The Weequay In Star Wars Explained

Star Wars is filled with all kinds of colorful characters from different alien races. Each new installment, all the way up to The Rise of Skywalker, has introduced new creatures for fans to fall in love with (and to hopefully buy toys of). While countless aliens seem to have one-off appearances, others make their way into numerous Star Wars properties, even if they tend to be relegated to the background. 

The Weequay may not be a household name like the Hutts, but they've more than left their mark on the galaxy. They made their debut back in 1983 in Return of the Jedi as Jabba the Hutt's guards, and although they ended up not playing the role they were meant to in the original version of The Rise of Skywalker, they've recently turned up on The Clone Wars and even managed to make an appearance during Chapter 9 of The Mandalorian. If you look carefully, then you might notice that the bartender in Mos Pelgo has distinct Weequay characteristics. 

It's entirely possible for the Weequay to have larger roles on The Mandalorian or other future Star Wars projects, seeing as how at least one is hanging around. Here's everything you need to know about these tough-as-nails warriors. 

The book Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know contains some useful information about the fictitious galaxy at large, including details about these hard-skinned aliens. They're native to the desert planet of Sriluur, and as you may have noticed, they tend to have rough, leather-like skin. Not only does this help them survive in the harsh conditions of Sriluur, it also makes for sturdy, natural armor to fend off enemy attacks. 

Luke Skywalker even encountered some Weequay throughout his journeys. In the novel Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne, which takes place between the events of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, Luke describes the Weequay: "Tough hides. Naturally resistant to blaster fire. The Hutts like to use them as bodyguards and bounty hunters." It makes sense, then, to see them during the events of Return of the Jedi, when Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett take Luke to the Sarlacc Pit.

Arguably, the most famous Weequay known to fans of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels is Hondo Ohnaka. He's a pirate who's perhaps best known for kidnapping Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Count Dooku and attempting to ransom all three of them for a massive payout. Since then, he's remained on the fringes of the law while maintaining a healthy respect for the Jedi Knights.

It's safe to say we haven't seen the last of the Weequay. As long as there are enemies to capture (or drinks to pour, as is the case on The Mandalorian), the Weequay will be there.