Star Wars: 20 Things You Didn't Know About Return Of The Jedi
8. Ben Kingsley Was Considered For Emperor Palpatine
Though Ian McDiarmid was ultimately cast as Emperor Palpatine and it's practically impossible to consider anyone having done so much with the part as he did - even in the character's wonkier prequel and sequel appearances - a bevy of other performers were also up for the role.
The legendary David Suchet and Lindsay Anderson were considered, before Alan Webb was actually cast in the part, but ultimately had to bow out due to an illness which claimed his life a short while later.
Ben Kingsley, who had just shot Gandhi - which would net him a Best Actor Oscar the year Return of the Jedi was released - was in consideration to play Palpatine, though was apparently deemed "too English" and passed over for the snarling Scotsman McDiarmid.
As easy as it is to imagine Kingsley knocking Palpatine out of the park, there's just no arguing with McDiarmid's inimitable work in the role.