Palpatine is coming back in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
During a recent interview, Abrams was asked about Palpatine’s return, which was initially revealed at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year.
The Star Wars Rebels episode A World Between Worlds introduced the concept of time travel, in a way, to the canon, and Palpatine even appeared in that episode.
The historic Sith leader is even featured on the poster, so fans need to make peace with the idea either way.