I know many are in favor of holding back Palps for as long as possible, which I heartily agree with. I have wondered if anyone has attempted to keep his face out of frame and/or in silhouette for his first encounter with Kylo? I mean I know we already know what he looks like, but not in this film. Just in keeping with the idea of a slower unveiling?
I had an idea a while back where the opening sequence ends when Kylo finds the Wayfinder, then we continue as normal. Cut after Rey’s training sequence, and pick up with Kylo flying through space. End the Exagol sequence when we hear Palpatine say “I have died before.” Then use his conversation with Kylo as voiceover for other scenes. That way we don’t see his face until Rey confronts him.