8 Characters Who Need Bigger Roles In Star Wars: Episode VIII

Maz Kanata largely suffered the same fate as General Hux. She was conceptualised as a reimagined spin on an iconic character (there Tarkin, here Yoda), but she failed to meet those lofty expectations. And, despite the talented actor playing her, her minimal presence led to an underwhelming character.

Maz was billed as a space pirate with her own castle, but there was nothing in the film to expand on that history. It didn’t feel like a mysterious backstory either, but an unresolved character profile. She was certainly no Yoda and the perception of her character suffered as a result.

She’s confirmed to re-appear in Episode VIII, and even if it’s hard to imagine how she'll show up again, the film needs to make the most of her appearance. This is a crucial opportunity to expand on the exciting promise of her history and show the quirky and incredible Maz Kanata that fans wanted last time (hopefully with more of a leaning into that Force knowledge).

Maybe with some corrected audience expectations and a more exciting presence, she'll get her the chance to be an integral part of the Star Wars universe going forward.