As we get closer to the series premiere of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, we can’t help but think about where Clone Force 99 will go during the first season and what characters they’ll meet along the way. We know Wilhuff Tarkin, Fennec Shand, and Saw Gerrera show up throughout the season, but what about other familiar faces we met previously in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and in other parts of the canon?
Here are six characters we’d love to see interacting with Clone Force 99 after they defy Order 66 and take on mercenary missions across the galaxy.
1. Gregor
We first met Gregor in episode 100 of The Clone Wars. He suffered from amnesia after his ship crash-landed on Abafar, but he eventually regained his memories, donned his clone commando armor, and helped a group of Republic droids escape Separatist forces, putting his life at risk in the process.
He survived and eventually showed up in Star Wars Rebels alongside Captain Rex and Commander Wolffe, but how did he meet Rex and Wolffe in the first place? What if Clone Force 99 help make that connection? Even if that’s not the case, seeing Gregor again would make many fans happy.
2. Wolffe
Wolffe led the Wolfpack squad and served Jedi Master Plo Koon during The Clone Wars. According to Lucasfilm’s Henry Gilroy, it’s very possible Wolffe obeyed Order 66. Later on in Rebels, Wolffe even expressed fear and distrust when Kanan Jarrus and the Ghost crew arrived, shouting, “Jedi! They’ve come for revenge!”
So he was aware and haunted by what he and the other clones did, but how did he leave (or escape) the Empire? What if Rex gets in touch with Clone Force 99 to help retrieve Wolffe and remove his inhibitor chip? It’s a kooky theory, but Wolffe is another fan-favorite character viewers would love to see and learn more about.
3. Quinlan Vos
Primarily known as the kind of Jedi who strayed away from the rules, Jedi Master Quinlan Vos briefly appeared in The Clone Wars and had a much bigger story arc in Christie Golden’s Dark Disciple, a novel based on unfinished The Clone Wars scripts. We don’t have a canonical story about his Order 66 experience, but there have been hints he survived the Jedi Purge and continues to survive in hiding.
What if the Bad Batch cross paths with Quinlan during their journey? It’s possible they might feel inclined to help, but given they’re clones, would he trust them? We don’t know what the future holds for Quilan Vos, but an appearance in The Bad Batch would be a pleasant surprise.
4. Hondo Ohnaka
Hondo’s one of those characters who mischievously sneaks his way into the picture, stealing entire episodes in the process with his iconic one-liners. He’s even an animatronic character at Galaxy’s Edge.
During The Clone Wars, he prospered as a pirate, and there were a couple of times when he offered assistance to the Jedi — specifically Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker — in exchange for payment. When Clone Force 99 needs resources, especially weapons, could we see Hondo on the other end of this exchange? We hope so.
5. Dryden Vos
Unrelated to Quinlan Vos, Dryden Vos made his debut in Solo: A Star Wars Story. He was part of Maul’s crime syndicate, Crimson Dawn. While Maul operated in the shadows, Dryden acted as the spokesperson. What if Clone Force 99 takes on a mission that disturbs Crimson Dawn activity?
We’d love to see Dryden again, especially after his minor appearance in the final season of The Clone Wars and his short-lived presence in Solo. Plus, it’d give Paul Bettany an opportunity to reprise the role.
6. Maz Kanata
While Maz Kanata was best known for her appearances in the sequel trilogy, she also played a role in LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures and Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, so it wouldn’t be totally far-fetched to see her pop up in another animated series.
What if the ex-clone commandos stop by Takodana and enter Maz’s castle for food, drink, and respite? She could offer them sage advice or much-needed information on where to go next. Regardless, it would be intriguing to see some connections between the sequels and this point in the timeline.
Who would you love to see in The Bad Batch? Let us know in the comments below.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch debuts on Disney+ starting May 4.