Lucasfilm have successfully launched their new Star Wars publishing initiative known as the High Republic era. Ranging across books, comics, virtual reality experiences, and Disney+ shows down the line, fans are witnessing a completely different take on the galaxy far far away.
While the Star Wars universe has been expanded in recent memory thanks to the sequel movies and TV shows, never has this range of characters been introduced to audiences all at once. Of course, throughout the franchise's history there's a number of already existing characters which may have fit in perfectly with the High Republic era. But why would they be a great fit for this new addition to the timeline?
Hondo Ohnaka
The galaxy has always been a dangerous place, but Pirates roam free in the High Republic era. With so many unmapped territories, the Jedi are really out of their depth. They may be the Force-wielding peace keepers of the Republic, but they are also in serious danger of a Pirate attack.
Hondo Ohnaka is perhaps one of the most famous Pirates in Star Wars history. The character's popularity has risen thanks to his multiple appearances across the animated shows Clone Wars and Rebels. The suave salesman could potentially build his empire even bigger outside of the control of the Empire or Republic, in the unknown regions and Outer Rim.
Cad Bane
There's plenty of terrifying Bounty Hunters in the Star Wars galaxy. While some have certainly benefitted from the business brought by the Empire or against the Republic, many would probably operate more efficiently amongst chaos.
As one of the most powerful Bounty Hunters in the franchise, it's easy to see how Cad Bane would thrive during the High Republic era. In fact, he's the sort of hired killer who would happily take on the grisly job of sabotaging the High Republic itself.
Mace Windu
Mace Windu is a beloved Jedi amongst fans. One of the strongest warriors in the Council, he manages to balance his rage in battle with his calm confidence and years of experience. He is measured, a valuable leader in any situation and maybe one of the most underutilized characters in the prequels.
While fans have been clamoring to see the Jedi return to the big or small screen, it would be an interesting prospect to see how Mace Windu would fare during the High Republic era. He would still have an incredibly high seat on the Jedi Council and could be the leader that the Order needs in this time of crisis.
Qui-Gon Jinn
The Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn had so much more potential before his life was cut short. He was an excellent mentor and a highly skilled combatant. The imagery of the High Republic depicts these lone warriors fighting in the unknown regions, as if they are the Knights of Arthurian legends.
Qui-Gon fits this description in every way. It would definitely be tempting to see the character on a lone mission out in the wilderness, using his great intelligence and resourcefulness to survive in the harsh environments of the Outer Rim and beyond.
Fennec Shand
After her brilliant appearance in The Mandalorian, Fennec Shand will be returning to screens again as an animated character in The Bad Batch. But what would have happened if the character had been imagined for a different era instead?
No doubt Shand would have been one of the highest paid sharpshooters in the galaxy. Loyal and boasting a highly tactical mind, the character's abilities would have been in demand no matter what era she found herself in. The complexity of this character means it is difficult to know which side she would have been loyal to!
Ziro The Hutt
The Hutts have been a massive force in the criminal underworld throughout most of the Galaxy's history. In the more familiar era of Star Wars, Jabba the Hutt is at the top of the food chain. The Clone Wars have shown other members of the Hutt clan, although none have quite the same reputation amongst audiences.
Ziro the Hutt is one of the most bizarre members of the family. Quirky yet cruel, this character has been pushed to the bottom of the hierarchy due to his past failures. Maybe without the shadow of Jabba, Ziro would become a much larger threat in the High Republic.
Zorii Bliss
Not much is known about Zorri Bliss. Brought into the franchise incredibly recently, fans have been given some backstory for the character thanks to her small appearance in The Rise Of Skywalker alongside some other complimentary content in the expanded universe.
A self confessed scoundrel, perhaps she would have found better business in a galaxy that was a little more lenient to her crimes. What's interesting about Bliss is that she does operate with some kind of moral compass; this may have made her an ally of the Jedi Order back in the High Republic.
C-3PO
C-3PO may be comic relief more than anything, but it is fair to say that he can usually be found in a situation that he's incapable of solving. The two wars that C-3PO has lived through have both resulted in a number of near death experiences for the droid.
R2-D2 manages to adapt, while C-3PO barely survives despite his intellect. He might have served the Senate better, while also being more comfortable in his role, had he been around as a diplomatic assistant during the High Republic.
Yaddle
Yaddle is one of the most overlooked Jedi on the council. Considering she is part of the same species as Yoda and Grogu, it's logical to believe that she has access to unbelievable Force abilities. These are not really shown off though.
Yaddle's species can survive for hundreds and thousands of years. Considering Yoda was also around for the High Republic era, it would have been interesting to see Yaddle at the height of her power during this same time frame.
Ahsoka Tano
There's a lot of buzz around Ahsoka's first ever solo live action series on Disney+. It's easy to wonder about the fate of the character had she lived during a completely different era of the Star Wars universe, as Tano is well known for having a difficult relationship with the Jedi.
The Jedi Order was vastly different during the High Republic. Outside of any major wars, Ahsoka may have been able to create a more authentic connection to the teachings of the Jedi. The death and destruction of the Clone Wars really corrupted her link to the Jedi in a way that might not be replicated in years past.