15 Star Wars TV Show Actors Who Deserve To Be In The Movies

April 26, 2024, 1:40 p.m.

Movies

15 Star Wars TV Show Actors Who Deserve To Be In The Movies

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Summary The return to big screen Star Wars movies means talented TV actors can shine on a larger stage.

Voice actors like Corey Burton, David Tennant, and Dee Bradley Baker could transition to the big screen.

Characters like Cad Bane, Huyang, and Kanan Jarrus may find new life in movies after impactful TV runs.

For the past four years, the Star Wars franchise has moved away from movies and poured most of its effort into telling its stories through TV shows. Many of its shows are filled with talented actors and actresses who have shown a new depth to the galaxy far, far away. Nevertheless, now that Disney has confirmed Star Wars is returning to the big screen, plenty of these actors have the chance to be introduced in new Star Wars movies.

First released in 2008, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the earliest TV show still Canon in Star Wars. Meanwhile, Tales of the Empire (May 4th, 2024) and The Acolyte (June 4th, 2024) will be the franchise’s latest shows to premiere on Disney+. With over a dozen shows in Canon, there are plenty of talented voice actors and live-action actors who have earned a chance to shine on the big screen.

Related Upcoming Star Wars Shows: Story, Casts & Everything We Know Several exciting Star Wars TV shows are set to be released on Disney+ in the coming years from the realm of both live-action and animation.

1 Corey Burton

Seen in: The Clone Wars, The Book of Boba Fett, The Bad Batch

Corey Burton is one of many talented voice actors who first appeared in The Clone Wars. He played Count Dooku, Ziro the Hutt, and—his most famous Star Wars role—Cad Bane. Burton’s garbled voice for Bane helped bring one of the coldest bounty hunters in the franchise to life, so much so that when Cad Bane was brought into live-action in The Book of Boba Fett (portrayed by Dorian Kingi), Burton continued to voice the character.

Nevertheless, his brief appearance in The Book of Boba Fett was wasted by the end of the show. Thankfully, Burton has the opportunity to continue voicing the character in The Bad Batch. But now that Bane has proven his worth in both animation and live-action, it seems high time Burton is given the chance to voice Cad Bane on the big screen.

2 David Tennant

Seen in: Ahsoka, The Clone Wars

Like Burton, David Tennant is another talented actor whose character has appeared in both animation and live-action. Tennant first voiced the lightsaber professor droid Huyang in The Clone Wars season 5. Nevertheless, his seemingly minor role was turned into a major one in the Ahsoka series, as Tennant continued to voice Huyang in live-action.

Related The Clone Wars Secretly Set Up Two Aspects Of Star Wars' Jedi Origin Movie (Not Just Huyang) Huyang might make the perfect reappearance in the upcoming Jedi origin movie, and there’s one other machine that should show up with him.

Huyang is a special Star Wars character, since he’s one of the oldest characters in Canon. He was created over 25,000 years ago, near the beginning of the Jedi Order. As such, Tennant could easily appear as Huyang in the upcoming Dawn of the Jedi movie, which is set around the same time.

3 Dee Bradley Baker

Seen in: The Bad Batch, The Clone Wars, Rebels

Dee Bradley Baker is yet another prolific voice actor who has voiced many characters in multiple animated Star Wars shows. He’s best known for voicing the hundreds of clone troopers that appear throughout The Clone Wars. He single-handedly helped the audience differentiate the clone troopers by varying his voice for each of them, while also driving home the fact that they all share the same voice.

Technically, Baker has already appeared in the theater back when the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie first released. But The Clone Wars movie failed to show the true range of his voice. Captain Rex’s brief live-action appearance in Ahsoka seemingly confirmed that Temuera Morrison will continue to voice and play the clone troopers in live-action. Yet that doesn’t count Baker out for voicing other roles on the big screen.

4 Emily Swallow

Seen in: The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett

Emily Swallow’s character in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett has quickly become one of the most integral characters in Mandalorian society. The Armorer draws upon her knowledge of Mandalore’s past in order to forge a better future for her people. She’s also one of the very few people left alive after the Great Purge of Mandalore who still knows how to smith and fashion beskar.

With The Mandalorian & Grogu movie on the horizon, Emily Swallow may very well get her chance to shine as the Armorer on the big screen. The Mandalorian season 3 left the Armorer on Mandalore, assisting Bo-Katan Kryze with ruling the Mandalorians. If Din Djarin and Grogu return to Mandalore, its likely Swallow’s character will show up again.

5 Freddy Prinze Jr.

Seen in: Rebels, The Bad Batch

Despite Star Wars Rebels starting out childish, the latter seasons feature some of the darkest moments in the franchise. In particular, Kanan Jarrus’ character—played by Freddy Prinze Jr.—went from being a random Order 66 survivor to one of the most impactful Jedi in Star Wars. There’s plenty more of Kanan’s story before Rebels to be told, and the big screen could be the perfect place to do it.

A Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66 in large part thanks to his master's sacrifice, Kanan survived during the Dark Times of the Empire's reign and became an important member of the Lothal rebel cell. Kanan sacrificed much over the years, but gained much as well, falling in love with Hera Syndulla. Although he gave his life for his friends, he left a legacy behind in his own Padawan Ezra Bridger, as well as his son Jacen. Created By Dave Filoni Cast Freddie Prinze Jr. First Appearance Star Wars Rebels Alias Caleb Dume

Unfortunately, Prinze Jr. has expressed his disinterest in reprising Kanan Jarrus after his brief cameo in The Bad Batch. Nevertheless, the opportunity to play Kanan Jarrus in live-action on the big screen could very well lure Prinze Jr. back to the role. Only time will tell if Disney will invest more time in movies set during the reign of the Empire.

6 Giancarlo Esposito

Seen in: The Mandalorian

Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon has become one of the most recognizable villains from Star Wars TV, especially when he’s wielding the Darksaber. Esposito’s calm and collected portrayal of Gideon shows just how formidable of a character he is. And unlike other Imperials, Gideon often uses his resources for his own gain rather than for the Empire. He even appropriated Mandalorian culture by creating a suit of beskar armor for himself.

An important and influential member of the Imperial Shadow Council, Moff Gideon was personally responsible for the Purge of Mandalore. Moff Gideon deliberately seeded reports Mandalore was uninhabitable, secretly claiming the world and beginning efforts to extract its precious beskar. Moff Gideon's ambitious attempts to clone herself were disrupted by Din Djarin, and he died when the Mandalorians retook their homeworld. Created By Jon Favreau , Dave Filoni Cast Giancarlo Esposito First Appearance The Mandalorian

Moff Gideon met his end in The Mandalorian season 3. Nevertheless, the season finale also revealed that he’d been working on several Force-sensitive clones of himself. It’s possible Esposito could return to the big screen in The Mandalorian & Grogu as a different version of Gideon. Star Wars loves to resurrect characters from even the most fatal deaths, and Gideon could be no different.

7 James Arnold Taylor

Seen in: The Clone Wars, Rebels

James Arnold Taylor is well-known for voicing Obi-Wan Kenobi in almost all the franchise’s animated projects. But he’s also countless other characters throughout The Clone Wars. While Obi-Wan Kenobi will likely continue to be played by Ewan McGregor in live-action Star Wars, Taylor does have the opportunity to voice another popular Jedi on the big screen.

In The Clone Wars series, James Arnold Taylor is also known for voicing one of Ahsoka Tano’s mentors, Plo Koon. In Legends, Plo Koon had lived almost 250 years before dying during Order 66. Therefore, it's quite possible for Plo Koon to appear in live-action in The Acolyte. And eventually, Plo Koon could make it to the big screen again, with Taylor voicing him this time.

8 Katee Sackhoff

Seen in: The Mandalorian, Rebels, The Clone Wars

In addition to Emily Swallow as the Armorer, it’s also possible for Katee Sackhoff to return and reprise her role as Bo-Katan Kryze in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. Sackhoff is one of the few Star Wars voice actors who first voiced their character in animation before then portraying them in live-action. Not only did Sackhoff play Bo-Katan in Rebels, but she also voiced her in The Clone Wars as well.

The sister of Satine Kryze, Bo-Katan allied with extremist factions of Mandalore - unwittingly dividing her people, creating opportunities for the Separatists and Darth Maul. Bo-Katan spent much of her life seeking redemption, attempting to unite the Mandalorians against the Empire, but ultimately surrendered to Moff Gideon in an attempt to save her people from a genocidal Imperial attack. In The Mandalorian era, Bo-Katan has successfully reclaimed Mandalore and become the new Man'dalore - her people's chosen ruler. Created By Dave Filoni Cast Katee Sackhoff First Appearance Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Bo-Katan’s story has seemingly come to a happy conclusion in The Mandalorian season 3. She’s finally stepped up to become the ruler of Mandalore, while also earning the title as the last wielder of the Darksaber. Nevertheless, The Mandalorian season 3 failed to wrap up its big Mythosaur reveal, opening up the door for Bo-Katan and Din Djarin to discover the truth behind it on the big screen.

9 Lars Mikkelsen

Seen in: Ahsoka, Rebels

Most Star Wars villains use the Force—such as Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine—or some sort of weapon to terrify and subdue their enemies, but Lars Mikkelsen’s Grand Admiral Thrawn only needs his mind. Thrawn’s tactical brilliance sets him apart. Given time, he can outsmart almost any Star Wars character and devise a plan to defeat them.

The only alien to ever ascend to the rank of Grand Admiral, Thrawn is a strategic genius who hails from an isolationist race known as the Chiss. Thrawn's motives are enigmatic, but his tactical brilliance made him a vital asset for the Empire. Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger successfully defeated Thrawn during the Battle of Lothal, resulting in Thrawn's exile to the distant planet Peridea in another galaxy, but the Grand Admiral has now returned. Created By Timothy Zahn Cast Lars Mikkelsen First Appearance Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

Like Katee Sackhoff, Lars Mikkelsen first played Thrawn in animation. After voicing him in Rebels, Mikkelsen returned to portray him in live-action for the Ahsoka series. Now that Thrawn has returned to the main Star Wars galaxy, he’s perfectly set up to be the next big villain on the big screen.

10 Ming-Na Wen

Seen in: The Bad Batch, The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian

Despite first appearing as a minor villain in The Mandalorian season 1, Ming-Na Wen has returned to play bounty hunter Fennec Shand in several other Star Wars projects. Shand has appeared as a main character in The Book of Boba Fett, and has even been animated in The Bad Batch. She was last seen in the timeline beside Boba Fett as he secured his rule on Tatooine.

Little is known of Fennec Shand's early life; she emerged as a bounty hunter early on during the Dark Times of the Empire's reign, and continued to work for various criminal cartels for years. In The Mandalorian era, Boba Fett earned Fennec Shand's loyalty after he saved her life, and she now stands by his side. Created By Jon Favreau Cast Ming-Na Wen First Appearance The Mandalorian

Ming-Na Wen could easily return to play Fennec Shand on the big screen. If Din Djarin returns to Tatooine in The Mandalorian & Grogu to recruit Boba Fett to fight whatever threat the galaxy is facing, he may also hire Shand to help. Either way, her journey in Star Wars is not finished yet, and a movie could further explore her story.

11 Pedro Pascal

Seen in: The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett

Out of all the actors in Star Wars TV, Pedro Pascal may just be the most popular. He’s also one of the few characters already confirmed to come to the big screen in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. As the title character, Din Djarin will continue his adventure with his newly-adopted son, Din Grogu, as they complete freelancing jobs for the New Republic.

Din Djarin was once a lone bounty who has since tasked himself with raising his adopted son and Mandalorian apprentice, Grogu. Born on Aq Vetina and raised on Concordia by the Mandalorian faction the Children of the Watch, Din is an orphan and Mandalorian foundling who has risked both his life and his Mandalorian Creed to protect Grogu. Djarin has become an important part of the galaxy's fight against the Imperial Remnant that lingers in the wake of the Empire's fall, as he is now working under-the-table for the fledgling New Republic's rangers. Created By Jon Favreau , Dave Filoni Cast Pedro Pascal First Appearance The Mandalorian Alias Mando

While Pascal will voice Din Djarin in The Mandalorian & Grogu, it’s unclear whether he will actually be physically seen in the movie. The Mandalorian season 3 began with the major plot of Djarin redeeming himself from removing his helmet in The Mandalorian season 2 finale. Therefore, it’s likely Din Djarin’s helmet will stay on for the entirety of his movie.

12 Rosario Dawson

Seen in: Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett

Rosario Dawson brought Ahsoka Tano to live-action in The Mandalorian as a side character who Din Djarin needed advice from. She briefly cameoed again as Ahsoka in The Book of Boba Fett. But the Ahsoka series solidified her as a major live-action Star Wars character, and one that could easily hold her own on the big screen.

The apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano was an accomplished Padawan who served during the Clone Wars. Ahsoka left the Jedi after she became disillusioned with the Jedi Council, but returned to serve in the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars. She survived Order 66, becoming a Rebel agent during the Dark Times of the Empire's reign, and her adventures continue in the New Republic era. Ahsoka was last seen stranded in a distant galaxy, having failed to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn's return. Created By George Lucas , Dave Filoni Cast Ashley Eckstein , Rosario Dawson First Appearance Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) Alias Ashla, Fulcrum

It’s unlikely for Dawson to return as Ahsoka in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. At the moment, she’s still stranded with Sabine Wren in the Peridea galaxy. At some point, it would be nice to see Dawson bring Ahsoka to the live-action big screen, as this would tie together the character’s first appearance in The Clone Wars movie.

13 Stellan Skarsgård

Seen in: Andor

Stellan Skarsgård recently had enormous success on the big screen as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Dune: Part 2, but his Star Wars character in Andor is arguably even more interesting. Luthen Rael was first introduced in Andor as the mastermind behind one of the Rebellion’s very first victories against the Empire. And despite being a side character, there are several reasons why he deserves to shine on the big screen.

A mysterious leader in the Rebel Alliance, Luthen Rael is comfortable making decisions others - such as Mon Mothma - would find uncomfortable. Luthen seems to have modelled himself on Palpatine, presenting a front as an antiques dealer while he travels the galaxy supporting rebel cells. His story seems fated to end in tragedy. Created By Tony Gilroy Cast Stellan Skarsgård First Appearance Andor

Luthen Rael’s speech about the Rebellion is one of the best speeches in the franchise. It embodies the sentiment of sacrifice, and shows the extreme lengths everyday citizens took to overthrow the Empire. His character will most likely reappear in Andor season 2, but his impassioned monologues have the potential to move audiences in the theater.

14 Timothy Olyphant

Seen in: The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett

Timothy Olyphant’s character in The Mandalorian had one of the coolest introductions in Star Wars. Cobb Vanth introduced himself wearing Boba Fett’s armor, and then proceeded to ride a piece of Anakin Skywalker’s old podracer turned into a speeder. His pragmatic attitude and sound morals helped the people of Freetown—and the audience along with them—to admire his character.

Olyphant’s character was last seen at the end of The Book of Boba Fett finale. After receiving a mortal wound in a duel with Cad Bane, someone rescued Vanth and placed him inside a bacta tank in Boba Fett’s Palace. Star Wars is clearly not finished with his character, and there may even be room for him to rejoin Din Djarin in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

15 Vivien Lyra Blair

Seen in: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Finally, it would be nice for Vivien Lyra Blair to return and play a young Princess Leia once more. The Obi-Wan Kenobi series had some mixed reviews, but Blair’s spunky performance honored Carrie Fisher’s original portrayal of the character. Unlike Luke Skywalker, Leia isn’t necessarily shackled to staying on Alderaan until A New Hope, meaning there are plenty of adventures yet to be seen as she joins the Rebellion and becomes a leading figure in it.

The daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Leia inherited her mother's political skills and her father's Force power. She was raised on Alderaan as a member of the royal family, and followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a senator who secretly worked alongside the Rebel Alliance. Alderaan's destruction changed everything, and Leia became a leader in both the Rebel Alliance and its successor government, the New Republic. She served there for decades, eventually leaving to found the First Order when she sensed its darkness growing. Leia gave much for her ideals, but eventually gave her life to redeem her son Ben. Created By George Lucas Cast Carrie Fisher , Ingvild Deila , Vivien Lyra Blair First Appearance Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Blair’s performance as young Leia Organa deserves to be seen on the big screen. And while no movies have been announced for the time period she’s in, there are always more stories the franchise can explore. As Star Wars gears up to return to theaters in the next few years, hopefully Disney draws on some of the amazing cast in its TV shows.