Most viewers think ofStar Warsas a live-action movie and TV franchise, but there are so many characters from other mediums who have yet to appear in that form.Star Warshas always been a transmedia franchise, with the first official tie-ins published beforeA New Hopehad even released. This year saw Jude Law cast as Crimson Jack, one of the first characters from the oldStar WarsExpanded Universe- now making his way into live-action. Even the most hardcore parts of the fandom never imagined this could happen.
The last few years have seen countless characters transition into live-action from other mediums. Lars Mikkelsen’sGrand Admiral Thrawn- introduced in 1991’s “Heir to the Empire” by Timothy Zahn - looks set to be the next big villain. Ahsoka Tano made her debut in the 2008Star Wars: The Clone Warsanimated movie, and now she’s played in live-action by Rosario Dawson. Butwhich other villains need to follow Thrawn on to the screen?
10Warlord Zsinj
One of the greatest Imperial leaders in Legends
Let’s start with one who I actually think has a fair chance of appearing inStar Warscanon - Warlord Zsinj. A key figure in Legends, Zsinj was officially named the first Warlord of the Empire, and he proved to be a ruthless and dangerous tactician - even hunting down his own mother. Promoted to the rank of Admiral shortly after the Battle of Yavin, Zsinj earned the respect of Emperor Palpatine himself. After Palpatine’s death,he wrested control of a third of the galaxyas his own personal empire before becoming theNew Republic’s primary target.
Jonny Coyne is appearing inThe Mandalorian & Groguas an Imperial Warlord, reprising a role he played inThe Mandalorianseason 4. Although the character is currently unnamed,he’s being described using Zsinj’s familiar title, and his dialogue hinted at tactics that sound just like those Zsinj employed in Legends. It’s hardly a stretch to imagine Coyne is in fact playing the canon version of Warlord Zsing, making this iconic character the villain of theupcomingStar Warsmovie.
9Marchion Ro
The greatest villain of the High Republic Era
Now let’s move toStar Warscanon, for a character who’s played a key role in the ongoingStar Wars: The High Republictransmedia initiative. Marchion Ro is the main villain of theHigh Republic Era, and he came close to crippling the Jedi two centuries before the Skywalker saga. Marchion Ro is an Evereni who was raised to hate the Jedi, and he established himself as the ruler (or “Eye”) of a group of pirates known as the Nihil. A ruthless tactician, he was able to identify weaknesses in his enemies and take advantage of them, and he was skilled at misdirection.
It would be wonderful to see Lucasfilm adapt stories from this era into a medium that would be seen by so many more people.
The High Republicis unparalleled in the history of theStar Warsfranchise. It’s an incredible transmedia story told in novels, comics, audiobooks, and even mangas; it’s introduced a whole new era inStar Warshistory, one teased inThe Acolytebut still really unexplored in live-action. It would be wonderful to see Lucasfilm adapt stories from this era into a medium that would be seen by so many more people. That essentially requires Marchion Ro.
8The Nameless
The worst nightmare of the Jedi
George Lucas always loved adding monsters into the mix forStar Wars(the most notable sequence being the arena battle inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones).The High Republichas honored this tradition, introducing the most fearsome creatures the franchise has ever seen.The Nameless arethe ultimate Force predators, originating from a world so rich in the Force that they had grown to consume it. Their presence distorts the Force, leaving the Jedi reeling in the face of horrific visions, and they reduce Force-sensitives to calcified husks when they feed.
Every other entry on this list is a person, a character. But the Nameless are unique, monstrous beings who would allowStar Warsto branch out into something very different. They’re horrific in a way few other creatures in this franchise are, making even Legends' fearsome Terentateks feel like weaklings in comparison, but curiously they’ve also appeared in stories that are somehow perfectly told young-adult adventures. It would be thrilling to see them in live-action too.
7Mara Jade
Luke Skywalker’s wife began as the Emperor’s Hand
Some readers may be surprised to see me include Mara Jade in this list. Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s iconic “Thrawn trilogy,” Mara actually became Luke Skywalker’s wife, so surely she should be counted as a hero first and foremost? But it’s important to remember thatMara Jade’s story began as the Emperor’s Hand, Palpatine’s trained assassin who served his will and was even on Tatooine trying to get close to Luke to kill him inReturn of the Jedi.
Curiously, modernStar Warshas indeed hinted that the rank of “Emperor’s Hand” still exists; Gar Saxon served as the Emperor’s Hand when he ruled Mandalore. What’s more,Star Warshas confirmed Palpatine had no qualms about using other Force-sensitives, and he even had theImperial Inquisitorshunt prospective agents down as children. Mara could easily fit into this story, a child kidnapped by the Inquisitors and transformed into Palpatine’s puppet - but destined for redemption.
6Doctor Aphra
The most successful original character in canon comics
Let’s head back toStar Warscanon for a character who’s surely destined to make her way into live-action sooner or later.Doctor Aphrais basicallyStar Wars' version of Indiana Jones, and let’s face it - that’s enough of a pitch to show why she should appear in the movies or TV shows. Chelli Aphra is a corrupt archaeologist who caught Darth Vader’s attention, and she soon found herself working for the Dark Lord of the Sith, struggling to navigate the treachery of the Empire and survive the experience.
There are few more compelling characters in canon that Doctor Aphra.
There are few more compelling characters in canon that Doctor Aphra. She may be greedy and prideful, but she still has a good heart, which means she frequently winds up allying with the rebels and even developing a strange quasi-friendship with Luke Skywalker. Even better, her life’s a hot mess, meaning there’s a soap opera drama quality to her comics too. Lucasfilm should seriously need no convincing to make Aphra a live-action star.
5Darth Krayt
A truly terrifying Sith Lord
George Lucas envisioned Darth Maul as the villain of his sequel trilogy, and Disney came up with Kylo Ren. Legends' own ultimate future villain was Darth Krayt, a fallen Jedi whose life parallels that of Luke Skywalker in chilling ways. Born A’Sharad Hett, he served on the front lines of the Clone Wars, and was one of the fewOrder 66 survivors. Hett tried to hide himself away on Tatooine, but was driven away by Obi-Wan Kenobi, who feared his presence would lead to Luke’s discovery.
Hett became a bounty hunter, and one of his missions took him to the Sith homeworld of Korriban. There, his fall to the dark side was completed, and he began the work of reforming the Sith - abandoning the Rule of Two. As Darth Krayt, he engineered a masterplan that took a century to come to pass,ruling the galaxy for seven years before he was overthrown. It would be thrilling to see Darth Krayt brought into canon.
4Exar Kun
One of the greatest Sith Lords of all time
One of themost powerful Sith LordsinStar WarsLegends, Exar Kun is very much the yin to Luke Skywalker’s yang - or, rather, the devil to his Messiah. That’s the role he occupies in Kevin J. Anderson’s “Jedi Academy Trilogy,” which saw Luke establish his new Jedi Temple on Yavin 4, unwittingly leaving his students vulnerable to the Sith spirit that dwelt within those temples. Exar Kun’s dark spirit seduced his student Kyp Durron to the dark side, and he made an almost-successful attempt to kill Luke himself.
Exar Kun is confirmed to have existed in canon (there are Easter eggs to his reign inSolo: A Star Wars Story, and he’s even been tied to the Massassi temples of Yavin 4). What’s more, Adam Christopher’sShadow of the Sithsaw Luke confront a similar Sith spirit. I’d love to see Exar Kun explored in more detail, going up against Luke Skywalker and his Jedi Order in live-action.
3Mighella
The ultimate Nightsister of Dathomir
TheNightsisters of Dathomirplay an important role in modern canon. They’re the allies of Grand Admiral Thrawn inAhsoka(and, likely, in upcomingStar WarsTV shows and movies too). The redeemed Nightsister Merrin is at the heart of the Cal KestisJedigames, becoming Cal’s lover at the end ofJedi: Survivor. And even Asajj Ventress - brought back to life inStar Wars: The Bad Batch- hails from Dathomir.
Mighella was one of the most intriguing Nightsisters in Legends, a rival of Darth Maul who worked for the criminal empire Black Sun. She was killed by Darth Maul mere moments after recognizing him for what he was, a Sith Lord.It would be fascinating to see Mighella adapted into canon, whether as an opponent for Maul again or as something very different.
2Asajj Ventress
It’s simply got to happen
TheSith assassin Asajj Ventressappears inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, where she was trained by Count Dooku - and ultimately betrayed by him. This treachery led Asajj Ventress down a surprising path of redemption, and she survived Order 66, appearing inStar Wars: The Bad Batchwielding an unusual yellow lightsaber instead of her usual red one. Lucasfilm has promised there’s more to come, and it would be so exciting to see Ventress in live-action - perhaps going up against Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Lucasfilm has everything they need to make a live-actionClone Warsadventure
I admit I’m biased here; I feel Lucasfilm has everything they need to make a live-actionClone Warsadventure, whether as a movie or as a TV show. Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen are keen to return again, while Ariana Greenblatt was phenomenal as the young Ahsoka in flashbacks. A live-action Asajj Ventress would be the perfect foe for this story.
1Agent Kallus
A classic Rebels character
Let’s wrap this list up with another character who I’m convinced will make his way to live-action soon. Introduced as a major antagonist inStar Wars Rebels, Agent Kallus had an unexpected redemption story. He became a Fulcrum spy for the Rebel Alliance, working to undermine the Empire before he was exposed by Grand Admiral Thrawn.Kallus' story is so very compelling, and his relationship with the rebel Zeb is fantastic.
It’s surely only a matter of time before we meet Kallus in live-action.
ModernStar Warsis gradually bringing the characters ofRebelsto life; Ahsoka started the trend, and she’s been joined by Sabine, Hera, Chopper, and even Zeb himself. Kallus is currently missing, and that’s surely got to be rectified soon. He’d even be a useful asset against Thrawn, given he worked under him for a time, meaning he’d fit perfectly with the current story. It’s surely only a matter of time before we meet Kallus in live-action.
