Yesterday it was announced that Yoda and his original voice would be returning to Star Wars. Now Yoda himself was seen just earlier this year in Netflix’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars – The Lost Missions dealing with some heavy issues but his original voice is another story. In a surprise move, Frank Oz who voiced the diminutive Jedi Master in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi will be once again providing his voice in January 5th’s episode of Star Wars Rebels according to TVGuide.com. An appearance in Rebels would be the character’s first official or canonical appearance since his self-imposed exile to Dagobah at the end of Revenge of the Sith.
This will be the third actor from the Original Trilogy to reprise their role on the new series. James Earl Jones appeared as Darth Vader in ABC’s rebroadcast of “Spark of the Rebellion” and Anthony Daniels portrayed his Star Wars alter ego c-3PO of course in “Droids in Distress”. Now this is atypically of Lucasfilm as their general M.O. is to use voice actors for many of their more well-known characters. Its yet unknown as to why Tom Kane, who has almost exclusively voiced Yoda since 2000 (and rather pitch perfect if we might say), wasn’t used for this appearance. We can only guess that it’s due to Disney attempting brand synergy by using actors from the Original Trilogy in order to increase or keep the fever for Episode VII: The Force Awakening. The use of Kane as Yoda might just remind too many fans of his numerous appearances on The Clone Wars (a Prequel Era-based show) which is an era Disney has not been shy about trying to ignore at this time.
Regardless of the reason, Ms. Piggy will once again return to the Saga and this only leaves the question; who will be next? Here’s a list of who has appeared so far for those keeping count at home:
Original Trilogy Character Appearances in Star Wars Rebels
- Darth Vader
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- c-3PO
- R2-D2
- The Emperor (Holonet)
- Yoda
- Stormtroopers/TIE Fighter Pilots/Imperial Technicians/Royal Guards (Holonet)
Prequel Trilogy Character Appearances in Star Wars Rebels
- Bail Organa
- Luminara Unduli
Rumors have been swirling about a possible appearance by Billy Dee Williams as his smooth talking persona of Lando Calrissian. And while not confirmation in the slightest, his name is attached on the Rebels’ IMDb page.
We still have the second half of the season to go, so the possibilities of a Moff Tarkin, Retired Commander Rex, Inquisitor Barriss Offee, Imperial Senator Mon Mothma, or (our wish) Rebel Fighter Ahsoka Tano appearance could be in the cards. And no matter on who shows up, we hope we get to see them all in plastic form at some point in Hasbro’s 3 3/4” line. To see what Hasbro has produced so far, make sure to check out our Rebels Base section – Your headquarters for all things associated with Star Wars Rebels action figures!
The episode, “Path of the Jedi” will air Monday, Jan. 5 at 9/8c on Disney XD. For those without the patience of a Jedi, it will be available on the Watch Disney XD app starting Monday, Dec. 29.
Until next time,
May the Figures be with you!
