The first Star Wars Episode IX trailer was full of surprises, but none more so than the return of Palpatine. Just how can Darth Sidious be back for Rise of the Skywalker when he fell to his death in Return of the Jedi? Some fans argue only Jedi can become Force ghosts, or can they? Well, there’s certainly evidence in recent Star Wars canon that Sith Lords can live on through artefacts. Related articles Star Wars Episode 9 theory: Why is Rey is looking for the Death Star? Star Wars: Mark Hamill on vital Luke Skywalker realisation Last year the official Darth Vader comic saw the yet-to-be-redeemed Anakin Skywalker given the helmet of a Sith called Lord Momin. Interestingly, this is lent by Palpatine, before the helmet speaks to Vader. Was the Emperor aware that Sith could live on through artefacts? Whatever the case it’s certainly possible for Palpatine to return in a similar way. Star Wars 9 Rise of Skywalker: PROOF Palpatine lives on in Kylo Ren’s helmet? (Image: LUCASFILM) Kylo Ren isn't wearing his helmet in Rise of the Skywalker but it's been reforged (Image: LUCASFILM) While the Emperor didn’t wear any headgear but a hood, perhaps his soul can somehow latch on to another Dark Side object like Kylo Ren’s helmet? The wayward son of Han and Leia smashed the object in The Last Jedi, but in the first Rise of Skywalker trailer, it’s been reforged. What’s particularly startling is that in all the shots we’ve seen of Kylo Ren in the movie, he’s not wearing it. Could this mean it has another purpose? Perhaps as a host for Palpatine’s soul? Related articles Star Wars Episode 9: Emperor Palpatine is 'DEAD' - but is he REALLY? Star Wars: Admiral Ackbar star SLAMS The Last Jedi and Holdo Will Palpatine train Kylo Ren in Rise of Skywalker? (Image: LUCASFILM) It’s certainly possible and we’ve seen Kylo Ren consulting the crushed helmet of Darth Vader in The Force Awakens. However, since Anakin was redeemed he became a Force ghost which may explain why there was no response from the object in that movie. Hopefully, the next trailer for Rise of Skywalker will shed some light on the Dark Side’s plans for Palpatine. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is released in UK cinemas on December 19, 2019.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility