Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Sci-Fi Movies
  4. Star Wars Movies
  5. Star Wars 9

Is the Emperor in Star Wars 9? J.J. Abrams says "he’s in the poster for a reason"

News
By Bradley Russell published 29 August 2019

The Rise of Skywalker director also praises Adam Driver’s “mindblowing” turn as Kylo Ren

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Star Wars 9
(Image credit: Lucasfilm)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Details about Star Wars 9 are still mostly under wraps, particularly when it comes to those corrupted by the Dark Side of the Force. Director J.J. Abrams, though, has given out a few hints about the Emperor’s potential involvement in Rise of Skywalker, as well as a “mindblowing” performance from Adam Driver as Kylo Ren.

“That’s part of what the story is [about],” Abrams told MTV News during a recent interview when asked about both the Emperor’s role in Star Wars 9 and who the ultimate ‘Big Bad’ will be. “I will say that, with the Emperor around, he’s not gonna be… the cuddly pal. I can’t wait to see how that plays out, but he’s in the poster for a reason.”

While the first Star Wars 9 trailer featured only a final, ominous sound of the Emperor laughing, those Abrams comments may yet hint at a larger role for the man who was once Chancellor Palpatine.

Someone else well-versed in the way of the Sith is Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren. The idea that the Sith Lord would eventually flip back to the side of light has been circulating ever since his assassination of Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Abrams is keeping any story beats close to his chest in the regard, but teased that Driver, “is mindblowing in this, he’s brought a whole other level” and on the subject of Kylo Ren’s redemption, a cryptic, but ultimately interesting response that should tide #Bendemption (yep, that’s a whole thing) fans over until December: “you can never limit what [Adam Driver] can do.”

You may like
  • Rey and Ben Solo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker New Star Wars book features Rey and Ben Solo crumbs – but it will be enough to make Reylos everywhere happy
  • Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker One of the most infamous Star Wars lines was added in reshoots, Oscar Isaac says
  • John Boyega in Star Wars: The Force Awakens John Boyega says he's spoken to Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni about coming back to Star Wars

Dive deep into the recent Star Wars 9 teaser with our look at everything we discovered in the D23 Rise of Skywalker footage.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
Disney Plus Streaming Services
Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Social Links Navigation
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
Rey and Ben Solo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies New Star Wars book features Rey and Ben Solo crumbs – but it will be enough to make Reylos everywhere happy
 
 
Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies One of the most infamous Star Wars lines was added in reshoots, Oscar Isaac says
 
 
John Boyega in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars Movies John Boyega says he's spoken to Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni about coming back to Star Wars
 
 
The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies Star Wars fans are discussing one major moment in The Rise of Skywalker
 
 
Andy Serkis as Snoke in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars Movies Andy Serkis says playing Snoke in The Force Awakens was "a massive challenge" because he was constantly "evolving"
 
 
Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies Steven Soderbergh isn't interested in reviving his scrapped Star Wars movie under new Disney and Lucasfilm leadership
 
 
Latest in Star Wars Movies
Embo in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Dave Filoni says Embo was originally supposed to appear in George Lucas’ abandoned Star Wars series
 
 
Pedro Pascal unmasked as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Pedro Pascal spends more time unmasked in The Mandalorian and Grogu than the three Disney Plus seasons
 
 
Grogu and the Anzellans in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Jon Favreau says he "called up" JJ Abrams about using the Anzellans
 
 
Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars Movies Almost 10 years later, one Star Wars fan has spotted a big difference between The Last Jedi trailer and the movie
 
 
Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and Baby Yoda in the snow in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies One Star Wars fan has given us a Mandalorian and Grogu homestead tour, and now I really want to live there
 
 
Din Djarin and Baby Yoda sitting together in the Super Bowl TV spot for The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Mandalorian suit performer says team is "overwhelmed by the positive response" to The Mandalorian and Grogu
 
 
Latest in News
GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto GTA 5 is still selling millions a year, letting Rockstar do whatever it wants with GTA 6
 
 
Lara Croft in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Tomb Raider Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis is the OG "reimagined in ways that weren't possible 30 years ago"
 
 
Silent Hill: Townfall
Silent Hill After Silent Hill f combat discourse, Silent Hill Townfall goes all-in on stealth
 
 
Rayman, Barbara, and Grand Minimus appear perplexed in one of Rayman Legends Retold's new cutscenes
Rayman Thanks to GTA 6, Ubisoft's new Rayman is once again launching in "nearly the same month" as a new GTA
 
 
An allosaurus in The Lost Wild
Survival Horror Games Dinosaur survival horror The Lost Wild emerges to build on director's Alien: Isolation experience
 
 
God of War Laufey
God of War God of War will "always tell stories about Kratos," says Sony Santa Monica creative lead Cory Barlog
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Avowed screenshot showing a corpse-like figure's face with glowing purple mushroom/spore growths
    1
    After 26 years of RPGs, Obsidian's Josh Sawyer admits he's still trying to make a good armor system
  2. 2
    GTA 5 is still selling millions a year, letting Rockstar do whatever it wants with GTA 6
  3. 3
    Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis is the OG "reimagined in ways that weren't possible 30 years ago"
  4. 4
    How to turn on your Marathon flashlight on Night Marsh
  5. 5
    After Silent Hill f combat discourse, Silent Hill Townfall goes all-in on stealth

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...