While many fans perceive Star Wars primarily as a live-action franchise, there exists a wealth of characters from various media that have yet to transition to the onscreen portrayal. Originally, the franchise embraced a transmedia approach, with its first official tie-ins released prior to the debut of A New Hope. Recently, the casting of Jude Law as Crimson Jack, a character from the earlier Star Wars Expanded Universe, marks a significant step toward bringing lesser-known figures into live-action narratives, surprising even the most devoted fans.
In the last few years, we have witnessed numerous characters from animated series, books, and comics make their live-action debut. One of the most anticipated additions is Lars Mikkelsen’s Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 1991 novel “Heir to the Empire.”Following the excitement surrounding Ahsoka Tano, who first appeared in the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and is now portrayed by Rosario Dawson, we must consider which other villains are overdue for their own live-action adaptations.
10 Warlord Zsinj
One of the Greatest Imperial Leaders in Legends
Let’s kick things off with Warlord Zsinj, who stands a good chance of entering the Star Wars canon soon. As a crucial figure within the Legends continuity, Zsinj was recognized as the first Warlord of the Empire, known for his ruthless tactics—infamously hunting down even his own mother. After being promoted to Admiral shortly after the Battle of Yavin, he gained Emperor Palpatine’s respect.
Following Palpatine’s demise, Zsinj established control over a significant portion of the galaxy, turning it into his personal empire, making him the New Republic’s primary adversary. Jonny Coyne recently appeared in The Mandalorian & Grogu as an unnamed Imperial Warlord, with hints in his dialogue echoing Zsinj’s tactics from Legends. It’s conceivable he could portray a new, canon version of Warlord Zsinj in future Star Wars projects.
9 Marchion Ro
The Greatest Villain of the High Republic Era
Next up is Marchion Ro, a pivotal character in the ongoing Star Wars: The High Republic initiative. Serving as the main antagonist of this era, Ro posed a significant threat to the Jedi two centuries before the events of the Skywalker saga. An Evereni raised to despise the Jedi, he became the leader or “Eye”of the nihilistic group known as the Nihil, showcasing his tactical genius in exploiting the weaknesses of his enemies.
Bringing Marchion Ro to the screen would be an exceptional opportunity for Lucasfilm to explore this rich narrative era, which remains largely unknown in live-action formats. The High Republic represents an innovative transmedia story encompassing novels, comics, audiobooks, and even mangas. The adaptation of this era would surely attract a broader audience, and Ro’s influence would be central to that vision.
8 The Nameless
The Worst Nightmare of the Jedi
The horror element of Star Wars has often been overshadowed, yet the High Republic shines in this context with the introduction of terrifying entities known as The Nameless. These formidable Force predators emerged from a world steeped in the Force, consuming it to the point that they disrupt its balance and leave Jedi overwhelmed with horrific visions, literally draining the life force from their victims.
Unlike traditional characters, The Nameless present an exciting opportunity to delve into different aspects of horror within the franchise. Their terrifying nature surpasses that of many creatures found in the Star Wars universe, allowing for fresh storytelling opportunities alongside typical character conflicts. Their inclusion in live-action would indeed provide a thrilling and darker narrative layer.
7 Mara Jade
Luke Skywalker’s Wife Began as the Emperor’s Hand
Though some may view Mara Jade primarily as Luke Skywalker’s wife, her legacy originates from a more complex background. Initially introduced in Timothy Zahn’s celebrated “Thrawn trilogy,”Mara Jade served as Palpatine’s assassin known as the Emperor’s Hand. This role found her relentlessly pursuing Luke on Tatooine during the events of Return of the Jedi.
Modern storytelling within Star Wars has kept the essence of the Emperor’s Hand alive; for instance, Gar Saxon was depicted using this title while ruling Mandalore. With confirmed instances of Palpatine employing Force-sensitive agents—including the Imperial Inquisitors recruiting young prospects—Mara’s journey fits seamlessly within this narrative, making her haunting tale ripe for reinvention in a new canon.
6 Doctor Aphra
The Most Successful Original Character in Canon Comics
Another character poised for live-action stardom is Doctor Aphra, often referred to as Star Wars’ version of Indiana Jones. Chelli Aphra is an adventurous archaeologist whose questionable morals led her to catch the interest of Darth Vader. Her interactions with the dark side and treacherous dealings within the Empire reveal her compelling story arc.
What makes Doctor Aphra particularly engaging is her grey morality; she often finds herself siding with the Rebels despite her self-serving nature. This complexity, combined with her dramatic escapades, adds a soap opera-style flair to her narratives. There is significant untapped potential for integrating Doctor Aphra into live-action productions, making a strong case for her adaptation.
5 Darth Krayt
Darth Krayt, a formidable figure from Legends, emerged as a chilling parallel to Luke Skywalker. Initially known as A’Sharad Hett, he fought valiantly during the Clone Wars and was one of the few Jedi to survive Order 66. Transforming into a bounty hunter, he eventually succumbed to the dark side while on the Sith world of Korriban.
As Darth Krayt, he sought to redefine Sith philosophy by rejecting the Rule of Two and implementing his own vision over a century-long plot. His reign lasted seven years before his eventual downfall, and his character has much potential to weave rich stories into the current canon. Introducing him to mainstream audiences would certainly ignite excitement.
4 Exar Kun
One of the Greatest Sith Lords of All Time
Exar Kun holds a significant place in the annals of Sith history, representing power and seduction in stark contrast to Luke Skywalker’s journey. He features prominently in Kevin J. Anderson’s “Jedi Academy Trilogy,”where his dark spirit deceives Luke’s students at the new Jedi Temple on Yavin 4, leading to near catastrophe for the Jedi Order.
References to Exar Kun’s reign exist within the canon, noted in Easter eggs in titles like Solo: A Star Wars Story. Moreover, adventures like Adam Christopher’s Shadow of the Sith hint at similar Sith presences. Exploring Exar Kun further within live-action could provide rich storytelling about the balance between light and dark in the Star Wars legacy.
3 Mighella
The Ultimate Nightsister of Dathomir
The Nightsisters of Dathomir play a crucial role in the current canon, supporting Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka and making appearances in various storylines, including the events of the Cal Kestis Jedi games. Among them, Mighella stands out as a compelling figure—an antagonist to Darth Maul who served within the Black Sun criminal alliance.
Mighella met her end at the hands of Maul, moments after recognizing him as a Sith Lord, but her character provides ample opportunity for exploration in a more expansive narrative. Adapting Mighella into the canon as either a nemesis to Maul or introducing her story from a different angle could provide thrilling storytelling.
2 Asajj Ventress
It’s Simply Got to Happen
Asajj Ventress, a fan-favorite character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, was trained by Count Dooku, who ultimately betrayed her. This betrayal catalyzed her journey toward redemption, allowing her to survive Order 66 while wielding a unique yellow lightsaber instead of the traditional red. Given her intriguing development, a live-action portrayal is highly anticipated.
With promises from Lucasfilm for more content surrounding Ventress, the prospect of encountering her in live-action, possibly in conflict with Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, elevates the excitement surrounding her character. The groundwork has been laid for a Clone Wars-inspired narrative, and including Ventress would be a fitting continuation of this storyline.
1 Agent Kallus
A Classic Rebels Character
Finally, we turn to Agent Kallus, a character whose transition into live-action seems inevitable. Initially introduced as a principal antagonist in Star Wars Rebels, Kallus’ journey led him to become a Fulcrum spy for the Rebel Alliance, working to thwart the Empire’s machinations before being discovered by Grand Admiral Thrawn. Kallus’ compelling transformation and his evolving relationship with the rebel Zeb adds depth to his narrative.
As modern Star Wars continues to bring beloved Rebels figures into live-action, Kallus remains the next logical step. His experience and insights from working under Thrawn—coupled with his rich character arc—position him as a vital asset in upcoming storylines. It’s a matter of time before audiences witness Kallus on the screen.
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