Ian McDiarmid recounted that during the “Rise of Skywalker” shoot, he was “smuggled everywhere, as me and [as Palpatine].” To prevent any “photographers who might be lurking” from blowing the surprise, he was escorted through the studio by people holding umbrellas to keep him out of view. McDiarmid noted that the procedure was different than normal for reasons that go back to his costume: “Usually you’re invited to wear a hood, but I suggested that wasn’t really going to work. So, let’s concentrate on the umbrellas.”

Palpatine’s go-to costume is a black, hooded cloak. It’s what he wore in “Return of the Jedi,” throughout the prequel trilogy (at least when he was Darth Sidious), and again in “Rise of Skywalker.” Rather than keeping McDiarmid nondescript, a hood would’ve given away his presence.

Behind-the-scenes photos of McDiarmid were eventually released after the movie’s premiere. They actually underscore why concealing McDiarmid’s involvement was possible. He only appears in one of the film’s settings — the Sith world Exegol — and only shares scenes with two other stars: Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver (Kylo Ren). Still, if the umbrellas weren’t so effective, the surprise of Palpatine’s return could’ve been spoiled. Umbrellas are useful for more than just rainy days.