7 Star Wars Characters You Didn't Know Were Crucial

In the Star Wars universe, there’s a reputation for developing visually striking background characters with minimal screen time, such as Boba Fett who only appeared for more than six minutes in the original trilogy. Despite this limited on-screen presence, characters like Boba Fett often inspire elaborate backstories. This is where additional resources like novels, comics, and video games become vital. They help fill in the narrative for even the most obscure alien warriors and troubled droids within the Star Wars universe. However, it’s essential to remember that not all side characters carry equal weight. Characters such as Elan Sleazebaggano may have dedicated Wookieepedia entries, but they remain essentially supporting roles in the grand scheme of things.

In various storylines, these lesser-known Star Wars characters have made significant contributions that set them apart from their supporting counterparts. While their importance might not be immediately apparent through movie viewing alone, it’s crucial to note that they play pivotal roles behind the scenes. In fact, some of them are so essential to the Skywalker Saga that the narrative would have been drastically different without them. Here’s a list of seven underestimated Star Wars characters whose impact is more profound than you might think.

Ephant Mon

In the movie “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,” Jabba the Hutt had numerous unsavory associates in his palace, yet only one was considered a friend – Ephant Mon, an arms dealer and possibly the sole inhabitant who willingly chose to be there. Jabba and Ephant Mon rose through the underworld together, with Ephant Mon eventually becoming Jabba’s head of security when he ascended as a major crime lord. However, their friendship ended when Ephant Mon attempted to persuade Jabba to release Luke Skywalker and his companions. Disregarding his old friend’s advice, Jabba refused, leading to Ephant Mon embarking on various escapades post-Jabba, while the Hutt ultimately faced a grim end at the hands of Leia Organa, Luke’s sister.

Benthic “Two Tubes“

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story might have been marketed as a more realistic spin on the iconic Star Wars universe, but it certainly didn’t skimp on the intriguing extraterrestrial characters. One such character, Benthic, who initially appeared in Saw Gerrera’s resistance group, the Partisans, actually boasted a compelling backstory beyond the silver screen. This fascinating alien found his roots in rebellion years prior when the Empire invaded his native planet, Yar Togna. Displaced and homeless, Benthic – also recognized by his distinctive breathing apparatus as “Two Tubes” on oxygen-rich planets – and his fellow hatchling (brother) Edrio took refuge with pirate leader Enfys Nest. As a Cloud-Rider and later a Partisan, Benthic played a crucial role in bolstering the fledgling rebellion against the Empire, inspiring countless others to join the cause along the way.

Toryn Farr

Despite being a challenging moment for the Skywalkers, the Battle of Hoth stands out as a significant highlight in the Star Wars saga. In fact, the gloomy “The Empire Strikes Back” might have been even more dismal if not for the actions of communications officer Toryn Farr. As one of the few women in the original trilogy apart from Princess Leia, Farr played a crucial role in helping the Rebels escape their Hoth base with minimal losses. She oversaw the ion cannon’s coordination during the emergency evacuation and gave the order to fire on the Imperial Star Destroyer Tyrant, crippling the ship temporarily. This allowed the Rebel transport Quantum Storm to bypass Darth Vader’s blockade and jump into hyperspace. If it weren’t for Toryn Farr’s swift decision-making, the Rebellion may have met its end on Hoth, concluding the Skywalker Saga after only two movies.

IG-88

In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, IG-88, like other bounty hunters introduced, was primarily designed to exude a cool appearance, but the creators of Legends had more intriguing concepts for this assassin droid. Interestingly, IG-88 is not just one droid, but four: IG-88A, IG-88B, IG-88C, and IG-88D, all claiming the title of the galaxy’s second most feared bounty hunter. Distinguishing between these IG units can be perplexing, but at least one of them managed to merge with the Deathstar II, effectively becoming a colossal droid. Had the Rebels not succeeded in destroying the battle station, this IG-88 intended to seize control of every droid in the galaxy, aiming for a grand uprising among droids. Regrettably, due to the intervention of the rebel forces, IG-88 was unable to execute his ambitious plan. However, he did manage to annoy Emperor Palpatine by confining him in his throne room briefly, so his scheme to conquer the Deathstar wasn’t entirely futile.

Malikili (The Rancor Keeper)

As a great admirer, I’d like to share a unique story about the relationship between Jabba the Hutt’s fearsome Rancor and its caretaker, Malikili. Despite being a fearsome monster, it seemed that even monsters could experience love. Enter Malikili, who served as Jabba’s personal Rancor handler – a role that was more akin to a mother for the beast.

Malikili and the Rancor shared an extraordinary bond, with the creature allowing him to tend to its wounds and even joining him during meals without causing harm. Their connection was so profound that when a group of Tusken Raiders threatened Malikili, the Rancor sacrificed its chance to flee Jabba’s palace forever to save its beloved caretaker.

Tragically, Malikili’s heart would be shattered not long after this heroic act. The unfortunate incident occurred when Jabba the Hutt threw Luke Skywalker into the Rancor pit, leading to the creature’s untimely demise. This poignant tale serves as a reminder that even in the galaxy far, far away, love can transcend the boundaries of species and create unexpected bonds.

Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba

This formidable duo of Star Wars antagonists initially made a brutal appearance in “Star Wars: A New Hope,” and their tale became increasingly chilling from then on. Cornelius Evazan, once a respected plastic surgeon, found pleasure in creating monstrous body horror creations that would make even David Cronenberg feel uneasy. Eventually, Evazan recruited the unwilling accomplice Ponda Baba, and together they left a trail of destruction across the galaxy, earning death sentences on over a dozen systems. In both Legends and Canon, this lethal pair terrorized their share of innocents while occasionally clashing with various heroes and antiheroes. If you’ve ever pondered what Star Wars might resemble under Rob Zombie’s direction, take a look at Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba.

R5-D4

A New Hope, played a crucial role that many hardcore fans might not realize. If it weren’t for R5-D4, the original trilogy would have been significantly shorter because he intentionally malfunctioned to make Luke buy R2-D2 instead. R2-D2 was carrying vital information for the Rebellion, and R5-D4 sacrificed himself so that R2 could complete his mission, ultimately saving the galaxy. Definitely a true hero!

2025-03-19 20:15

7 Star Wars Characters You Didn’t Know Were Crucial