirit from the netherworld of the Force.

During Revenge of the Sith, it was Palpatine who shared with a young Anakin Skywalker the Sith legend of Darth Plagieus the wise, and his ability to manipulate the midichlorians.

This dark side power enabled the Sith Lord to prevent others from dying; it did not however prevent himself from being killed by his young apprentice, Darth Sidious.

Since Darth Sidious/ Palpatine learned this evil ability, then it stands to reason that he had the ability to use it as well.

For this to be done in Episode IX, I want to look further back to a light side force user, a Jedi Knight, for answers on how it could play out.

In Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, Jedi master Yoda informs Obi-Wan Kenobi that his old master, Qui-Gon John, has returned from the netherworld of the Force.

It is implied that Qui-Gon has conversed with Yoda; something we see in Star Wars The Clone Wars.

If then a Jedi can maintain their eternal consciousness, then why not a Sith? In Legends material, it has been seen more than once, including with Emperor Palpatine.

This then is a highly probable plot twist for Episode IX. It seems likely that if this is indeed accurate, that Kylo Ren and Rey joining forces to defeat the Emperor is also plausible.

It would certainly make for an interesting plot, and would be a fitting way to bring a conclusion to the Skywalker Saga.

Fans the world over have waited for thirty six years to see a fitting end for their hero Luke Skywalker, and though The Last Jedi failed to offer that, then perhaps the story will come full circle, and bring closure in Episode IX, with both the hiers and legacy of the Force.