The Star Wars universe certainly knows how to craft unforgettable villains, with Darth Vader topping the list as one of cinema’s greatest antagonists. He’s part of a rich tapestry of nefarious characters that range from the utterly corrupt Emperor Palpatine to the more nuanced and somewhat tragic figure of Kylo Ren. Then there are those who operate in the gray areas, just trying to navigate the galaxy’s treacherous expanse. Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series captures this range of villainous personas brilliantly.
Although a third installment in the Star Wars Jedi series hasn’t been formally unveiled by Respawn or EA, it’s clear that we’re bound to see it materialize. When it does, the spotlight will likely again be on its villains, ensuring at least one continues the series’ trend of memorable and complex adversaries.
One thing fans might eagerly anticipate is how the next villain is portrayed. Star Wars Jedi has a history of showcasing adversaries with compelling backstories. In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, players step into the shoes of Cal Kestis, who is relentlessly pursued by Darth Vader’s Inquisitorius – a group of former Jedi turned hunters of Force-sensitive individuals. Among them, the Second Sister, once known as Trilla, takes a particular interest in capturing Cal.
Trilla’s history is steeped in tragedy. Once a promising Jedi Padawan, she barely escaped the horrific culling of the Jedi during Order 66 alongside her mentor, Cere Junda. They managed to hide several younglings from the Empire for a while, but Cere was eventually captured and, under intense torture, revealed Trilla’s location. Trilla, too, was captured, and the horrors of her captivity twisted her into becoming an Inquisitor herself.
In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Dagan Gera’s descent into darkness isn’t quite as heartrending. His journey to the Dark Side unfolds after the Jedi Council halts his training of Padawans on Tanalorr. However, the true heartbreak of Jedi: Survivor centers around Bode Akuna, the unexpected final foe Cal faces.
Bode was once a Jedi Knight, serving in the shadows for the Republic Intelligence during the Clone Wars and surviving Order 66. In the aftermath, he carved out a new life, marrying and fathering a child, only to see it shattered when Inquisitors killed his wife. Choosing the path of a mercenary, Bode aimed to protect his daughter with the money he earned. But the danger was constantly at their door.
Ultimately, Bode made a secretive pact with Lank Denvik, a former colleague who had climbed the ranks in the Imperial Security Bureau. Though Bode detested the Empire, this deal kept his daughter out of harm’s way. Tanalorr appeared to be Bode’s ticket to a safer life, leading him to concoct schemes that culminated in the dramatic climax of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Looking ahead, it’s a safe bet that the next Star Wars Jedi game will continue this narrative trend of tragic villains. These characters, molded by their challenging pasts and often possessing Force abilities, capture the essence of survival and moral ambiguity. Another villain bearing these hallmarks seems inevitable—potentially a former Jedi who managed to escape Order 66 and has since lived a life constantly on the run.
As fans anticipate what’s next, it’s clear that Star Wars continues to be fertile ground for rich storytelling and unforgettable conflicts between good and evil.
