When Oscar Isaac comments on Star Wars, he often touches upon the most polarizing moments of the sequel trilogy. The actor recently addressed the much-memed "Somehow, Palpatine returned" line from Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker, admitting that the dialogue was the result of last-minute reshoots.
The Star Wars franchise is famous for its heavy dialogue, but few lines capture the rushed feeling of The Rise of Skywalker quite like Poe Dameron's three-word plot summary. Fans have long ridiculed how the saga's greatest villain was resurrected after 30 years and two movies without any prior mention.
The Truth Behind the "Somehow, Palpatine Returned" Meme
The way Oscar Isaac comments on Star Wars memes highlights how much the line has stuck with the community. A five-second YouTube clip of the moment has amassed millions of views, accompanied by countless disparaging comments from frustrated viewers.
Isaac’s disgruntled delivery helped cement the line as a viral sensation. The dialogue essentially serves as a brief summary for the rebels before they gather a massive fleet to travel the impassable route to Exogol to save the galaxy.
Why Oscar Isaac Comments on Star Wars Reshoots Reveal Production Chaos
During an appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Isaac revealed that the dialogue was a late addition born from essential production changes. He noted that he could tell the scene was slotted in later because of his physical appearance:
- Hair Loss: Isaac had already cut his hair before the reshoots began.
- Continuity Fixes: To hide the change, he had to wear a wig during the new footage.
- Production Stress: He described the process of reshoots as "surgical strikes where you're scrambling trying to get everything going."
Isaac explained that there was significant "movement and flux" throughout that final stage of production. He even admitted that his performance reflected the chaos, stating, "I committed to the exasperation, that's for sure."
A Divided Legacy for the Sequel Trilogy
The reaction to The Rise of Skywalker remains deeply divided among critics and fans. Many are unhappy with the abrupt return of Palpatine and the soft retcons of elements from the polarizing The Last Jedi.
Finn actor John Boyega was particularly unhappy with how his character was treated in the film, though he has since softened his stance. Meanwhile, the puppeteer behind BB-8 predicted that the sequel trilogy will eventually be as beloved as the prequels—though that may take about a decade.
Star Wars creator George Lucas seems largely unbothered by the recent direction of the franchise. The legendary creator noted last year that he has let go of his instinct to manage the series since selling it to Disney 13 years ago. "Disney took it over and they gave it their vision," Lucas said. "That’s what happens."
