AceShowbiz -

Since legendary "Star Wars" characters which include Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Darth Vader are confirmed to appear in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", fans have speculated that Emperor Palpatine will as well make a return. Supporting the rumor is the first teaser trailer for the film which gives a glimpse of his Royal Guard kneeling.

However, actor Ian McDiarmid has confirmed that he won't be back as Emperor Palpatine in the upcoming "Star Wars" stand-alone movie. Speaking at Amsterdam Comic-Con via Deutch website XGN, the 72-year-old actor says, "Rogue One's on its way, when I was in charge of things - I mean the Emperor, not me. I am not featured in [the movie] myself, but I understand that Darth Vader may be making an appearance."

Aside from McDiarmid's absence from "Rogue One", Genevieve O'Reilly, Jimmy Smits and James Earle Jones are back as Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Darth Vader respectively. The movie also stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Jonathan Aris.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" follows Jones Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and outlaw who is about to experience her biggest challenge when Mon Mothma gives her a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With the aid of the Rebels, a master swordsman and non-allied forces, Jyn will be in for something bigger than she thinks.

Directed by Gareth Edwards from a screenplay written by Chris Weitz, the much-awaited movie is set to hit U.S. theaters this year on December 17.