Star Wars novels writer Charles Soule agrees with one fan regarding who Nick Offerman should play in the franchise. Stemming from George Lucas' A New Hope in 1977, the Star Wars franchise now consists of a number of films, TV shows, novels, and comics, which collectively span hundreds of years. After Disney's most recent sequel trilogy, which concluded in 2019, the future of the franchise's feature film division has been less clear. The world of Star Wars continues, however, with shows like Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, and The Mandalorian, which continue to explore more of Lucas' vast universe and introduce new characters.
After Offerman's recent dramatic appearance on The Last of Us, Who's The Bossk – Star Wars Podcast tweeted that the actor would be a great fit as Porter Engle in the Star Wars universe – and Soule, the character's creator, agrees!
The original post includes images of Offerman and Engle side-by-side, and it's certainly not difficult to see why the actor would be fan-cast in the role due to his physical appearance alone. Engle has yet to make his live-action debut in the Star Wars universe, but Offerman's poignant turn as survivor Bill in The Last of Us is further proof that he would be a strong addition to Lucas' franchise.
Who Is Porter Engle In The Star Wars Universe?
Also sometimes known as the Blade of Bardotta, Engle was first introduced in Soule's novel, Light of the Jedi, as a relatively minor character. Although introduced as a simple cook in the Star Wars universe, Engle has a rich backstory that is set to be further fleshed out in Star Wars: The High Republic – The Blade, a Marvel Comics miniseries that explores Engle's time as one of the most formidable Jedi in the entire galaxy. Engle, an Ikkrukkian, lives during the High Republic era, which is about 200 years before the events of Lucas' prequel trilogy when the Jedi Order was at the height of its power.
During his early career as a Jedi, Engle spends much time exploring the far reaches of the galaxy, fighting, teaching, and serving as a diplomat at different periods of his life. Eventually, however, Engle becomes disillusioned with the violence that accompanies his life as a Jedi and becomes a humble cook on an outpost on the planet Elphrona. It is at this outpost that Engle would play an important role in several events of the extended Star Wars universe, including foiling a kidnapping plot by a dangerous group of marauders known as the Nihil.
How Porter Could Be Introduced To Star Wars
Outside of novels, the High Republic Era has yet to be fully explored in live-action, but that is set to change with the upcoming new Star Wars TV show, The Acolyte. While many details regarding the show remain unknown, The Acolyte chronicles the final days of the High Republic era with a cast that includes Amanda Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Dafne Keen, and Carrie-Anne Moss, among others. It's unknown whether the upcoming Star Wars show will include Engle, but the project is currently the best chance to see the character brought to life in live-action.
Source: Charles Soule