Star Wars: 6 of the most underrated characters

Watto

We are introduced to Watto in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He is the Toydarian slave owner who Shmi and Anakin Skywalker belong to. Watto’s appearance is totally unique. He kind of looks like a flying blue anteater. He’s one of the first characters in Star Wars who has wings and flutters around as he helps find a part for Qui-Gon Jinn in his junkyard.

Watto speaks with a gruff voice that matches his stubbly face and weathered look. He is completely driven by money and profit, and in one of The Phantom Menace‘s best scenes, he tells Qui-Gon to quit waving his hand around like he’s a Jedi because only money works on him and not mind tricks.

Despite being a slave owner who is obsessed with money and wealth, Watto does show moments of compassion. He lets Anakin go early one day and does seem generally concerned about the boys overall well being. That could be just him protecting his assets but it seems that Watto truly cares for Anakin and Shmi.

In Attack of the Clones, we see that Watto has fallen on hard times, but is willing to help Anakin find his mother who has since been freed by Clegg Lars. Watto is a fun and complex Star Wars character who doesn’t get nearly the props he deserves.