Meaning: This quote by Ian McDiarmid, who is known for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise, refers to the trajectory of his character's role in the movie series. The quote suggests that his character would have a more prominent presence as the series progresses.

In the context of the Star Wars movies, the character of Emperor Palpatine is central to the overarching narrative, especially in the original trilogy. In the first two movies, "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" and "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back," Palpatine is mainly depicted as a sinister figure manipulating events from the shadows. However, as hinted in the quote, his character's role becomes more pronounced in the third installment, "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi."

The quote can be interpreted as McDiarmid's realization of the significant impact his character would have in the third movie, which is in line with the narrative arc of the character. In "Return of the Jedi," Emperor Palpatine's true nature and power are fully revealed as he directly engages with the main characters, particularly Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, in a climactic confrontation that ultimately shapes the fate of the galaxy.

McDiarmid's portrayal of Emperor Palpatine has been widely praised for its depth and complexity, as he effectively conveys the character's manipulative and malevolent nature while also showcasing his commanding presence. The quote reflects McDiarmid's recognition of the pivotal role his character would play in the culmination of the original Star Wars trilogy.

From a storytelling perspective, the progression of Emperor Palpatine's character aligns with the classic narrative structure of a gradual buildup leading to a significant payoff. This narrative approach creates anticipation and excitement among the audience as they witness the evolution of a character from the sidelines to a central position in the story.

In addition to the character's narrative arc, the quote also sheds light on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, specifically the communication between actors and filmmakers regarding the development of their characters. McDiarmid's reference to not realizing the extent of his character's impact suggests a level of surprise and possibly delight at the direction in which the story took his character.

Furthermore, the quote serves as a testament to the impact of effective storytelling and character development in the success of a film series. By gradually building up Emperor Palpatine's presence and influence, the filmmakers were able to deliver a satisfying and impactful resolution to the character's arc in "Return of the Jedi."

In conclusion, Ian McDiarmid's quote encapsulates the anticipation and eventual realization of the significant role his character, Emperor Palpatine, would play in the Star Wars original trilogy. It highlights the narrative progression of the character and the collaborative nature of filmmaking, while also emphasizing the importance of effective storytelling and character development in creating a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.