G33K LYFE: Fantastic aliens and where to find them

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES
The infamous Chewbacca is a Wookie, just one of the many species introduced in the Star Wars saga.

There is perhaps no universe in cinema that feels as alive and populated as the one that has been created in the Star Wars series. Every film is jam packed with interesting looking characters, with a huge number of different species that never speak, are never named and never once contribute to the film’s plot in any meaningful fashion whatsoever. There are also alien heroes and villains that have played huge parts in galactic events.

Despite their statuses as glorified set decorations, each and every one of those alien species has been fleshed out over the years, given home worlds, cultures and their own significant characters throughout the existence of the Expanded Universe.

With The Force Awakens sure to introduce even more new species to the galaxy, I’m taking a look back at a few of my favourite aliens from the past, as well as the likelihood of them appearing in the new film.

Hutt

Everybody knows Jabba the Hutt. He is the obese, immobile slug who hung Han Solo on his wall and put Princess Leia on a leash in Return of the Jedi in the opening hour, but his species goes far beyond the acts that he committed on screen.

Instinctual criminals, nearly every member of the species is at the centre of a criminal enterprise of some description, some operating under the pretence of legitimacy, but most brazenly flaunting their criminal acts with little fear of retribution. Intensely disliked by the rest of the galaxy, the Hutts’ only concern is their power.

One of the longest living species in the Star Wars galaxy, Hutts lived through a 70 year childhood and would constantly grow throughout their lives, not even stopping after they were immobilized, giving us the fat slugs we know today. One notable exception to this rule was Beldorion, the only known Hutt to become a Jedi, though he did fall to the dark side, and was then cut in half by Leia.

Likelihood of return: 50 per cent. Jabba seems likely to be in Hutt space, but I just can’t see J.J. Abrams falling back on such an iconic antagonist species just yet. Hutts are almost 100 per cent going to feature in the wider universe at some point.

Ithorian

Included prominently within the famous Mos Eisley cantina scene was a curve-headed alien named Momaw Nadon, whose most notable trait was the quality of the puppet used to portray him. He is a member of the Ithorian race, a peace-loving and fiercely environmentally conscious species of priests and gardeners, who in my opinion are one of the most interesting alien races in the whole series.

Their imposing height and distinctive hammer-headed appearance make them stand out in a crowd, though they find the term ‘hammerhead’ highly offensive. The Ithorians possess a far more interesting biological characteristic. An adult Ithorian possesses two mouths, one on each side of the neck, and four throats, allowing them to speak not only at incredibly high volumes, but also in stereo.

Ithorian Jedi Master Roron Corobb put the extra throats to heroic use toward the end of the Clone Wars. He was able to use the Force to amplify his bellow to shattering volumes before falling in battle to General Grievous.

The peaceful race was so devoted to Mother Jungle that they refused to live on the surface of their own planet, instead taking to living in ships that orbited the surface or travelled through space.

Likelihood of return: sadly low. Despite my personal affection for them, it’s unlikely that any Ithorian will be having a major impact on the story; it just doesn’t fit their race outside of one or two outliers in canon.

Wookie

The original alien, A New Hope introduced the world the Chewbacca, Han Solo’s giant, hairy co-pilot who could only speak in roars and growls, but still managed to become a fan favourite.

Hailing from the tree-covered world of Kashyyyk, Wookies were a species of long-lived, intimidating yet gentle tree dwellers who would generally not harm a fly unless provoked. An honorable species whose intelligence was masked by their un-evolved vocal chords, Wookies maintained a surprisingly forward- thinking culture in primitive trappings.

Master carvers, the Wookies were considered among the best woodworkers in the galaxy, with wood taking on a special significance in their culture. The few members of the race who were in the Jedi Order constructed their lightsaber hilts from the wood of their home trees, signifying the strength of bond they feel to their homes.

Likelihood of return: 100 per cent. Chewie is back, get hyped!