An array of familiar faces appeared throughout The Mandalorian season 1, and the sixth episode in particular featured a handful of guest stars that may have had viewers keeping a close eye on the end credits. One of the harder faces to recognize, due to the amount of makeup she was wearing, was the Twi'lek named Xi'an - who is actually played by Natalia Tena.
The Mandalorian episode 6, titled "The Prisoner," sees Din Djarin contact an old partner for work. Ranzar Malk happens to need the hunter's help with a five-person mission. Along with ex-Imperial sharpshooter Mayfeld, strongman Burg, the droid Q9-0, and knife-expert Xi'an, the crew is tasked with boarding a prison vessel and rescuing Qin, Xi'an's brother,who is being held by the New Republic. The team successfully double-crosses Din, but he ends up getting the upper hand. During the mission, it is revealed that Xi'an is a former love interest of Din's, and the Mandalorian's past actions caused a falling out among the team of mercenaries.
Xi'an is played by Natalia Tena, who is best known for playing Nymphadora Tonks in four Harry Potter movies, as well as the character Osha for 16 episodes of Game of Thrones. In addition, the English actress and musician appeared in the film About a Boy, the UK version of Shameless, and the "White Christmas" episode of Black Mirror. More recently, Tena served as the lead role for shows such as Wisdom of the Crowd and Origin alongside fellow Harry Potter alum, Tom Felton.
Twi'leks Have A Long History In Star Wars
Those who didn't instantly recognize Tena in the role of Xi'an may have been drawn to the character's species. Twi'leks are also referred to as Rylothians, since the planet Ryloth served as their homeworld. The species' most prominent feature is the two large appendages located on their heads and the fact that their skin color comes in a slew of colors. Twi'leks (particularly females) were exported as slaves, but some found roles of power. The species first appeared in 1983's Return of the Jedi with the introduction of Bib Fortuna. The Twi'lek served as Jabba the Hutt's chief advisor on Tatooine but was later killed when Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Lando Calrissian destroyed Jabba's sail barge.
It's unclear if Tena will appear in future episodes of The Mandalorian. It's possible, considering Din defeats each member of his team but ends up sparing their lives. Rather than killing Mayfeld, Burg, and Xi'an, Din places them in a cell on the prison transport. Qin is delivered to Malk, but before he can act on revenge, a trio of X-wing fighters attack the space station after Din led them to the location. Xi'an and her allies don't have much hope in terms of an easy escape. That said, she clearly has unfinished business with Din, so it's very possible that Tena reprises her role as the memorable Twi'lek down the line.