Background Characters in Star Wars Who Gained Big Fanbases

With a world spanning movies, television series, books, video games, comics, and more, Star Wars™ is full of countless characters. And even outside of the fandom, certain characters have become pop culture icons in their own right. After all, you don’t have to go far to find someone who recognizes Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia. But what about the lesser-known characters? The cameos, background actors, and legendary blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene stealers who have captured our (mostly) undivided attention across decades?

Many Star Wars characters are technically small blips in the grand scheme of the galaxy. Yet their designs, comedic timing, or sheer enigmatic presences have captured us completely. These roles prove that you don’t have to have a lot of screen time to seriously shine. Check out a few of our favorites below.

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Willrow Hood

Remember how we used to run? Specifically — do you remember how that one guy booked it out of Cloud City carrying what we all recognize as an ice cream maker? Appearing briefly in The Empire Strikes Back™, Willrow Hood is now a fandom sensation. If you ever attend the in-person Star Wars Celebration convention, you’ll likely see hundreds of Willrow cosplayers parade through the building. Their earnest rendition of Willrow’s departure from Bespin is the stuff of legend.

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Sabé

All of Padmé Amidala’s handmaidens are incredible. Unfortunately, the prequel movies don’t dive too in-depth into the background of this royal retinue. Essentially, these women pledge their lives to Naboo’s queen. They learn how to behave like Padmé, while also training in blaster combat and stealth, all to stand in for their ruler in dangerous situations. Meanwhile, Padmé dons humble handmaiden attire when she goes undercover. One of the most prominent handmaidens is Sabé, who disguises herself in order to pose as the queen several times. Sabé survives Padmé after the tragic events of Revenge of the Sith™.

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Gonk Droids

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous little gonky?? Described as “little more than walking batteries,” gonk droids employ limited vocalizations while servicing the galaxy’s citizens. People primarily use them to recharge vehicles and machinery. Although critically vital to every aspect of the military, farming, ship repairs, et cetera, gonk droids are barely noticed or recognized for their essential role. Justice for droids is a no-brainer — but let’s make sure we include our boxy buddies, too.

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Therm Scissorpunch

This guy rolled really high on his intimidation check. Therm Scissorpunch packs a sharpened shank and a mouthful of a punny name. Part of the sabaac game in Solo: A Star Wars Story™, this card player can’t hide anything up his claws … so he resorts to violence and fearsome looks. Since he insists on always being addressed by his full title, many wonder if “Therm Scissorpunch” is a self-sustained struggle for prestige. But hey, we support calling yourself by your preferred name!

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Dr. Cornelius Evazan and Ponda Baba

Part of the Cantina’s wretched hive of scum and villainy, Dr. Cornelius Evazan and Ponda Baba are quite the terrifying pair. A practitioner of cruel medical experiments, Dr. Cornelius Evazan claims to face the death penalty in 12 systems. Meanwhile, the spice smuggler Ponda Baba strong-arms his way through the Outer Rim with a drink and a dark look. When put together, this dastardly duo likes to pick fights in bars … we’ll let you recall if that’s a good idea or not.

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Kit Fisto

The Star Wars costume and makeup designers spared no effort for many prominent Jedi. Thus, with his large, mesmerizing eyes and green tentacles, Kit Fisto caught everybody’s attention. But it’s also more than that! Kit Fisto is humorous and enjoys his time in battle. Giving off a laid-back and fun-loving demeanor, Kit Fisto stands out from his fellow Knights and Masters. Of course he’s got a large following!

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Max Rebo

Play that funky music, blue boy! Max Rebo is perhaps the most popular Star Wars background character. Cooly colored and elephantine in appearance, he’s the heart of his band. Max Rebo plays a red ball jet organ, often accepting gigs for the illustrious Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine, or later in Mos Espa. He’s always with his entire ensemble, including various singers, musicians, and dancers.

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Which background characters catch your eyes in Star Wars? Did we miss your most special guy? Discuss your fan favorites at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!