Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released to mostly negative reviews this time last year, and that was mostly due to the frantic nature of the final instalment of the "Skywalker Saga." Heavy on fan service, but a movie that never really gave viewers chance to catch their breath, it's not unfair to say Episode IX is likely to remain one of the most divisive Star Wars movies ever released.
Emperor Palpatine's return continues to generate discussion online, and this new concept art from ILM sheds a little light on the work that went into creating his decrepit appearance.
The villain's death, and the demise of his Sith Loyalists on Exegol, is also explored. Just like in The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine's Force Lightning completely obliterates them.
What's really interesting about this artwork, though, is the closer look we get at Exegol. It was mostly covered in shadow in the movie itself, but a closer look here reveals some pretty blatant references to the Knights of the Old Republic video game. It's hard to miss Revan, so this likely confirms that he is now part of Star Wars canon and one of the earliest Sith Lords in this Galaxy.
Unfortunately, all of this fails to answer how Palpatine was actually brought back from the dead. However, the signs are pointing to that being addressed in The Mandalorian to some degree.
To view the hi-res versions of this concept art, click on the images below: