Original Palpatine makes pitch for Angry Birds Star Wars II

With no less than the original Emperor Palpatine extending the invitation to "join the pork side," how can you resist?

Actor Ian McDiarmid, who portrayed Palpatine in the "Star Wars" series, has joined Rovio in promoting the latest "Angry Birds" game.

McDiarmid, who earned the nickname "The Emperor," also signed a limited run of "Join the Pork Side" posters.

Fans who want to get one were encouraged to follow @AngryBirds on Twitter.

On Friday, Rovio released on YouTube a behind-the-scenes video of McDiarmid working on the latest promotional video for "Angry Birds Star Wars II," which rolls out on September 19.

"We also got to find out how The Emperor's legendary throne caused so many issues when shooting the original Star Wars movies!" it said.

Rovio's new game will roll out to iOS, Android and Windows Phone, and will cost $0.99.

"It will also be a universal app, so will work across iPhone & iPad!" it said.

A separate article on Mashable said the new game will let players play on the dark side for the first time.

"Players can fire pigs instead of birds from the slingshot while appropriately dressed in Imperial Gear," it said. — VC, GMA News