Ian McDiarmid addressed the rumors that Palpatine would return in Episode VII at Fan Expo Canada over the weekend. As reported by ComicBook.com:
“There’s been all sorts of rumors. No conversations have been had, and no deals have been struck. And anyway, I’m dead… but I could be resurrected. Yes, I’ve heard of ghosts, I’ve heard of clones. There’s all sorts of possibilities. But until I get that phone call, like the one I had before, I won’t believe I’m in it.”
The all-but-confirmed to return Carrie Fisher was also at the con, where she hinted about getting in trouble over some of her previous comments… And talking to J.J. Abrams!
Okay, so Ian McDiarmid didn’t talk to anyone, but couldn’t he have used sign language? And where are the inside scoops on McDiarmid’s past passion for morse code and telepathy? Come on, there must be something! ;-)
And concerning Carrie Fisher: Either somebody managed to shut her up (which probably not even God himself could do) or she has signed an NDA. My money would be on the latter. :-)