Long before the Star Wars prequels were released, we were all excited to catch our first glimpse of Darth Vader's Master, Emperor Palpatine, in The Empire Strikes Back. The villain ended up looking a little different in Return of the Jedi thanks to changes made by George Lucas, but was suitably creepy and looked every bit the evil, ancient Sith master we expected.
Sheev Palpatine's origin story was eventually told across The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith, with the latter offering something of a convoluted explanation for his grotesque appearance.
It's no secret that Palpatine's physical body was somewhat weakened from his duel with Mace Windu, and a new Star Wars: The Black Series action figure has now revealed what the elderly Emperor looked like beneath the hood in Return of the Jedi. This is obviously based on official material and it's actually a little surreal to see him without that trademark hood on.
Of course, we actually got a glimpse of him without that when the Sith Lord was finally destroyed in The Rise of Skywalker, a development many Star Wars fans remain divided over.
"Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with this Emperor Palpatine figure from the Black Series, featuring classic design and packaging!" reads the official description. "This premium 6-inch Emperor Palpatine figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in Return of the Jedi."
"Fans can display this figure which features premium detail and multiple points of articulation. Includes figure and cane accessory. Available for pre-order 11/30 at Hasbro Pulse and other major retailers."
You'll be able to get your hands on this one next summer, though the Emperor continues to play an active role in Star Wars. As well as regularly appearing in Marvel Comics titles, actor Ian McDiarmid has recently reprised the role in both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Tales of the Jedi.
Take a closer look at this action figure (via SFFGazette.com) below!