TiddySprinklesPimpBillion said:

Episode IX = Dark Empire XV.

That’s sorta the reason this makes me think George had some part in this idea. Originally when Tom Veitch was writing Dark Empire, the antagonist was going to be someone impersonating Vader. George came in, though, and suggested making it Palpatine reborn.

I do agree with Hal and some others in that I do feel bringing back Palpatine could take away from Vader’s sacrifice in ROTJ if not handled properly, but what is ironic is that the idea of Palpatine coming back from apparent death is a Lucas idea. Not saying that makes it a good or bad idea, but it is interesting. The idea, when taken at face-value, seems to undermine the narrative, but the idea has come from the creator himself, and isn’t an element of fan-fiction.