Which 'Star Wars' characters deserve spinoffs?
Last year, the Force "awakened," and so did our hopes for future Star Wars movies. Those hopes were later validated when Disney announced the first stand-alone Star Wars anthology film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, out Dec. 16, and a yet-to-be-titled Han Solo prequel, set for 2018.
In anticipation of those forthcoming releases and in the spirit of May 4 — a day recognized even in galaxies far, far away as Star Wars Day — USA TODAY reflects on other characters we would want to get spinoffs.
Which characters would you love to see nab their own sequel (or prequel)? Comment below to let your voice be heard, and May the Fourth (Force) be with you.
Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace
Our reasoning: Darth Maul was perhaps one of the most adept apprentices in terms of his lightsaber prowess. Yet his character remained woefully underutilized and his backstory was woefully underdeveloped. An origin story that examined how Palpatine constrained Darth Maul's Force powers and blighted his sense of humanity — all while inculcating obedience and bloodlust — would serve as an interesting case study and make up for what essentially amounted to a cameo in this film.
Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones
Our reasoning: As one of the most esteemed members of the Jedi Council, Mace Windu’s legacy cannot end with the showdown at Coruscant. If we cannot look forward, hinging on the hope that Windu somehow survived the fall and landed on a repulsorlift, then we should at least be able to take a retrospective approach and delve into his past. His journey from orphanhood to training under Yoda and navigating Vaapad combat without succumbing to the Dark Side is a testament to the ethos of the Jedi Order, and would make a compelling spinoff.
Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith
Our reasoning: A supreme commander of the Separatist Droid Army in the Clone Wars and a ruthless Jedi hunter, Gen. Grievous' lightsabers moved at lightning speed against any Jedi. But just how did he become the cyborg monster? Backstory, please.
Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope
Our reasoning: This indomitable droid captured our hearts from the first moment he wheeled onto the big screen, and he has continued to court our affections through his heroic efforts — from saving Princess Leia and his bravery crossing a barren desert in search of Obi-Wan Kenobi. In addition, his shift into a leading role would be a refreshing subversion of the Hollywood tendency to villainize robots.
Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back
Our reasoning: He’s a gambler, smuggler and a charismatic general in the Rebel Alliance, and his mettlesome efforts in rescuing Princess Leia and eventually Han Solo did not go unnoticed. Even after Darth Vader took control of his Cloud City, Calrissian still fought for his friends. He maintained that same unswerving loyalty in the Battle of Endor and, in doing so, underscored his potential as a formidable hero on the big screen.
Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi
Our reasoning: This hedonist slug may not fit the bill of a traditional leading man, but Jabba’s criminal background is definitely worth a separate look. It's not enough to allude to the backstory of one of the Outer Rim’s greatest crime lords, especially one who went on to enslave millions and whose offenses are chronicled in every corner of the expanded universe. We need a film that traces how Jabba navigated Tatooine's gritty underworld of illegal trade, piracy and slavery to become a cutthroat gangster.
Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens
Our reasoning: The First Order’s veteran commander had no use for misguided Stormtroopers. Clad in her distinctive chrome armor, Capt. Phasma fought valiantly against the Resistance and her military prowess virtually demands a deeper dive into her background and how she arose to become the leather-tough leader she is.
PHOTOS: Lucasfilm and AP