‘Star Wars’ Spinoffs We Want to See
Ever wonder whether Chewbacca was bullied in high school? Moviegoers may soon get to see the secret lives of Wookiees on the big screen. According to Disney execs, the upcoming Star Wars spin-offs will unearth the origin of some of the series' most memorable characters. Beyond Episode VII, which will kick-start a new trilogy in 2015, Disney is planning to release at least two standalone films from writer Lawrence Kasdan (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) and Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past). Early rumors have pegged the spin-offs as the possible origin stories of Han Solo, Yoda and Boba Fett, recently voted fan favorite for a comeback. Meanwhile, Ewan McGregor is already brainstorming plotlines for his dream Obi-Wan Kenobi project. But before we start the petition against the unknown who'll be cast as young Han Solo, check out the 10 other Star Wars characters who deserve to be the lead in their own film. —Oscar Raymundo
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Darth Maul
George Lucas once described Darth Maul as "a figure from your worst nightmare," with red and black body art that would make him the most popular guy at an Insane Clown Posse show. He survived being chopped in half, got turned into a spider-like cyborg and almost went (more) mad. Not to mention, Maul with his double-sided lightsaber was the biggest Phantom Menace-era cash cow at Toys R Us, and Disney's got to recover their $4.05 billion somehow.
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Chewbacca
One of the most beloved sidekicks in film history, Chewbacca has never uttered one single decipherable word. A spin-off would make up for the fact that Chewie was snubbed out of a galaxy-saving medal at the end of A New Hope. At the very least, Chewbacca needs to be a major part of the rumored Han Solo film because there's just not enough accurate portrayals of inter-species bromances on the big screen.
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Mace Windu
Samuel L. Jackson was offered the part of Jedi Master of the High Council in the Star Wars prequel trilogy after mentioning in an interview that he wanted to work with George Lucas. As for his character's death in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Jackson said, "I don't mind dying, I just don't want to go out like some punk." So if Jackson reprises his role, we can rest assured Mace Windu's early life will be as grandiose as his demise (spoiler alert: lighting bolt).
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Lando Calrissian
Before betraying Han Solo and Co. in The Empire Strikes Back, the Cloud City administrator had his own three-part storyline. The Adventures of Lando Calrissian is a trilogy of sci-fi novels published in the early 80s and part of the expanded Star Wars universe. In the books, Calrissian is a high-stakes gambler traveling the galaxy aboard the Millennium Falcon.
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General Grievous
Literally a killing machine, General Grievous was trained in all forms of lightsaber combat to ensure victory against the Jedi order. Even with his training and cyborg enhancements, Grievous is no match for Obi-Wan Kenobi, who incinerates him in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Grievous' film could follow his decision to undergo a transformation and become a droid.
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Grand Moff Tarkin
The mastermind behind the Death Star, Tarkin is one the most threatening villains in the Star Wars saga. He comes from a powerful military family, which is how he learned his ruthless ways: who destroys an entire planet, just because? Tarkin rose from captain to admiral during the Clone Wars and eventually developed the Tarkin Doctrine of inciting fear as a way to retain political power.
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Biggs Darklighter
Biggs is Luke Skywalker's childhood friend and a fellow X-wing pilot who perished during the the attack on the first Death Star at the end of A New Hope. While he didn't have substantial screen time, Biggs still managed to make an impression. A spin-off would focus on his early adventures alongside Skywalker, racing landspeeders and sandsurfing on Tatooine.
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Kit Fisto
A green alien with unmistakable tentacles sprouting from his head, Fisto is a fan favorite for being one of the few non-human Jedi Masters. He's a formidable fighter, participating in many battles and missions during the Clone Wars. Despite his serious combat skills, Kitso has a healthy sense of humor, and his affinity for aquatic environments would make for some stunning imagery.
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Max Rebo
This blue alien was the keyboardist and frontman of the Max Rebo Band introduced in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Rebo signed unfair contracts, dealt with a revolving door of bandmates, embarked on a failed solo career and eventually started a chain of restaurants, which just goes to show the music industry is not so different in a galaxy far, far away.
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Salacious Crumb
Jabba the Hutt's court jester was one sadistic troublemaker, playing practical jokes on Jabba's many henchmen and everyone who visited his Palace. Salacious' spin-off should focus on this creature as an insider on all the deals and exploits and going-ons in Jabba's Palace, with plenty of comic relief.