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

4. Jack Black as Admiral Ackbar & Watto

This is a two for one deal, but it’s one that would give us a pair of undeniably must-see performances. Admiral Ackbar in the original trilogy was voiced by Erik Bauersfeld, who also lent his voice to Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi. Bauersfeld also reprised his role as Ackbar in The Force Awakens and a few Star Wars video games over the years, but has few other credits.

Meanwhile, Watto was voiced by Welsh actor and author Andy Secombe, who is a veteran of the stage and has had a variety of lesser television roles throughout the years. In a double whammy for both the prequel trilogy and original trilogy, we could see Jack Black taking on the voices of both Admiral Ackbar and Watto.

Ackbar played a key, though small, role in Return of the Jedi and uttered the line “it’s a trap,” which has now been memed and gif’ed so often that it can be heard just by reading those three words. Getting to hear Jack Black take on that iconic role would be worth it just for his version of that one line.

As for Watto, Jack Black can bring his undeniably unique personality and comedic timing to the gambling and slave-owning Toydarian from the prequel trilogy. It would fantastic to see Jack Black take the charisma he poured into cult classics like School of Rock and Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny and channel it for both Ackbar and Watto.