A lovely byproduct ofStar Wars' status as a neverending and unstoppable colossus is that it always has space for new ideas. Whether those ideas be story-related or have to do with world-building, there’s always the potential for something fresh being tossed around, assuming Disney actually allows the creatives to do the thing.
But with so many new twists and turns, it means other aspects of the series can quickly be forgotten in favor of the more modern additions. This includes the series' functionally endless list of aliens, with new ones being introduced with every show, movie, and game. But what about the ones we don’t get to see much anymore?
Covered in white fur, proboscis, a relatively primitive society.
Notable Appearances
Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope, Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Mos Eisley cantina scene in A New Hope served flawlessly as an introduction to just how wild and surreal the various denizens of this galaxy far, far away can get. Among others, you get glimpses at fearsome wolfy guys, hammer-headed Ithorians, and this curious fuzzy dude known as a Talz.
Aside from thefirst Star Wars movie, this species appeared in a brief but memorable arc of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series where they were mistakenly seen as a hostile force before Senator Riyo Chuchi cleared things up with her negotiations. But they haven’t been seen much since, and it would be nice to see what else they’ve got up their furry sleeves.
Amphibious, heavily developed sense of smell.
Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Clone Wars
First seen in the background of several shots in Return of the Jedi, the Ishi Tib have enjoyed a rather humble existence in the Star Wars universe. Much like most aliens, they got at least a small nod in The Clone Wars with characters like senator Gume Saam.
But these amphibious people have largely been swept to the side in favor of other more popular aliens. Perhaps the series thinks it has enough water-dwelling creatures with the Mon Calamari and Quarren. But the Ishi Tib deserve their time in the spotlight, if nothing else than for those really cool designs of theirs.
7Chagrian
Attributes
Amphibious, horned tentacles on their heads, often involved with government and the military.
Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: The Old Republic
This is one of those instances where you probably completely forgot about a relatively prominent character until being reminded. Remember that blue guy with the big head tentacles who stood next to the Chancellor during the many senate scenes in the prequels? That’s Mas Amedda, and he’s a Chagrian.
The amphibious Chagrians have seen a bit of time in the limelight throughout Star Wars, with notable appearances including Sergeant Fideltin Rusk in theMMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic. But they’ve scarcely been seen otherwise. Those cool spiked tentacles should warrant at least one more appearance. We’ve seen plenty of Twi’leks anyway.
Four arms, potential to be Force-sensitive.
Star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Everybody remembers Dexter Jettster, because a 1950s-style diner operating in the Star Wars galaxy is something you rightfully won’t soon forget. He’s the multi-armed Besalisk in charge of the place, and his screen presence in Attack of the Clones really shouldn’t be understated.
But he’s also not the only Besalisk we’ve seen. Jedi Pong Krell is a notable figure in The Clone Wars who fell to the dark side and betrayed his clone troopers. So they’ve really run the spectrum of fun to not-so-fun Besalisks with just these two. It’s been a while since we’ve seen any, so why not go for something a little more mellow next time, just for kicks?
Semi-sentient, often mistaken for pests, very good laughers.
Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian
Kowakian monkey-lizards are largely known as the species of that one annoying little laughing guy who hung out with Jabba the Hutt. Salacious B. Crumb (don’t forget the B) made an impact as a character, at the very least an impact on any uninterested parents who were already looking for a reasonnot to like Star Wars.
But his species gets a bad rap. We’ve seen these semi-sentient beings pop up here and there, notably in The Mandalorian where they prove to be more than simple comic reliefs, even helping the heroes a bit after being freed from their fate as roasted street food. But they deserve a chance to really shine and maybe show off their climbing skills. It’s in the name, after all.
Short, rodent-like, sensitive hearing, two hearts.
Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope, Star Wars: Resistance
As one of many examples where an obscure alien actually got introduced right at the beginning of Star Wars itself, we got to see a Chadra-Fan adorably ordering a drink at the cantina way back in A New Hope. These mousy little aliens are easy to underestimate, but their limited appearances since then have proven their prowess.
Despite their small stature, many Chadra-Fans have found work as bounty hunters throughout the galaxy. Others choose more humble pursuits like mechanic and merchant work. But they haven’t been seen much since A New Hope outside of small appearances inthe underrated Star Wars: Resistanceand some side materials. So let’s fix that, because who wouldn’t want to see a Chadra-Fan take down a bounty twice their size?
3Dug
Use their long arms to walk, feet can be used like hands.
Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: The Clone Wars
More than just the bully that every underdog story needs, Sebulba the Dug made a real impression when he showed up for thepod race in The Phantom Menace. His dirty tactics are one thing, but you’ll probably never forget his unique way of mobility, propelling himself with his long arms while his tiny legs do the delicate stuff.
All Dugs operate like that, up to and including important political figures as seen in The Clone Wars. It’s such a cool and versatile manner of movement, with all limbs seeming almost interchangeable for most activities. So bring this species back, because they’ve got lots of untapped potential in those extremities.
Humanoid, feline-like facial appearance, retractable claws.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars aliens come in a few varieties. Among the rest, there are the funny little guys, the “definitely an alien” types, and the Star Trek ones. You know, they’re the aliens who are almost entirely similar to humans except with some stuff on their faces. Enter the Cathar, who fly this banner well despite being largely and tragically absent from the current Star Wars canon.
Largely confined to video games, the Cathar are a cat-like humanoid species that are surprisingly not as widespread in Star Wars as you’d expect. Their retractable claws make them formidable fighters, which could make for some great combat scenes. So throw the Juhani and Aric Jorgan fans a catnip bone and bring these fuzzy buddies into the mainstream.
1Ewok
Short, covered in fur, primitive society but quick learners, strong for their size.
Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi, Ewoks
It’s honestly kind of surprising thatthe adorable Ewokshaven’t seen much action outside of the games lately. Their prominent role in Return of the Jedi got them their own spinoff movies and even an animated series, both of which you probably forgot.
Maybe fans just got over-saturated with Ewoks, because we haven’t seen them in any mainstream Star Wars content for a long time now. Sure, you can go ham on some Imperials while playing as them in some of the Battlefront games, but our friendly tiny hairy chaos machines deserve another shot. You’ve already lost Yub Nub, don’t let them take more.
