If you want to concoct an expert, showy scheme in the Star Wars galaxy, you should only talk to one being: Hondo Ohnaka. The charming Weequay space pirate first introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars before going on to appear multiple times in Star Wars Rebels is a figure known throughout parts of the Star Wars universe. He has a certain uh, reputation, but to some, he’s a dear friend and colleague. And he’s coming to Disney Parks’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in a big way.
Hondo’s making the jump from animated character to a life-size animatronic figure that will be a key part of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride.
He’s looking for a crew to take the Falcon on some not-so-above-board missions. As you stand in the queue, Hondo will give you the sales pitch. Having seen the animatronic firsthand, I can tell you the movement is staggering. But you don’t have to listen to me. Watch this video from Walt Disney Imagineering that shows Hondo off:
Jim Cummings is voicing the character, as he has in the animated series, and I’m ready to buy whatever he’s selling. The animatronic matches Cummings’ voice and inflection remarkably well. I know Hondo is an alien and therefore not real, but this animatronic sure makes it seem like it.
Images: Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucasfilm
Amy Ratcliffe is the Managing Editor for Nerdist and author of Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
