17 Years Later, Star Wars Is About to Redeem Its Most Controversial Character (No, Not Jar Jar Binks)

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Star Wars often takes risks with unusual elements. In the original films, the Ewoks – adorable, low-tech creatures – managed to defeat the Empire using simple traps and determination. Similarly, in *The Phantom Menace*, the Gungans fought off a powerful droid army with limited resources. However, the Gungans don’t receive as much criticism as the Ewoks, largely because of one character: Jar Jar Binks. After meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, Jar Jar becomes involved in a major galactic conflict, but consistently messes things up.

Jar Jar Binks is already disliked for his silly behavior, but it gets worse: he’s the one who suggests giving Emperor Palpatine emergency powers, which ultimately helps Palpatine rise to power. Despite all that, Jar Jar isn’t the most debated character in Star Wars. That distinction belongs to another irritating alien who’s about to return to the spotlight.

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars Movie Is a Rough Watch Because of One Character

In 2008, Lucasfilm brought back animated *Star Wars* with the movie *Star Wars: The Clone Wars*. This film launched a new animated series, replacing the previous one by Genndy Tartakovsky, and introduced a fresh direction for the story. A key change was the introduction of Ahsoka Tano as Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice – a character audiences hadn’t met before. Like Anakin, Ahsoka is headstrong and often prefers to follow her own instincts. Soon after they meet, Anakin and Ahsoka are assigned a risky mission: helping a gangster from Anakin’s home world.

Count Dooku takes Jabba the Hutt’s young son, Rotta, hostage, and the Jedi are sent on a rescue mission. Once Rotta is saved, he quickly becomes a troublemaker, constantly farting and earning the nickname “Stinky.” While silly humor is common in kids’ movies, Rotta’s antics go on for too long, and he never really makes amends for his behavior – unlike characters like Jar Jar Binks, who eventually has redeeming moments. However, Star Wars is planning to give Rotta another chance, and it looks like he might finally get things right.

Rotta the Hutt Is Back in a Big Way

Lucasfilm is bringing Din Djarin and Grogu back to the big screen with a new movie that continues their story from the Disney+ series. While details are scarce, the film appears to show Din battling the remaining forces of the Empire. Now that the New Republic exists, the Imperials are forced to operate secretly, hiding in dangerous and rundown places. Din’s mission will take him to a planet that hosts gladiator contests, where he’ll encounter Rotta, a familiar character. Rotta, who once knew Anakin and Ahsoka, has grown considerably over the years and is now a very large and imposing figure.

It’s unclear exactly what role Rotta will have in the new *Mandalorian & Grogu* series, but it’s likely to be significant – the creators wouldn’t bring the character back without a good reason. Jeremy Allen White, an Emmy-winning actor, will be providing the voice for Rotta, meaning he’ll have at least some dialogue. While few predicted a change of heart for Rotta after *The Clone Wars* movie, it seems he’s getting a redemption arc, which could open the door for other previously disliked characters in the *Star Wars* universe.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026.

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2025-09-28 16:46