Emperor Sheev Palpatine is coming back in Star Wars Episode 9, and this could mean that the Skywalker Saga is coming to a truly epic conclusion. After all, the Emperor had been the true villain in both the original and prequel trilogies, so his return is a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
But what are the chances that Palpatine has been the real mastermind behind the First Order right from the start? The introduction of the Sith Troopers in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker could be proof that he was never truly gone.
Although updates on The Rise of Skywalker have been few and far between, fans were delighted when Star Wars announced the new Sith Troopers that will be unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. The new armored soldiers have certainly taken their color scheme from Supreme Leader Snoke's Elite Praetorian Guards in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the shade of their armor suggests that they are an equally elite force. In addition to that, the Sith Troopers wield weapons that are similar to the Praetorian Guards so they could be protecting an important member of the First Order.
So who are the Sith Troopers assigned to in Star Wars Episode 9? Although it's possible that they are looking after the current Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, there are speculations that they have another important person to protect. Considering that they are named after the ancient order of Force users that was connected to the Dark Side of the Force, there is a possibility that they are making sure one of the most feared Sith lords is safe. But does this mean that Sheev Palpatine has been running the First Order all this time?
Palpatine has some history with secretly conceived armies. He had ensured the creation of the Clone Troopers that were supposed to protect the Republic before he finally executed Order 66 which effectively killed off a majority of the Jedi. The introduction of the First Order's Sith Troopers in Star Wars Episode 9 might be a surprise, but it's possible that Sheev has made sure these new soldiers are properly trained just like the Clone Troopers. However, this is still based on theory, so it's best to take it with a grain of salt.
Are the Sith Troopers proof that Emperor Sheev Palpatine has been controlling the First Order right from the start? The truth will be revealed when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres on December 20.
