‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ Rumors: Emperor Palpatine Up In This Bitch?

Is the character of Emperor Palpatine returning for Star Wars: Episode VII? It would seem unlikely considering Darth Vader threw him down the friggin' Death Star's reactor shaft. But that's the rumor currently sweeping the Interwebs thanks to Jedi News. According to their 'unnamed source,' Ian McDiarmid will return for Episode VII as the senator-turned-Sith. Then again, an 'unnamed source' told me that a topless Kate Upton will be playing the queen of the Ewoks in the new trilogy, so in the words of Walter White, maybe we should 'tread lightly' in regard to these rumors from unnamed sources.

In all fairness, despite the Emperor's apparent death in Return of the Jedi, it would not be that big of a stretch if he returned. For example, maybe he somehow used his force powers to survive. Two, maybe he's pulling an Obi-Wan Kenobi and returning as a spirit. Three, there's always the possibility of a clone. And last but not least, perhaps Episode VII will pull a "who shot J.R." and reveal that the original trilogy was all a dream. Works for me. (Source)

(Edit: Yes, I know Palpatine comes back in the books, but I don't know if the books will factor into the films. Ugh).