Star Wars Finally Revives a Strange Alien Species Missing Since Return of the Jedi

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A relatively unknown alien race from the Star Wars universe is scheduled to reappear in 2026. The galaxy far, far away is famous for its diverse and interesting aliens, like the Togrutans, Wookies, and Jawas. Now, a surprising species last seen in 1983’s Return of the Jedi is making a comeback.

A recent report has confirmed the appearance of the Amanin in The Mandalorian & Grogu. Star Wars Insider, issue 235, reveals that the cobra-like alien featured in the trailer is an Amani – a species not seen in a Star Wars film for over 40 years. These reptilian aliens were previously seen among the bounty hunters at Jabba’s palace in Episode VI, but haven’t appeared in official Star Wars stories since.

Things are about to change in 2026 with the return of the Amanin in The Mandalorian & Grogu. The new trailer shows an Amani rising from the water, looking aggressive and armed, hinting at trouble for anyone who crosses its path.

As a big Star Wars fan, I recently learned about the Amani! According to the official data bank, they’re a pretty unique species. They have yellow and green skin, and their bodies are built a little differently – short legs but really long arms and big hands that almost touch the ground. It’s a bit creepy, but they also carry staffs decorated with skulls, which apparently represent enemies they’ve defeated. They prefer living underground or out on the plains, so you wouldn’t usually find them hanging around in cities.

The Amanin were originally from the planet Maridun, located in the Rolion sector of the Outer Rim. Though never fully shown, several planned episodes of the animated series, The Clone Wars, featured the Amanin and depicted Maridun as a world covered in grasslands and home to dangerous creatures. The series also revealed that some Amanin people had settled on Utapau, another planet in the Outer Rim’s Tarabba sector.

This species has popped up in Star Wars comics and the backstory of Batuu, the planet in Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge. But they haven’t been seen on screen since Amanaman appeared in Return of the Jedi over 40 years ago – until now.

I’m so excited! They just announced that The Mandalorian & Grogu is coming to theaters on May 22, 2026! It’s basically a continuation of the Disney+ show, and thankfully Pedro Pascal is back as the Mandalorian, with Jon Favreau directing again. It’s going to be the first Star Wars movie in theaters since The Rise of Skywalker came out in 2019 – I can’t wait!

What Role Does the Amani Play in The Mandalorian and Grogu?

Amani appeared only for a moment in the trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu, so it’s currently unknown what part they’ll play in the story. This species is known for being skilled hunters who traditionally display trophies from their enemies on their weapons. This suggests that Mando and Grogu could be in danger from this powerful alien.

The story of The Mandalorian & Grogu will follow Din Djarin (Pascal) and Grogu as they continue their adventures across the galaxy, now working for the growing New Republic. The show will feature encounters with dangerous imperial leaders and oversized creatures originally seen in the Dejarik game. An Amani character might be one of these threats, potentially taking on a similar bounty hunter role to the one Amanaman played in Episode VI.

In addition to previously announced returns, the Hutts will also appear in the new Star Wars series. Jeremy Allen White will play Rotta, the son of a Hutt warlord. Considering the last known Hutt, Amananan, worked as a bounty hunter for Jabba the Hutt, this new Hutt appearing in The Mandalorian & Grogu is likely connected to the same family.

Set after the original Star Wars movies (Episodes IV-VI) but before the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), The Mandalorian & Grogu takes place in a period of transition – after the Empire has fallen, but before the First Order gains power. This creates opportunities for the new Star Wars film to continue storylines from the earlier films and reintroduce some of the alien races we haven’t seen in a while.

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2025-12-11 23:35