Palpatine | Witwer & McDiarmid Dub Comparison | Rebels Season 2.

[@StarWarsStory]

For those confused; Ian McDiarmid Reprised the role of Palpatine for Rebels Season 4 and most likely Re-Dubbed Palp's Season 2 lines during that time. Ian's dub seems to be exclusive to Amazon Prime when you purchase the video and is NOT available on Disney +.

[@BobDylanFan1966]

I have a feeling if Disney ever decides to release a complete box set it'll have a Ian dub which'll make it exclusive to that set vs if you own the season 2 single set. Kind of like owning a Original Edition vs Special Edition of Star wars lol.

[@backtothefutureman1]

@@BobDylanFan1966 they should do that.

[@Chapmike]

I'm actually surprised the Disney + version still not changed after three years, even just for the sake of consistency. I mean, the post-credits scene for WandaVision has been altered to apparently fit visually with a scene from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and that movie is still seven months away. I expected at least an option like for choosing between 4:3 or 16:9 for the early seasons of the Simpsons.

[@backtothefutureman1]

@@Chapmike you can do that on the Simpsons?

[@Chapmike]

@@backtothefutureman1 Yep, the option is on the "Details" panel.

[@kanyepepper9977]

I mean, you can’t beat Ian, but Sam does a helluva good job, and I love the sort of growl Ian now does with his Palpatine voice

[@ECHORISING8982]

I agree

[@shujima0666]

Not a growl, but a rasp.

[@DarkRider117]

110% agree if you can’t get Ian then sam is next best choice

[@yourveryownlocalmoron6874]

Exactly

[@proghostzgamecreed6555]

He played Palpatine in Force Unleashed too

[@Bear_Love_Records]

Sam's palps is brilliant... Till you hear mcdiarmid. He just IS Palps

[@Emoxsal]

Bear Love Records I think Sam is the closest we’ve gotten since Ian Abercrombie passed, maybe even equal to him

[@rnrailproductions5049]

They should’ve used Witwer for Palpatine’s voice in the clone wars after Abercrombie’s death...

[@Emoxsal]

R&N RailProductions no question

[@nicholaswinkler7085]

Honestly, Mr. Witwer might have been better.

[@dpgamezderek8137]

@@rnrailproductions5049 yeah, I wasn't a fan of Tim Curry's Palpatine.

[@JainaSoloB312]

Witwer is giving us the cool and calm Emperor from RotJ. The one who mocked Luke for thinking the deflector shield was down. The one who pretends to be friends until the opportunity to betray them arises. The kind of Emperor Palpatine you might have heard on the holonet during his speeches. Ian however is in full Darth Sidious mode. Vader knows this is the most powerful being in the galaxy, and Ian relishes in sounding as evil as possible, he exudes ancient strength and menace with every syllable to remind Vader they are not equals. This Palpatine is a military commander who has no patience for Vader's sentimental nonsense. Both are inspirational performances.

[@MisterImmeasurable]

JainaSoloB312 sentimental nonsense sets the entire tone of your brilliant comment.

[@JainaSoloB312]

@@MisterImmeasurable Thanks!

[@ruthlessgaming4682]

Witwer, on the deflector shield dialogue?, lol young fool Only now at the end, will you understand that al that dialogue was definitely Ian, I assure you.

[@kokopelli_002]

@@ruthlessgaming4682 Young fool. Even now you fail to realize what they actually meant.

[@RDR911]

"Sentimental nonsense" is a perfect way to describe it. The absolute contemptable boredom in "perhaps, if he lives..."...

[@mrsejd3446]

0:51 "Perhaps... *if* he lives" this one sounds like he knows that Vader *needs* to find and kill Ob-Wan... *if* he lives. 1:57 "Perhaps, if he lives" that one sounds kind of annoyed, probably because Vader is obsessed with finding Kenobi.

[@Materminds187]

Witwer’s Palpatine sounds like he’s tired and acts like “Alright. We’ll find out where he is, if he’s still alive. You need to focus your efforts on Lothal right now and on Ahsoka and the other Rebels, not on Kenobi. Be patient.”

[@landonmarek7524]

Good catch on this. Always great to see how two VAs interpret the dialogue.

[@tanman729]

it gives some dark side insight too. Palpatine would've prefered if kenobi died a long time ago because if he had, then theres less chance to heal those wounds, but for vader to defeat him now would be ultimately detrimental. it would ease any of the pain, even temporarily, and thats a dark side no-no. (side not, my favorite criticism of rogue one was 'why is vader chilling on mustafar? he almost killed obi wan, padme, and nearly died there, doesn't he hate that place yet?' yeah.yeah he does)

[@dvader518]

@@tanman729 How come he never sets foot on Tatooine after he gets the suit then if the dark side is all about being fueled by hate?

[@tanman729]

@dvader518 he hated tatooine for different reasons. His time there can be largely broken down into; 1)being a slave and then being rescued by the jedi, 2) coming back and failing to save his mother. 1 is important because it's used to fuel his desire to explore the galaxy, other places are special to him by virtue of being anything but tatooine. 2 is why he doesn't use it the same way as Mustafar. Tatooine is where is mother lived, loved, and died, so its sort of sacred in that respect, but more importantly it's where he failed to save her from the tusken raiders. The vengeance he took on not just the men, but the women and children too, is justified and a source of closure under the dark side. Mustafar, in his mind, is where padre and obi wan betrayed him. I don't know if he ever dropped the belief that padme brought obi wan to kill him, even after Palpatine lied to anakin about him killing padme. Internally focused hatred could lead to a "come to Jesus" moment, forcing his hate to an external but intangible goal in obi wan is better for the dark side.

[@strikerfrost7222]

Sam has voiced Vader's master and apprentice. Ironic.

[@isaacwykes636]

And palpatines apprentice (maul)

[@blobsas692]

DIdn't know Sam voiced Ahsoka, he was unrecognizable

[@VictorELayne77]

@@blobsas692 You’re kidding right?

[@blobsas692]

@@VictorELayne77 Of course

[@Сайтамен]

@@isaacwykes636 And Son, Palpatine's rival.

[@richardched6085]

I love how Ian's Sheev is slightly annoyed at the mere mention of Obi-Wan Kenobi. As if Vader had obsessed about finding his old master so much that Palpatine basically says "Bruh.... Get over it. He's probably dead. And if he does live. He poses no threat to me or the Empire. And is therefore no concern of yours. If we do find him we will kill him. But do not squander your responsibilities to me in some misguided manhunt when such resources could be put to better use tracking down and eliminating the traitorous insurgents that pose an actual threat to the Empire." All in one simple sentence: "Perhaps..... if he lives...." The dismissal in Sheev's Ian voice makes it very apparent that he doesn't want to hear anymore about Obi-Wan Kenobi.

[@nathaniel201]

“I don’t want to hear any more about Obi-Wan.”

[@richardched6085]

@@nathaniel201 The Jedi turned against me.... don't you turn against me!!!!!

[@bryanmanuelbaes7871]

he speaks more quickly for some reason

[@rnrailproductions5049]

I mean throughout Vader’s time as his apprentice he not only obsessed about Kenobi, but also just any surviving Jedi, that Vader would waste resources and troops just to kill them. I could see why Palpatine would be annoyed and pissed off that Vader would do that when Palpatine even told him not to.

[@PsYChOtlC_ShArK]

If palpatine said the paragraph you just said but without the slang "bruh just get over it" that would have been awesome

[@alc4117]

To hear James earl jones’ Vader talking with Ian McDiarmid’s palpatine again is sinisterly beautiful

[@sub-zero5433]

they are both fantastic. just wish the characters were handled better in this show

[@Zeemis]

@@sub-zero5433 Characters were fine.

[@sub-zero5433]

@@Zeemis ?? no they weren’t bro, did we watch the same show

[@granalmirantethrawn2972]

​@@sub-zero5433 you did? Vader was literally a beast, rebels started the tendency of showing him as an unstoppable force. And Sidious was great too, we finally got to see more of his manipulative side after years

[@sub-zero5433]

@@granalmirantethrawn2972 vader rightfully demolishes the team when he shows up, but after he kills ashoka he just leaves the show when that doesn’t make any sense story wise, his whole job pre-episode 4 was to kill jedi, and he basically just let kanan and ezra go. the out-of-universe reason why he stopped showing up after season 2 was because the writers simply didn’t couldn’t justify having a villain of his caliber in the show anymore, since they couldn’t have been bothered to kill off any of their main cast. it’s a great example of the little skill the writers of rebels possess. as for sidious, he was alright in the final season, why he had such an interest in ezra when he simply had every other jedi that was still alive killed is never explained or expanded upon, and the extremely predictable way ezra “resists the dark side” though sidious was so boring and formulaic for star wars.

[@animatheanimationarchive7577]

Sam Witwer = RotJ Palpatine Ian McDiarmid = RotS Palpatine

[@JainaSoloB312]

Exactly!

[@SkylordAh]

Would make sense as ian was younger during rotj and sams around ians age then

[@erikbravo6209]

Other way around, to me

[@DarthSherm94]

Erik Bravo Same here tbh, Ian sounds a lot more like his original version here than his ROTS version but I think Sam took a lot more of his cues from ROTS in this scene

[@animecrunchtime]

See I think it’s the other way around.

[@axechop]

I love how the subtle change in the tone conveys very different meanings. "Lord Vader, have you dealt with the rebels in the Lothal system?" Sam: I'm sure you've been a good boy Ian: what took you so long "And yet I sense in you something more to your victory." Sam: Something else is troubling you Ian: You're trying to hide something from me "I believe the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker lives." "Are you certain?" Sam: well well well how unexpected Ian: fuck I didn't expect that "This is an opportunity we cannot let pass." Sam: We're short on opportunity so it's urgent. DEW IT Ian: hmmmmm, I have an idea (strangely, here Sam sounds more anxious and Ian sounds more relaxed) "Such as Kenobi" "Perhaps, if he lives" Sam: sure why not Ian: will you shut up about Kenobi Overall, Sam's Palpatine is more whimsical and relaxed, Ian's Palpatine is more irritated and tense.

[@tymgames8307]

I agree. Nice summary

[@justinesun631]

I personally think the way Ian said, “This is an opportunity we cannot let pass!” This is more of pure glee, knowing that there are still other Jedi out there and that they won’t from him once he finds them.

[@starlighter93]

Funny how Ian is the more tense here between the two as it's usually Sam who plays his roles very tense.

[@palpatinerocks3260]

Ian's tone sounds towards Kenobi sounds about how he felt during Kenobi.

[@archivelibrarian6818]

Witwer = Emperor Palpatine McDiarmid = Darth Sidious

[@nyarlathotep.mythos]

🤨

[@legorisen7702]

@@nyarlathotep.mythos Palpatine was moreso the friendlier version of who Sidious actually was. The Emperor and the Chancellor both are one in the same as they have to keep up appearances for the public while Sidious doesn't even bother hiding his true intentions and how he really is. Behind closed doors Sidious is not as patient and kind as the public is lead to believe

[@MrRedstoneready]

@@legorisen7702 I think they might mean it the other way around. He wasn't called "sideous" in the OT, just the emperor, and sometimes "emperor palpatine" so I think they're saying Sam sounds like OT and Ian sounds like PT evil Sideous

[@seethinggohan]

Tim Curry = Sheev

[@kungolaf4499]

Sam sounds like Emperor Palpatine in ROTJ. Ian sounds like Darth Sidious in ROTS and TROS.

[@StarWarsStory]

0:07 Sam Witwer's Palpatine sounds relaxed, mysterious and amused at the situation, he sounded like an ally to his 'old friend' Vader, an untroubled Ruler of the Galaxy. 1:15 Ian sounds more like a menacing Master, sounding older and more sinister, he speaks quicker and strait to the point. An Evil Villain. Apples and Oranges when comparing these two, both represent Palpatine perfectly but as much as I prefer Witwer's due to being used to it, Ian sounds more like Vader's Master, Witwer sounds more like Vader's partner, and this scene is about a higher power than Vader, a phantom Menace to newer, younger fans.

[@inigoiraetau1903]

Couldn't have said it better

[@thijmkamphuis9342]

Loord Vadeeeer

[@KyokujiFGC]

I feel like Witwer's version is more fitting, since Palpatine typically always took a more subdued tone with Vader, since their relationship was complicated, and Sidious initially won Anakin's trust by positioning himself as his friend. He was rarely so short and to the point with Vader. Also, I feel like Witwer had better context for the scene, since Ian didn't know Ashoka and Anakin's character arc nearly as well as Witer.

[@TY-km8hj]

@@KyokujiFGC for me I agree with ur comment on the tone he uses when speaking to vader but there are certainly times where he's straight to the point and reminds vader who he is talking too without saying it outright and that's just in normal convo. And saying that given the context of the rebels situation, him wanting to find out whether or not vader did his job is just business, he's gonna be straight to the point and there isn't really much need to "play nice". He was strategic with his words. I feel like in mcdirmids version this is palpatines acc subdued tone, it's just how he speaks that make even something simple so menacing. He can put his power into his words almost lol. Witwer still amazing tho only other person who can do him justice

[@The_JustJoshing]

Sam Witwer’s Emperor voice is absolutely amazing. I love the rich, low, fry voice type tone of it. But you just can’t deny that Ian McDiarmid IS The Emperor.

[@opporancisis9661]

I hate Sam’s portrayal personally.

[@The_JustJoshing]

Oppo Ranscisis Perfectly fine. To each their own.

[@The_JustJoshing]

@Luke Skywalker I mean like rich in tone. It has a thick tone to it.

[@j-man4132]

No there’s only room for one Palpatine and that is Ian himself

[@courdell7426]

@@opporancisis9661 yeah cause you're bitter as shit. You don't actually hate it you're just pretending to hate it to get people upset.

[@giftheck]

With the Obi-Wan finale out, Palpatine's total exasperation in Vader mentioning Obi-Wan in McDiarmid's delivery makes more sense.

[@SpedRockt]

He seems tired and annoyed that Vader is still obsessed with Kenobi after all years. I really like this. Something to keep in mind tho, Pal said "If he survived" but in the Kenobi series final, Obi-Wan clearly survived. This proof that this isn't the last time Vader face Obi-Wan until A New Hope. Kenobi season 2 is indeed being in production, let's wait and see. Maybe he will fake his dead or get into really life threatening situations, duels,...

[@DarthMomo]

​@@SpedRockt i think you're reading too far into it. i think it's simply supposed to mean if kenobi is still out there and hasn't died off

[@SpedRockt]

@@DarthMomo your right tho but I don't think Obi wan would die off so easily like the other surving Jedi. If there aren't any report about his death then Vader would still assume he's alive.

[@TheKersey475]

Agreed, you can practically hear the unspoken "Damn it Vader, not this AGAIN..." at 1:57

[@DarthMomo]

@@SpedRockt there are other ways to interpret it if you wanna get technical, like here kenobi was saving organas daughter and helping the path and then we haven't heard from him for the last 5 years maybe something happened

[@this_is_gold_leader2229]

It’s so cool hearing Ian saying “Skywalker’s apprentice” and “inquisitor”😆😆😆😆😆

[@dannyboylee]

“Skywalker’s apprentice could lead us to other lost Jedi...” “Such as Grogu...”

[@titan_tanker]

*Oh no*

[@micahschmitz859]

Perhaps... If he lives

[@RedHead2003]

Well mandolorian is after the fall of vader and sideous

[@titan_tanker]

Have you guys, ehem.. watch the latest episode? It’s wonderful

[@RedHead2003]

@@titan_tanker yes it was good now we have to wait awhile for the 3rd season lol

[@thewalrus45]

"God no one can say HUNT THEM DOWN" like Ian can.

[@Phoenixifyable]

Do you not know how quotation marks work

[@SamvedIyer]

@@Phoenixifyable Perhaps English is not his first language.

[@yerim24]

As much I miss Witwer's take on Darth Sidious, it's pretty epic that we have both Jones and McDiarmid portraying their characters in the same scene. We haven't seen that since RotJ.

[@yerim24]

@@night6724 Oh shit you're right.

[@adamgoncalves1591]

But James Earl Jones is dead now. He died last month.

[@pinedragon5398]

They’re both beyond excellent

[@animatheanimationarchive7577]

Although Ian has the better voice, I have a greater appreciation for Witwer’s nuance in his voiceover. When Vader mentions Kenobi, Witwer’s Emperor is weary that Vader is using Ashoka for his own plans as opposed to The Emperor’s authority. Whereas, Ian’s is instead annoyed. Though it doesn’t make it worse, the hamminess is what makes Ian so great, then tension between Witwer and JEJ was missing in the Re-dub for me.

[@Laesis]

Honestly, I still prefer Ian. Feels like Ian's had a bigger realization of how obsessed Vader was with Kenobi and how much of a problem it was that Vader couldn't let go of his past. Sam's however, felt more like he wanted to remind Vader of his duties and seemed a bit more dismissive of it, or like he's understating that influence, although I can also see the awareness you talk about.

[@topdog5252]

Good point. I just think it’s much clearer in Ian’s that he’s annoyed. It’s not as clear in Sams that the Emperor thinks Vader is plotting to use these Jedi to destroy him. Star Wars storytelling is often very clear but idk if it is always clear about people’s intentions. Very good point. I think the directors and Ian were clearly trying to show the Emperor is annoyed in Ian’s scene. Whereas idk if Sam was trying to show the Emperor is concerned Vader will try to use the Jedi in Sam’s scene.

[@CalicoJackal]

@@Laesis Without getting into spoiler territory, your analysis makes *a lot* of sense after Kenobi Part IV.

[@Laesis]

@@CalicoJackal Haha, I haven't seen that one yet, since I'll watch it with my father tomorrow. I'll do my best to remember this thread and reply to you later!

[@Zerath0]

I must say, while I like Ian's voice better, Witwer's voice acting is better. Ian sounds like he is just reading his lines from paper, not really giving it all. At least that's how it sounds to me. :/

[@Gojirawars03]

The Ian McDiarmid dub isn’t on Disney Plus and I’m so mad about it.

[@jacobjantke6886]

If it's not on Disney+, then where did it come from?

[@effen_aey_man]

@@jacobjantke6886 Read the video description

[@tweso1499]

Actually it IS on Disney+. I just watched it on there and I was like “OMG! *THE* Emperor is back!”

[@Jason-El]

@@tweso1499 It's not on mine

[@tweso1499]

@@Jason-El that’s weird.. I swore I heard Ian on there weeks ago :/ I watched it again and it had Sam’s voice instead (as originally was)

[@Doktorious]

I just want him to say "andthenyouwilldie."

[@courdell7426]

🤣 yess

[@Spartanslay3r7]

Sam is an incredible voice actor. Big props to that dude for the work he does. Especially as Maul.

[@theBolderBoulder]

It's so cool hearing Jones and McDiarmid's voices together!

[@romanlegion8331]

Sams emperor sounds like he at least sort of cares about what Vader has to say...Ian's emperor is exactly how we remember him..."fuck you...do what I say"...and it's great lol

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

It's why I prefer Sam's take, Palpatine still played along as if he cared about Vader to keep him on a leash, same as what he did with Anakin before. Palpatine never allowed himself to come off as if he was annoyed when speaking with Vader in the films.

[@4ezzyQT]

Ian McDiarmid sounds more evil, bring the feel of ROTS and ROTJ in this scene

[@christiangutierrez3820]

McDiarmid has a better voice but Witwer has better delivery

[@StarWarsStory]

That's a perfect summation for this scene

[@Sockimus]

Better delivery? LOL he was over enunciating words. It was actually the reverse - he sounds more like Palpatine than Palpatine but his delivery gives off that he's the imposter. He didn't do his homework.

[@AlvosElRey]

@@Sockimus witwer definitely did his homework. He does it just fine. Witwer in interviews has even admitted that he cannot compare to Ian. Because he remembers reading the scripts and was struggling but when he thought about it and said "Wait Ian Mcdiarmid is a better actor than me" he gets it better. So no he isn't perfect. But he really is the closest you can get

[@Sockimus]

@@AlvosElRey If he did his homework, he wouldn't have overly annunciated like a fanboy. You just have lower standards. It's a B+ effort, at best.

[@AlvosElRey]

@@Sockimus yes that would be an accurate rating. Because Ian Mcdiarmid can only be the A. And of course it's "like a fanboy" because he is one. He loves star wars. So yes. He has definitely done his homework

[@SharapovaFan]

There is this sense of malevolence in Ian McDiarmid's voice when he plays Palpatine. It's difficult to describe, but it's what gives you this unnerving sense that Palpatine is the devil incarnate in the Star Wars universe.

[@kawaka4432]

I think he improve his character along the years, he is the only actor who play since the beginning

[@darthgamer6080]

Lucas or Ian (don't remember) has said on numerous occasions that Palpatine is worse than Satan.

[@DavidHutchinson0713]

@@darthgamer6080 IIRC it was Ian who said it

[@ulisesandrade6060]

For now dispatch another Inquisitahh to hunt them down, I love Ian’s pronunciation

[@lucasfinrod3428]

Just saying but, (spoilers ahead for the kenobi series) the Iam Mcdermid version is in my opinion more in line with the new canon added by the kenobi series. He sais “perhabs” far more irritated then the other version. Palpatine already wanted that vader would let go of his kenobi obsession so hearing him react when vader sais kenobi being irritated seems and feels more in line with the current canon imao

[@StarWarsStory]

Completely agree!

[@justinesun631]

True. But even without the Kenobi series existing, you can clearly see Ian’s Palpatine very irritated everytime Vader mentions Kenobi, wanting to make Vader shut up about it. It works, especially when you can hear the pure glee in Ian’s voice when he said, “This is an opportunity we cannot let pass!” The glee in that no Jedi will run from him thanks to Ahsoka’s presence, and he will make sure of that.

[@remy1728]

I just watched this on Disney+, and it was Sam's voice. I'm a bit disappointed they haven't changed it yet. On the other hand, Sam does a totally awesome job with it.

[@iLinlinn]

I feel like Ian's Sidious wanted to smack Vader bitching about Kenobi

[@justinesun631]

Me too. It makes more sense especially if you saw the Kenobi show, but even without that, Ian’s Palpatine is absolutely tired that Vader is still obsessed with him after all these years.

[@BIGBMH]

All due respect to Tim Curry as an actor and entertainer in general, but I wish they got Sam Witwer to take over the role of Palpatine on The Clone Wars after the passing of Ian Abercrombie. Curry’s voice is just so different that it’s jarring and distracting.

[@KyloRen0127]

He auditioned for the role, but lost out because he sounded more like ROTJ Palpatine, these words come from the mouth of Sam Witwer.

[@CaptainCoolzCT-]

Curry's is pretty unique too. He’s a better Sidious than Abercrombie but is a worse Palpatine.

[@LegoGamer5502]

Captain Coolz - CT-3001 I personally liked Ian Abercronbie better as both, but I see where you’re coming from.

[@larniieplayz6285]

Kylo Ren 0127 okay then

[@KevinReijnders93]

@DanRage47 Abercrombie is definitely a league above Sam imo. Where Sam seems too concerned with nailing the impression/duplicating McDairmid, Avercrombie brings his own twist to the role.

[@Tiberius_Productions]

Ian’s dub just makes me smile 😊. He just IS Palpatine! Sam does a great job with the over the top style of Sidious in the Prequels, but Ian has so much more malice and subtlety to his performance I can’t help but love. You’re great Sam, and you’re the best alternate voice since Abercrombie, but no one can top Ian McDiarmid. I’m sure Sam didn’t have a problem with being dubbed over anyways. He’s as big a fan of this as we are!

[@joehenry9546]

Sam Witwer is the closest to Ian I’ve ever heard

[@Jason-El]

Abercrombie ?

[@Savvysnek]

Listening to Sam: Wow, that's a really good Palpatine impression Listening to Ian: instant shivers down the spine

[@proghostzgamecreed6555]

Sam Witwer (Starkiller, Darth Maul, Son of Mortis, Palpatine): I'm all the Sith

[@topdog5252]

Son of Mortis voice was meant to take from many Sith voices. Maul, Sidious and Vader.

[@Smoothalcoholic]

Ians version makes your skin crawl When you realise that he doesn’t have a shred of humanity in his interactions

[@bloodangel7731]

Witwer's palpatine is more like joker. Ian's voice is perfect for palpatine

[@SirYodaJedi]

Now I need to look up if Hamill has done Palpy's voice before.

[@mertdkaraca]

I like how Witwer became Sidious just outta sheer will during The Force Unleashed and continues the role to this day.

[@courdell7426]

100%

[@mediakira6621]

It’s a shame that the clips with Ian sounds like they pitched up the entire audio of the clip (vader, and the music are noticeably more higher); would have loved to have hear Ian’s voice unpitched. But holy shit, does Ian sound like a screeching evil overlord, so perfect! The disinterest about Obi Wan, he doesn’t even care. He’s basically like “oh get over it!” jjst from that sneer. Now, Sam did a good job as well, but you just can’t compare with the original.

[@darthethan1995]

I think it was pitched down to kinda recreate his Return of the Jedi voice.

[@mediakira6621]

Darth Ethanator No it’s pitched up. Even the music and Vader’s voice is pitched up. It shouldn’t be.

[@DanielBlaney]

Pretty sure the pitch up isn't in the actual Amazon version. It was probably done when it was posted online to avoid copyright filters.

[@dragonpride6997]

Daniel Blaney not only that. The second recording could be from Europe instead of America. In Europe, all shows are either dubbed or pitched into PAL format, meaning it’s pitched up around 5%. It can be seen in many Disney TV series

[@andrewperkin7192]

It's pitched due to the fact the person who got the clip probably got it from a online rip

[@TheJoker-qo4fg]

Everyone in the comment section: I grew up with...” Well, I grew up with the Italian voice because I am Italian and as someone who didn’t grew up with one of the two I gotta say that as munch as I love ho munch Witwer change his voice Ian’s voice is munch more frightening while speaking

[@animecrunchtime]

The neat thing with the Ian dub, he speaks a bit faster and higher pitched like he did in ROTJ. If intentional nice nod.

[@LotRFanFilm]

I wish this had been the version of the scene on Disney Plus.

[@jjb2385]

You mean its still Witwer?

[@LotRFanFilm]

@@jjb2385 Yeah ☹

[@LotRFanFilm]

@@jjb2385 They pretty much just released the original part 1 and part 2 versions instead of the new Amazon Prime versions.

[@batman200]

@@LotRFanFilm why is ian's version not on Disney plus how did they screw this up so badly?

[@ZakJordan98]

@@batman200 Probably sloppy admin work, there's similar complaints regarding the Disney+ versions of The Simpsons, apparently just being hastily transferred from the FX Versions. (I don't know for sure, haven't got Disney+ yet cause UK)

[@dylanm6335]

Ian’s tone when he says “perhaps, if he lives” is great especially after Kenobi

[@affanmahdhir1793]

Damn, how can they sound so different but at the same time so similar. Sam did a great job immitating Ian

[@trevinodude]

Hearing the voices back to back… damn. I’m impressed how close Sam Witwer’s voice is to Ian’s but also surprised and fascinated how different the two decided to perform this scene. Sam’s Palpatine seems more relaxed and in control as the Emperor. Ian’s Palpatine seems more irritated and annoyed that Vader is taking so long to deal with the heroes… and yet… both sound so fitting for the role of the Emperor. Of course, Ian IS the man when it comes to being Palpatine, but Sam’s voice work is undeniably amazing.

[@christopherofarrell8665]

Sam = Reporting to that boss you like and likes you. The boss you work with as part of a team out to bring Order to the Galaxy. McDiarmid = Reporting to that boss you fear who you KNOW is in charge and is never EVER someone you would dare cross ... no matter how awesome you, Darth Vader, are. It really is great how good Sam is at impersonating the voice and absoloutly maximum credit to him for doing a fantastic job ... but something makes you spine chill when Vader starts reporting to McDiarmid ...

[@Jeddostotle7]

Man, I really hope they add Ian's redub of this scene to the Disney+ upload, maybe as an alternate option via changing the audio tracks? Like, English (Witwer Palpatine) vs English (McDiarmid Palpatine).

[@jordanbillman6606]

Ian leaves a huge shadow that none can ever step out of but props to Sam for doing this voice for so long. what an absolute legend

[@justinesun631]

While I like Witwer’s lines when his Palpatine asked Vader about dealing with the Rebels, I gotta give it to McDiarmid. To explain, you can hear the surprise and shock in Ian’s Palpatine after hearing Ahsoka is alive. Then... when he said, “This is an opportunity we cannot let pass!” That shock changes into pure evil glee, knowing that other Jedi are still out there, and they will not run from him, and he’s making ideas on how to find them. “Perhaps, if he lives.” I personally love how irritated Ian’s Palpatine sounds when Vader mentions Kenobi. I know usually, Palpatine isn’t annoyed and keeps on a facade to keep Vader on a leash, but I can see Palpatine being really irritated, especially if everyday he has to hear Vader bitching about Kenobi. And this line makes even more sense thanks to Kenobi. “Dispatch another Inquisitor to HUNT THEM DOWN.” You can hear the evil in Ian’s Palpatine voice, wanting to make sure the Jedi’s legacy is gone forever. Every single one of them. That’s why Ian McDiarmid wins for me.

[@richardched6085]

Very good. I'm still too used to Witwer's performance. Something about Ian Mcdiarmid's voice seems off....

[@StarWarsStory]

I felt the same at first but give it time, you'll start getting used to it, I don't know which I prefer now haha

[@richardched6085]

@@StarWarsStory "Maul... what did I say about impersonating me!" "I thought it would flatter you master." "Don't Dew It." LIGHTNING

[@GedUK]

He's much older now, his timbre has inevitably changed. Sam's is more like Ian's was at the time of Return, whereas Ian's sounds like a much older man, which Palpatine was by this point.

[@Reivanhist]

It's to old.

[@kimchu8971]

He sounds like Revenge of the Sith and I’m perfectly fine with that. He was better there anyways

[@Cometstarlight]

...I legit thought they had the original guy voicing Palpatine. Sam's a FANTASTIC voice actor!

[@sw-gs]

Even music is different, when Sam talk music is rendition of Emperor's Theme, sounding like it was created by synthesator, but they rescored it with choir while Ian was re-dubbing scene.

[@JairBPena]

0:07 Sam Witwer´s Emperor sounds almost like he is mocking Vader 1:15 Ian McDiarmid´s Emperor sounds like he does respect him but he is busy and wants to get straight to the point

[@computerstar9883]

"Be patient my old friend, for now DISPATCH another inquisitor to hunt them down." PERFECT

[@nicverdi5527]

I’m so happy Sam witwer cemented himself in the star wars universe

[@EpaminondastheGreat]

Allow me to repeat what 90% of the comment section does but with a very important note... _Witwer's performance is amazing but you just can't beat Ian since...HE...IS...THE SENATE!_

[@StarWarsStory]

Check Out My Sidious Playlist, Papa Palpatine.

[@EpaminondastheGreat]

@@StarWarsStory I am already working on it my little -green- friend...

[@adamgoncalves1591]

I find it rather interesting that Vader calls Ahsoka the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker.

[@DarthStalkers]

Such as Kenobi Perhaps if he lives… 4 years earlier Vader encounters Kenobi. I wonder what they’re going to do about that!

[@justoneguy2487]

I'll return next week after the final episode drops.

[@TheKersey475]

SPOILER; ... The irritation in his voice is at how Vader is STILL obsessed with Kenobi despite Sidious lecturing/threatening him over it.

[@mung01re]

Sam legitimately does a good job. When the unfortunate day of Ian's death comes, I think he'd be a fine stand-in. But until then, no one can beat the OG.

[@ozohirogi2577]

They are both breathtaking, Sam is a worthy apprentice to the master Ian

[@11Bbq]

Sam Witwer has no right to be that handsome AND that talented. Pick one buddy.

[@ZetaChamp]

I love the different interpretation that both these actors put into this. Sam's depiction really makes it seem like palpatine is taking into consideration what Vader saying about Obi-Wan, He's definitely manipulating Vader but it's more or less saying" if you need to hear this will help you get Obi-Wan and this will help you get Obi-Wan, just make sure to find these rebels" With Ian's interpretation it made it feel like he was down playing Darth Vader's view on whether Obi-Wan is the end goal. Also manipulating him in a different way, almost to say as "this isn't the big picture you need to stay focused Vader."

[@Why_Not_8744]

Sam's seems like he's thinking of all the things he can do if they get Ahsoka, Ian's is utterly disgusted that she lived, but thinks she can be useful.

[@JujutsuLupin]

I feel that Sam fits an older palp while Ian fits a “young” palp

[@PsYChOtlC_ShArK]

I love the resound more not just because of Ian but because the background music sounds clearer

[@nicholasspeth7789]

The way Ian says "Jedi" gets me every time. you can feel the disdain and hatred when he says it. The way he emphasizes it, you can just feel the hatred he has for the Jedi. It cant be matched.

[@DanielBlaney]

Ians version sounds even better when its not pitched up like it is in this video (probably was pitched to avoid copyright)

[@kanyepepper9977]

Your channel is so underrated 🙌

[@barsabe]

While both are cartoonishly evil, Ian manages to make Sidious sound not constantly concerned with sounding that way, but naturally being so, while having other thoughts for himself.

[@OneofInfinity.]

While playing Vader immortal in VR I couldn't resist kneeling when Vader appeared, him being so tall did help.

[@muhammedkaangozen5775]

Ian is the goat. But you gotta admit Sam's palpatine is very underrated

[@greg.anywhere]

They shouldve tossed in a classic Palpatine cackle at the end

[@konnorrockkonnoisseur4970]

Ian will always BE Palpatine. But I can’t give Witwer enough respect for how talented he is. He is the closest to Ian anyone will ever be AND he also is the voice behind Starkiller in Force Unleased (as well as Palps in the game as well) and Darth Maul in Clone Wars.

[@DavidM_10]

They're both great in their own ways. Witwer's Palpatine seems calmer and more calculating. He doesn't reveal his emotions as much. He just observes. While McDairmid's is more expressive. His strong emotions simmer just below the surface, barely contained, making him a more frightening Sith Lord.

[@KoPT01]

Witwer did a great job. But McDiarmid has a certain bone-chilling quality to his voice that just can't be replicated.

[@sketos_d]

"Perhaps... IF he lives" was indeed better with Sam

[@jakobrenner2230]

Sam Witwer: the best Palpatine voice actor Ian McDiarmind: Palpatine

[@topdog5252]

Best Ian actor ever. Ian’s best Palpatine (original) but I know what u mean

[@gxlestrada]

Fun fact: Sam Witwer is the guy who did Deacon ST John on Days Gone, Starkiller, (even Palpatine’s voice)on Star Wars Force Unleashed 1 & 2, Darth Maul on Clone Wars & Rebels.

[@mr.l8723]

1:15 so...beautiful 😭

[@boxheadboiii]

Sam had the pronunciations and minor details down to a science, but keep in mind he was basing off Ian himself

[@SnakeWasRight]

Ian was actually quite young when he first played the emperor!

[@BasicGuy834]

in Mcdiarmid's voice you can hear the evilness and apathy and yet a some sort of wicked joy. Not many voice actors can do that. he is brilliant. The moment he switches to that evil wicked tone and says “dispatch another inquisitor to hunt them down“ is just pure goosebumps. Sam witwer's palps sounds crippled

[@jeffgoblue]

Sam does a great job. But no one out-senates The Senate.

[@EAcapuccino]

Sam Witer is exceptional BUT Ian Mcdermid nailed it even more! - 01:15 02:04 👏👏👏👏😁😁

[@kaijuslayer3334]

Am I the only one who actually prefers Sam’s voice?

[@D1SC1PULUS]

Sam Witwer: *Does outstanding impression of Ian* Ian: Is that legal?? Sam: **I will make it LEGAL!**

[@RealPantsMan]

Off topic but I love how the Vader rebels design allows the portion of his helmet to make him look angrier, like a big eyebrow

[@bromodragone8405]

Thor: Oh that's a helmet, I thought it was a big eyebrow.

[@axechop]

Sam did a brilliant Palpatine based on Ian's prior performance. Then Ian decided to add more of himself.

[@logicaldude3611]

Some great comments here. Witwer does sound an awful lot like the older, wiser, more patient Emperor from the OT. McDiarmid sounds a lot like the impulsive, evil, reveling Sidious during the Purge. It makes sense that they'd use that version. I never really thought about how nuanced McDiarmid was when playing the Emperor in two different periods of time. We know he's doing it on purpose because when they reshot the scene from Empire Strikes Back with McDiarmid, he played the Emperor as the older, wiser, calmer version even though it was right around the time he reprised his role in Revenge of the Sith and went full camp with Sidious.

[@mylifeisacomplexpastiche7901]

Sam: “Perhaps... _if_ he lives. Be patient, my old friend. For now, dispatch another Inquisitor to hunt them down.” Sam’s performance nails the politician in Palpatine. He keeps his interest in the knowledge he’s been given, keeps Vader chomping at the bit, but still seems to prefer returning to back to business as usual until the time is right. Ian: “Perhaps. If he lives. Be patient, my old friend... For now, dispatch another Inquisitor to *HUNT. THEM. DOWN.* Ian nails the Sith Lord aspect of Palpatine. With the knowledge Vader gave him, he sounds dead set on finding them, wasting no time with humoring Vader’s obsession with finding Kenobi and dismissing the suggestion before giving off how much he wants them found when growling out his order.

[@Shadowkey392]

I dunno...Witwer seems more invested in the role here.

[@edgecruz4832]

how Vader refers to Anakin as a separate person goes to show how far Anakin fell

[@nanoman8]

Luke: imma pretent i didn't see that

[@ProfessorCrumBerries]

Ahhhh Brings me back to the force unleashed NOSTALGIA MANN🥲

[@jordan9503]

hmm I actually prefer sam witwer for some reason on this one witch is crazy cause I love ian well atleast when ian passes we will have a worth successor

[@milddiffuse]

What the hell dude don't mention that shit, that'd make me real sad if that'd happen anytime soon.

[@2017acc]

it's a question of "if", not "when". I mean, have you ever seen ian mcdiarmid and the emperor in the same room? They are probably one and the same, and you know Palpatine is immortal.

[@Laesis]

I honestly still prefer Ian, but yeah, Sam is great.

[@TheDakkaman]

Witwer’s voice has more “moisture” to it, for lack of a better term, so he has the tone down perfect but is literally too well-hydrated for the desiccated husk that Palps is supposed to be. McDiarmid, on the other hand, really does have that feel of old, creaking leather to it that gives Palps the feeling of not just being old physically, but also in the very core of his being, like the tonal equivalent of the word ancient. Both are amazing, of course, and Witwer absolutely has my vote if McDiarmid ever decides not to do the role or is otherwise unable to.

[@ulisesandrade5532]

Sam is awesome , but Ian, god I can’t explain

[@mmus8789]

I love how first one sounds more frivolous after hearing about Kenobi, and Ian's sounds like Palpatine is tired backhand slapping Vader's hope of finding Obi-Wan

[@JUDEPOPPGamingb23ra]

Sam Witwer takes the silver Medal But Ian McDiarmid takes the gold Medal