‘They Got It For Free’: Iconic Star Wars Actor Shares Hilarious Story Behind Landing a Key Role

Brief Overview

Ian McDiarmid was nearly overlooked for the role of Palpatine due to another actor’s prior casting.
George Lucas viewed McDiarmid’s distinctive “great nose”as a fortuitous attribute, contributing to his unforgettable depiction of Palpatine.

Star Wars has firmly established itself as a cinematic phenomenon, particularly through its unforgettable villains, with Sheev Palpatine reigning supreme among them. Interestingly, the actor who is synonymous with this iconic role, Ian McDiarmid, almost didn’t get the opportunity to portray the character due to some unexpected casting dynamics.

The diverse range of villains in the Star Wars universe—from the imposing Darth Vader to the cunning Cad Bane—demonstrates the franchise’s creative depth. Yet, it is Palpatine, with his devious machinations, who stands out as the pinnacle of evil. Ian McDiarmid, the actor chosen to fill this role, delivered a performance that has since become legendary.

McDiarmid’s first portrayal of Palpatine was not only memorable but also opened the door for his return in the prequel trilogy, where he reprised the character without the need for the elaborate makeup that had become his hallmark. His contribution continued with a significant appearance in The Rise of Skywalker, making him a unique presence across all three principal trilogies. However, the remarkable casting story reveals that fate nearly intervened in a different direction.

In a fascinating recount, as shared by Collider, McDiarmid disclosed that he was thrilled at the prospect of becoming the Emperor, an opportunity that arose because of an unforeseen situation with another actor already cast in the role. Initially, production had intended to feature this older actor, but complications arose when it was time for the actor to wear the crucial Sith contact lenses.

As McDiarmid explained, “His eyes just wouldn’t support them, and they couldn’t insure him… The first ones were made of glass. They were more scratchy than the most recent plastic ones.”This unfortunate twist allowed McDiarmid to audition, and the rest is cinematic history.

Adding a touch of humor to his experience, McDiarmid recalled a memorable exchange with George Lucas as he exited the audition.“Oh, by the way, great nose, ”Lucas remarked. While McDiarmid found this observation rather peculiar at first, he soon saw it as a promising sign. With only his nose visible beneath the iconic hood, this anatomical feature became a defining aspect of his portrayal. In reflecting on this moment, he joked that it was the only part of his face that was truly exposed, hinting that they might have even considered using a prosthetic if necessary.

Lucas and the creative team certainly benefited from McDiarmid’s unique features, and today, Star Wars fans are grateful for the serendipity of this casting decision. Beyond his film performances, McDiarmid’s contributions to the franchise have included engaging in discussions about Palpatine’s character and making voice appearances in animated series.

While McDiarmid’s tenure as Palpatine may be concluding with the franchise’s current direction, his impact remains indelible. His role as the Emperor, characterized by both serendipitous opportunities and exceptional talent, has secured his place in Star Wars history. As new stories unfold in the expansive universe, the legacy of his portrayal will continue to resonate with audiences.

The entire Star Wars collection is currently available for streaming on Disney+.

Source: Collider

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