Star Wars Gave Obi-Wan's Informant An Awesome Pirate Backstory - & Nobody Noticed

Summary Dexter Jettster from Star Wars had a centuries-long pirate past before becoming close friends with Maz Kanata and the Jedi.

The High Republic era reveals Dex's adventurous backstory, making his friendship with Obi-Wan Kenobi more meaningful.

Dex's connection to Maz Kanata and the Jedi showcases the depth of storytelling in redefining beloved Star Wars characters.

In the Star Wars galaxy, it seems that everyone has a complex backstory – but the fan-favorite Dexter Jettster has a backstory that a lot of viewers have seemed to miss. First introduced in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Dexter Jettster served as Obi-Wan Kenobi's informant and longtime friend, whom Obi-Wan goes to for advice. Owning a diner in the 'CoCo Town' neighborhood of the Galactic Republic's capital planet of Coruscant, Dexter was always a unique and appreciated character - whose lore has spread to a surprising place.

Starting in 2021, The High Republic publishing initiative has brought the High Republic era of the Star Wars timeline to life, taking place between 500 and 100 years before the events of the original trilogy. This is a period of general peace, but the Outer Rim is not nearly as settled, leading to lots of interesting conflicts in that region. Based on the snippets of Dexter Jettster's backstory revealed in Attack of the Clones, it makes sense that he would be a part of this era of exploration and prospecting.

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Star Wars Has Revealed Dex's Centuries-Long Past

The Restaurateur's Pirate Backstory

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As revealed in The High Republic Adventures comics by Daniel José Older, Toni Bruno, and Harvey Tolibao, Jettster was a well-renowned pirate & prospector in his glory days. Jettster is one of the oldest Star Wars characters, and 460 years before he appeared in Attack of the Clones, he was a well-traveled adventurer who wasn't too shy to get himself into a battle. During this era of exploration, prospectors journeyed into new regions of space, claiming and selling hyperspace routes. Dex being one of these prospectors makes his knowledge of the galaxy as seen in the film make perfect sense.

Dex Was Once Very Close With Maz Kanata

The Pirate Queen & Battle Of Jedha

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During Dexter's time gallivanting across the galaxy, he was closely associated with the famous pirate Maz Kanata. During Kanata's later years, it's only heard that she was a "pirate queen", but during the High Republic era, it's actually seen. Dexter often frequented her castle, telling stories of his adventures, and the two were emotionally very close. In a way that was often romantic, Dexter Jettster and Maz Kanata just really seemed to adore each other's company, even dating for a time.

Dexter's close association with Maz Kanata led to his connection to Force-sensitives.

Dexter's close association with Maz Kanata led to his connection to Force-sensitives, due to Maz being an ally of the local Jedi. Maz's home planet, Takodana, used to have a Jedi Temple of its own, and Maz was a friend of the Jedi there, particularly the Padawan and later Jedi Master, Sav Malagán. During her youth, Sav Malagán joined Maz's crew with Dexter Jettster, and they all fought together in the legendary Battle of Jedha.

Related Star Wars: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Maz Kanata Maz Kanata didn't get a lot of screen time in the sequel Star Wars trilogy. But here are some facts you didn't know about her.

The Friendship Between Obi-Wan & Dex Now Makes So Much More Sense

Dexter Jettster Is A Friend Of The Jedi

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This means that Dexter Jettster fought alongside and was close with the Jedi long before the prequel trilogy and Obi-Wan Kenobi, which perfectly explains their friendship. Dex trusts the Jedi and wants to help them, and likes the spunkier ones like Sav and Obi-Wan. This is exemplified through Dexter, even in his old age, proving to be a valuable resource and ally to Jedi he calls friends. Most of all, this all proves the limitless depth of storytelling that later-made prequels can have in recontextualizing and redefining parts of Star Wars that are already loved.