Star Wars: 10 Side Characters Who Totally Stole Their Scenes

1. Admiral Ackbar - Return Of The Jedi (1983)

Star Wars FN-2199 Tr-8R
Lucasfilm

Admiral Ackbar's entrance in Return of the Jedi is absolutely incredible. Mon Mothma (Caroline Blakiston) spends a good couple of minutes explaining the grave stakes of their mission, reminding the rebels of the agents they sacrificed to get the Death Star plans (Bothan spies, to be precise). Moments after her incredibly sober monologue, Ackbar steps up for the mission briefing, and with his ridiculous voice and makeup, it nearly derails the tone of the whole scene. It's the kind of incredible goofiness that only Star Wars can get away with.

But there is one reason he's so iconic, and that is his line during the battle of Endor. In the entire series, no character ever made that much impression with a single line (with the possible exception of Chewbacca). Throughout the battle sequence, we see much of it from Ackbar's perspective, and his commentary helps guide us through the action on a tactical level. He challenges many of Lando's decisions, but is never obnoxious about it.

His token appearance in The Force Awakens was a pleasant nod (rest in peace, Erik Bauersfeld), but we will always remember him for being the most memorable Rebel in Return of the Jedi, which is the film with by far the most rebel side characters (presumably until Rogue One comes out).

Which of these scene stealers is your favourite? Got one to add? Share your thoughts down in the comments.

In this post: 
Star Wars
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Self-evidently a man who writes for the Internet, Robert also writes films, plays, teleplays, and short stories when he's not working on a movie set somewhere. He lives somewhere behind the Hollywood sign.