We don't actually see Emperor Palpatine in A New Hope, but thanks to his position in the preceding and subsequent films, we know he's definitely a part of things, overseeing things and running the Empire from the shadows. The Rebel Alliance was formed in order to resist his rule on the galaxy, while he was the person controlling the Empire when the Death Star was put into construction, so he'd very much fit in the film. It wouldn't need to be a big role, but having him in a couple of scenes - either something more political, or (more likely) talking with Vader via hologram about hunting down the Rebels and retrieving the plans - would certainly be doable. Ian McDiarmid is the only person who could play the role, but he's mentioned in the past that he'd be open to a return, and with the Emperor's appearance it wouldn't matter about his age.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
