The Rise of Skywalker | The Emperor’s New Throne was Designed by Ralph McQuarrie
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Phil Roberts 
Star Wars stalwart Phil Szostak reveals Ralph McQuarrie’s original design for the Emperor’s throne has been used for The Rise of Skywalker
With the all-new Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer still being dissected by legions of fans around the world, easter eggs are beginning to be uncovered. So far, The Ghost, a Hammerhead Corvette, U-Wings, B-Wings and Trade Federation Battle Droids have all been identified, but one of the most iconic pieces of trivia is hiding in plain sight.
During the trailer, the Emperor’s new throne is revealed for the very first time and the shocking design is far more robust and elaborate than anything ever seen in Star Wars before. The design is a massive departure from the traditional sleek and luxurious thrones of the previous trilogies, and yet there is something hauntingly familiar about it.
Enter Phil Szostak.
The Lucasfilm stalwart has been one of the guiding hands behind the new saga and taking to Twitter, he revealed the design for the new throne has been plucked straight from the pages of Star Wars history. The throne has been revealed as one of the early thumbnail sketches for the Emperor’s throne devised for Return of the Jedi by Star Wars mastermind Ralph McQuarrie. The legendary illustrator is the originator of the majority of the aesthetics of the galaxy far, far away and with the saga coming to a close, it seems fitting that his original designs are being refreshed for the finale.
Check out the comparison below:
Bravo Lucasfilm. The saga is coming to a close in the finest way.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in cinemas on December 19th
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Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager and Editor of Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter @philthecool where he uses the force frequently!
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Source: Phil Szostak
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
