The Star Wars Universe has given fans a variety of deeply articulated and fleshed-out characters, arguably more than any franchise in existence. The Galaxy Far Far Away has given many heroes and villains their time in the twin suns, but by and large, the main focus of these stories was on lightsaber-wielders. Whether they be Jedi or Sith, most ‘Star Wars’ media has historically been centered around those who are connected to the Force.
However, since Disney acquired Star Wars, they have produced shows, comics, and movies centered on the less force-sensitive characters. Projects like Rogue One, The Mandalorian, and, of course, Andor center around members of the Star Wars universe that can’t rely on magic tricks or mystical powers. These characters succeed through their wit, grit, and dedication to making their way in the universe.
In honor of season two of ‘Andor,’ these are the best Star Wars non-Jedi, non-Sith characters.
Even though he only appeared in the ‘Shadow Of The Empire’ spinoff series of comics, novels, video games, and toys, Dash Rendar made a huge impact with fans. Taking place between ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ and ‘Return Of the Jedi’, ‘Shadows of the Empire’ followed the adventures of daring smuggler Dash Rendar and his quest to free his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Boba Fett, all while trying to escape the clutches of the crime syndicate The Black Sun.
Rendar is what happens when you take away Han Solo’s empathy. Another space pirate finding himself unwillingly caught in the war for Galactic Freedom, Rendar aids Luke, Leia, and the rest of the Rebellion in their battles against Darth Vader and the Emperor. Rendar appeared to be killed in battle but was later revealed to have survived, faking his death to continue his life without the responsibilities of living the life of a Rebel.
This Twi’lek captain of the infamous Ghost has become a paramount figure in the Star Wars universe. This renowned pilot first appeared in the hit animated series Rebels and has gained massive popularity, eventually leading to more appearances in live-action in Ahsoka.
A key figure and General in the early Rebel Alliance, Syndulla was a key figure in the early days of the fight against the Empire. Her unwavering dedication in pursuit of freedom, her talent in the cockpit, and her natural-born leadership earned this fairly new character’s place in the hearts of many a Star Wars fan.
The infamous crime boss made his debut in Return of the Jedi, and left a considerable mark on the franchise, even if he only appeared at the beginning of the film. The large slug-like behemoth is savagely cold and brutal– he’d give even Tony Soprano a run for his money.
The Kingpin of Tatooine, Jabba has no allegiance to the Empire or the Rebellion, often playing sides against each other for his own benefit. Ever one to hold a grudge, Jabba never forgets what he is owed and will tap every resource and scourge the galaxy until his debts are paid back–with interest.
Ruthless, calculating, and one of the more terrifying leaders of the remnant Empire after the death of the Emperor. Moff Gideon continued the battle for galactic domination during his first appearance in the Mandalorian series.
Wielding the legendary Dark Saber, Moff Gideon will do what needs to be done to restore the rule of the Empire. Gideon captures Grogu in hopes of using his DNA to create Force-sensitive clones of himself, doing whatever it takes to reestablish the power that the Emperor once wielded.
It speaks to your caliber as a warrior and bounty hunter if The Republic uses you as a template to create an entire army of your clones. Jango Fett, “father” to Boba, was considered (at the time) to be the greatest Bounty Hunter in the galaxy. A foundling raised by the Mandalorians, Jango was trained to be a proficient walking weapon. Lending his talents to the highest bidder, Jango found himself in the middle of the war between the Republic and the Separatist army. His screen time throughout the Star Wars saga may be short, but he left his mark for future generations in Boba Fett and Din Djarin.
Cassian Andor is one of the instrumental founding members of the Rebel Alliance. Radicalized at a young age, Andor set himself apart from most other rebels by being a more realistic and brutal warrior, willing to do whatever it takes to further the cause of the Alliance. Andor is considered one of the true heroes of the war between the Alliance and the Empire, instrumental in stealing the plans of the Death Star, which resulted in the first significant victory against the Emperor. An expert warrior, street savvy, and ever-determined to give freedom to the galaxy, Cassian Andor set the bar for what every Rebel should strive to be.
Before Din Djarin, Boba Fett was the most notorious bounty hunter to don Beskar armor. A few years after the fall of the Empire, we were introduced to a Mandalorian named Din Djarin. While Djarin may resemble Fett, he was a strict adherent to the laws of Mandalore. Only when he encountered a foundling, Grogu, on a mission would his outlook on the galaxy change forever.
Forming a bond with the baby Jedi, Din Djarin became a caretaker for the next generation of Jedi. Proficient with a blaster and other Mandalorian weapons, this Mandalorian was not one to cross–and heaven help you if you attempt to bring harm to Grogu.
Smooth, suave, cunning, and highly intelligent, Lando Calrissian didn’t show up until ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’ Still, he becomes an essential member of the Rebel Alliance and a major player in the defeat of the Empire. The original owner of the Millennium Falcon, until he lost it to Han Solo in a game of Sabacc, Lando went on to finesse his way into becoming the head honcho of Bespin’s Cloud City. Initially blackmailed into turning Han and the crew over to Darth Vader, Lando realizes the error of his ways and sets out to do right by his old friend and help the Alliance, utilizing his skills as a pilot and proficiency on a battlefield.
Always one step ahead, there’s no problem Lando can’t maneuver his way out of to further his spot in the Galaxy.
The co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon and everyone’s favorite Wookie, Chewbacca made a deep impact with fans when he made his debut in ‘A New Hope’. Big, powerful, aggressive, and very, very hairy, Chewie is as loyal to his friends and allies as he is dangerous with weapons and his bare hands. Han and Chewbacca go through many adventures together, but never could they have imagined that their careers as smugglers would eventually lead them into battle with the Empire.
Steadfast in his dedication to freedom of the Galaxy, Chewie goes down as one of the more important figures in the Rebellion, even if sometimes he thinks with his stomach before his brain.
If you have a bounty on your head, the last person you want taking that job is Boba Fett. Son (or clone) of the infamous Jango Fett, Boba was orphaned at a young age by the Jedi, Mace Windu. Boba developed into a merciless, determined, and ever-efficient hunting (and/or killing) machine. After accepting a bounty on the head of Han Solo, Fett became a rival of sorts to the space pirate. Eventually, cornering him on Bespin, Fett delivered Solo to Jabba the Hutt as a trophy of sorts. Unfortunately, that is where Fett suffered his biggest loss, falling into the Sarlaac, and seemingly meeting his end. But, not one to be counted out, Fett fought his way out of the belly of the beast and went on to take over the gang that the now-deceased Jabba used to call his own.
Easily the coolest guy in the galaxy, Han Solo is the smuggler every girl wants, and every man wants to be. Solo had to learn to fend for his life from very early in his life, doing whatever it took to make his way in the galaxy. Eventually linking up with his lifetime partner, Chewbacca, Han and Chewie would go on many adventures filled with close calls, gangsters, bounty hunters, and even Imperial Star Destroyers. Originally brought on as a pilot for hire, Han unwillingly sealed his fate when he met a Jedi and a farm boy from Tatooine.
Han would eventually realize his destiny and become a General in the Rebel Alliance. Han may not have been perfect, but he excels in heart, skill, and perseverance, even if it may be at times only for his betterment.