The Mandalorian: Why Christopher Lloyd Should Play Hondo Ohnaka

Thanks to his storied status within science fiction, as well as the beloved reputation of the character, actor Christopher Lloyd should play Star Wars’ infamous pirate, Hondo Ohnaka, in The Mandalorian. Just one of many characters yet to make their live-action debut on Disney+, Hondo has become a fan favorite since his origins in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Although one of the most demanding and fun roles for a live-action Star Wars project, the time is right, and the talent is there to bring the legendary buccaneer to life.

Considered a villain, a hero, and everything in between, Hondo Ohnaka was one of the galaxy’s greatest pirates. Having appeared in just about everything, including Disney’s theme park attractions, the Weequay rogue has built a notorious reputation stretching back to the clone wars that continued well into the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Originally voiced by Jim Cummings, the character has strangely yet to appear in any of Disney+’s live-action adventures.

When The Mandalorian announced that it’d be returning for a third season, it came with the news that actor Christopher Lloyd of Back to the Future fame was joining the cast in an unspecified role. Although many theories emerged about which Star Wars character Lloyd was playing, it made sense that Hondo Ohnaka was among the most popular. Between Christopher Lloyd’s past as a character actor and The Mandalorian expanding its animated antecedents, the return of Ohnaka is ideal, and only made greater with Lloyd playing the infamous space pirate. Not only does Lloyd have the acting skill to bring Ohnaka to life, but the Weequay himself is a beloved and significant figure in Star Wars lore. Given this, casting Lloyd as Ohnaka seems like too good an opportunity to miss.

Although audiences remember Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown in Back to the Future, he’s also been in countless sci-fi roles that demanded a lot of personality and makeup. Ranging from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock to The Addams Family series, and even Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, there’s no denying that the actor has a wide range and knows how to deliver an over-the-top performance that’s ideal for someone like Hondo. Additionally, considering the criticism over the visual inaccuracies of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s inquisitors, it might help to have someone with the physical profile of a Weequay pirate. With the right makeup, some CGI, and a talented actor beneath it all, it isn’t hard to imagine Christopher Lloyd as an aging Hondo, seeking out new adventures and profit.

So far, characters like Bo-Katan Kryze and Ahsoka Tano have all had live-action appearances; however, as Disney+ expands the movies’ animated prequels, it wouldn’t be out of place to see more return. It’s been well established that Ohnaka Transport Solutions existed during the sequel trilogy, and Hondo was still the man behind it. Additionally, with The Mandalorian’s focus on Star Wars’ gritty underworld and the aftermath of the Empire’s fall, the stage is set for the Weequay’s return, especially if there’s a chance to profit off all the chaos. As a hero and a villain, the stories you can tell with a pirate are infinite, especially considering Din Djarin’s career as a bounty hunter and his dealings with the criminal underground. The inclusion of a character like Hondo is not only routine for The Mandalorian, but it wouldn’t be hard to do considering his role in the Star Wars universe.

Where The Mandalorian goes and who Din Djarin encounters next remains to be seen. However, there’s still a promising future with Christopher Lloyd joining the Star Wars universe and the return of Hondo Ohnaka as a possibility. Regardless, it’s probably safe to say that Hondo’s legacy isn’t over, and knowing him, it’ll only grow bigger and more extravagant with each telling.