“Oh, the stories I could tell! So many of them true.”
Hondo Ohnaka, Weequay Pirate and Friend to Jedi (he thinks).
Updated April 2026
Who Is Hondo Ohnaka? Why Star Wars Fans Want Him in Live Action
Has a Star Wars side character created as much goodwill as Hondo Ohnaka? He’s funny, selfish but loyal, smug but honest, a survivor and a scoundrel. He was first introduced to us in The Clone Wars, as a chaotic foil to Jedi and Separatist alike, he was fleshed out in Star Wars Rebels. Hondo Ohnaka has become one of the most beloved side characters in modern Star Wars. Since he was first introduced, the charming pirate built quite a fan following through humor, betrayal, loyalty, and total unpredictability.
Now that Star Wars storytelling has expanded through Disney+ series like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, fans are asking the same question: Is now (finally) the moment for Hondo’s live action debut?
More Than Just a One-Liner Machine
Hondo is such a great character because he fills a unique lane in the Star Wars universe. He isn’t Sith. He isn’t Jedi. He isn’t Rebel or Imperial. He’s not Republic or Separatist. He follows profit, instinct, and occasionally friendship.
Hondo is a pirate leader willing to make the tough decisions when necessary. He was an associate of Jango Fett and Aurra Sing. He had hoped to secure a name for himself in the arena of underworld crime by kidnapping and ransoming the Separatist leader, Count Dooku (Darth Tyranus). This was his introduction to us in The Clone Wars.
He has spent time working with and against the Jedi, depending upon whichever direction led to higher profit (and kept him out of the fray!)
By the end of The Clone Wars, Hondo had:
- Kidnapped Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Count Dooku
- Fought Anakin Skywalker, then later helped him supply weapons to rebel insurgents on Onderon.
- Helped the Jedi Plo Koon and Ahsoka Tano capture Boba Fett and Aurra Sing.
- Had his pirate gang and hideout attacked by both General Grievous and Darth Maul – on two separate occasions.
Years later, Hondo would run into Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels. Here they would go on an impromptu adventure when Ezra thought he was answering a distress signal from the gangster Vizago. Hondo an Ezra would escape both the Empire and crime kingpin Azmorigan, who was planning to murder them both and steal Hondo’s cargo. The adventure with Ezra would forge a bond between the two that would bring them together multiple times. Of course, even Hondo’s kindest gestures are not without someway for the pirate to profit
That flexibility of faction placement makes him so useful in almost any story. Need a smuggler? Hondo works. Need comic relief? Hondo works. Need someone who betrays the heroes but helps them later? Hondo definitely works.
He also has meaningful ties to multiple fan-favorite characters: Ahsoka Tano, Ezra Bridger, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker
That history gives writers an easy way to hook him back into the story. Plus, he’s so chaotic neutral coded that I can’t believe he hasn’t been utilized sooner!
Fans Love Him! Jedi Tolerate Him!
Why do fans love him so much? The same reasons the Jedi tolerated him:
- He is actually very funny. Kudos to the writers and actor Jim Cummings for pulling it off without him ever feeling overdone or annoying.
- He has a code of honor, in spite of being pretty morally flexible. These statements feel contradictory, but I stand by it. Again, great writing and acting.
- He’s a survivor. I would argue that’s a chief tenet of his moral code: survive.
- He has genuinely great chemistry with the characters he encounters, especially heroes like Ezra Bridger.
- He is a quintessential Star Wars character: charming, a bit chaotic, and morally flexible without being a ‘bad guy’.
Why Ahsoka S2 Feels the Most Logical
If I had to place a bet, Ahsoka is the strongest candidate.
The series already lives in the world of Rebels. It has already featured the live-action debut of characters like Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Chopper, and Ezra Bridger. Not to mention Zeb’s debut in the Mandalorian.
Hondo’s connection to Ezra alone makes him an obvious fit. Their chemistry is just, so good: part mentor, part scam artist, part vaguely problematic and proud uncle.
If Ezra is rebuilding his life after returning, it would make so much sense for Hondo to appear asking for help, money, or both. Ezra could have been a pirate, after all.
Estimated chance: 60%
Why TMG Also Makes Sense
The upcoming film’s story reportedly deals with many underworld and criminal elements, the New Republic, and Outer Rim missions. That is exactly the sort of chaos where Hondo thrives. Recent reporting also notes major Hutt connections in the story setup.
Hondo could fit into The Mandalorian & Grogu as: a humerous and slightly untrustworthy guide through pirate territory, an unreliable ally, someone who steals from Din Djarin and then tries to make amends, comic relief during a tense mission.
Movie runtimes are tricky. Films have less space than shows, so that means if Hondo appears here, it’s likely to be in a fun supporting scene or two rather than a major role.
Estimated chance: 35%
I was so betrayed. And so proud.
Jim Cummings, Hondo’s longtime voice actor, teased back in 2025 that “Hondo is not done yet.” He didn’t say where or when, but I can’t help but hope that means he’s been talking to some important people and knows something is cooking.
Cummings is a prolific voice actor, highly regarded and praised for his work as Winnie the Pooh, Darkwing Duck, Smokey the Bear, and King Triton. He has said that Hondo Ohnaka is on his list of favorite roles he’s performed.
I was disappointed we didn’t get a Hondo cameo in Skeleton Crew, but this quote gave me hope.
Why Not Hondo?
There are three realistic obstacles: too many plotlines to juggle, LucasFilm wanting to focus on newer elements and characters instead of legacy fan service (though this is fan service I could get behind!), and live-action design challenges (Hondo’s look needs to feel real, not distracting).
Too many plotlines can be avoided by giving him a small piece in an existing arc. Fan service can be done well. The jump to live action has gone really well visually for Zeb, Cad Bane, and now Embo. Disney has brought these animated characters successfully into live action already, there is no reason to think Hondo’s design is that much more difficult to translate.
This … could be … profitable!
If Hondo does return in a more-than-a-quick-cameo capacity, I think Ahsoka feels like the best bet. And honestly, I would love to see his reaction to seeing Ezra again.
If LucasFilm wants just a great cameo, The Mandalorian & Grogu is the better option (and maybe to test the response to bring him back in a future endeavor).
Either way, he has incredible potential. And if he does appear, expect him to arrive the same way he always does: late, loud, and trying to sell us something.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has Hondo Ohnaka appeared or been referenced in live action?
Not yet!
What shows has Ohnaka been in?
The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and he is the lead character presence in Smuggler’s Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Who has voiced Hondo Ohnaka?
Jim Cummings has been the voice of Hondo since 2008.
Where will we see Hondo next?
Unclear, but hopefully Ahsoka Season 2!