Cue The Cantina Music
Everyone’s favorite far, far away galaxy has got no shortage of awesome spin offs on the horizon, though it’s fair to say the most hotly anticipated among them would be The Mandalorian. Focusing on a member of the elite hunter race made famous by characters such as Boba and Jango Fett, we can’t wait to see what showrunner Jon Favreau has in store for us. Given how our titular mercenary will be traversing the far reaches of the cosmos, we’re hoping he’ll at encounter at least some of these iconic Star Wars races!
#5: Hutts
Nothing says gangster like a giant space slug. Native to the planet Nal Hutta, the Hutts could mostly be found on Tatooine, where they ran the massive Hutt Clan crime syndicate. Since the Republic basically had no influence there, the Hutts more or less ran the planet, profiting through illegal activities like smuggling, gambling, and slavery, appropriately ugly exploits to match their hideous physiques. Probably the best known of the Hutts was Jabba, who, in addition to doing all of the above, was also responsible for the bounty put on Han Solo, and who had him frozen in carbonite and hung on his wall. Thankfully, none of that ended too well for good ole Jabba.
#4: Tusken Raiders [aka Sand People]
A race indigenous to Tatooine, these creatures live by even fewer rules than the Hutts, and are easily identified by the large gaffi sticks they carry around, as well as their distinctive desert garb. The speciesâ greatest claims to fame? Theyâve shot at participants in the Boonta Eve Podrace, were responsible for the kidnapping and torture of Shmi Skywalker, and years later, almost made sure that Luke Skywalker would never become the galaxyâs new hope by attacking him when he went to look for R2-D2. Then again, these events were responsible for bringing Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi together, so at least we can thank them for that.
#3: Jawas
If this list proves anything, itâs probably that Tatooine is just an awful place to live. These tiny creatures are more civilized than the Tuskens, but just as mysterious as they roam around the desert in their massive Sand Crawlers. We never see what they look like under their hoods, but they spend their lives as scavengers, roaming around in search of scrap metal or droids that they can pawn off on gullible Tatooinians. One of these gullible Tatooinians happens to be moisture farmer Owen Lars, who decides to buy two droids that the Jawas had captured, a transaction that just so happens to set in motion the events that lead to the downfall of the evil Empire. Guess Jawas are good for something.
#2: Twiâleks
Originating from the Outer Rim planet of Ryloth, the Twiâleks are one of the most unique species youâll find in the galaxy. Their appearance is defined by a variety of different skin colors, including white, green and blue, and of course, the two tentacles that protrude from their skulls, called âlekku.â Known for their grace and beauty, Twiâleks are found all over the galaxy, including on the Jedi Council, where theyâre represented by Master Aayla Secura. Of course, there were also two in the service of Jabba the Hutt: one was the weak-minded Bib Fortuna, Jabbaâs right-hand man for years; the other was an exotic dancer named Oola, who met a gruesome death at the hands of the Rancor.
#1: Wookiees
Theyâre big, theyâre furry, theyâre loyal, and theyâre great to have in a battle, too. Wookiees are like Ewoks on steroids: theyâre fuzz-balls, but theyâre also tall, strong, and mighty warriors. Hailing from the forest planet of Kashyyyk, Wookiees are known to be fierce and terrifying when provoked, but gentle and kind to those they trust. While they are able to understand other languages, they canât speak them themselves, which is why they all communicate with their signature roars. Among the most legendary Wookiees were Tarfful, a general during the Clone Wars, and of course Chewbacca, co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon and loyal friend to Han Solo. The only downside to Wookiee culture? Life Day. Just⦠donât ask.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episodes.