Star Wars: Recasting the original and prequel trilogies for the 2020s

14. Billy Eichner as Bib Fortuna

The male Twi’lek at Jabba the Hutt’s side in Return of the Jedi and elsewhere is known as Bib Fortuna, and that character served as the chief aide to Jabba in both Return of the Jedi and throughout the franchise. The character was originally portrayed by Michael Carter, and later by Matthew Wood in The Mandalorian, but Erik Bauersfeld provided his voice to Fortuna in Return of the Jedi.

Bauersfeld was mentioned earlier, as he also voiced Admiral Ackbar in another small but unforgettable role. In order to see Bib Fortuna brought back to life in a unique way for a recast of Star Wars, someone that might initially seem an odd choice may be the perfect person.

Billy Eichner is most immediately recognized by many for his series Billy on the Street where he loudly confronts New York pedestrians and peppers them with spontaneous questions. However, he’s provided voice work for Bob’s Burgers, had a recurring role on Parks and Recreation, been in multiple episodes of American Horror Story, and even voiced Timon in the 2019 remake of The Lion King.

Eichner’s brash presence might seem ill-suited for Bib Fortuna, but few could argue how entertaining it would be to see Eichner playing off Nick Offerman as Jabba the Hutt in a recast version of Star Wars.