Star Wars: 15 Show-Stealing Side Characters Who Shaped The Galaxy

Aside from Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, and Rey, the Star Wars galaxy is full of characters who have helped shape the landscape of the entire franchise. While many supporting characters carry more weight than others, most of their involvement has contributed to a much greater mythology. The core of the saga is about the Skywalker lineage, but who else stole fans' hearts?

In recent years, minor character cameos have spawned numerous financial opportunities within other mediums such as print and television. And with the acquisition by Disney in late 2012, the opportunity to erase everything that came before and start anew has created even more freedom to expand on supporting character backstories.

Within the context of the films, Rogue One excluded, fans have witnessed the birth of countless fan favorites outside of the Skywalker lineage. And the future plans of the studio suggest we might well get to see more of them in spin-offs.

Here are 15 supporting characters who stole the show and how they helped shape the franchise as we know it.

It's not often a character gets the distinction of being a villain and a hero in the same franchise. But it's not often you meet someone like Lando Calrissian, who betrays his friend in one film then blows up the second Death Star in another. And don't forget he also helps save that same betrayed friend prior to blowing up the second Death Star.

Fans were undoubtedly up in arms when Lando turned Han and the rest of the gang over to Darth Vader. Those same fans must have been equally confused when Lando pulls an about face and helps the gang escape an Imperial occupied Cloud City. With all of Lando's flip flopping, he's still one of coolest characters in the galaxy.

Shaping The Franchise

When Lando first appeared on screen, audiences had no idea what to expect from this new character or his city above the clouds. His visibly irritated demeanor revealed he had a bone to pick with Han Solo over potential ownership of the Millennium Falcon. However. the introduction of Lando offers welcome relief in an otherwise dark film.

And of course, while his motives are questionable, his intentions were for the betterment of his people to try and keep the Empire away.

Lando redeems himself and proves to be a true friend to Han and company in Return of the Jedi. He eventually becomes the leader of Gold Squadron during the assault on the second Death Star, scoring one of the kill shots along with Wedge Antilles.