Lucasfilm Animation is a family. Part of that family means that these creators love working with voice actors who have starred in their shows before. Names like Shelby Young, Liam O'Brien, Steve Blum, and so many more. In the latest episode of The Bad Batch Season 3, episode 11, "Point of No Return," another fan-favorite voice actor made a cameo.
As Phee Genoa and her droid MEL-221 stopped to refuel their ship, they met up with a droid running the business. This droid attendant is named Olly, and StarWars.com revealed in their episode guide Olly's voice actor. He is voiced by The Clone Wars' Anakin Skywalker himself, Matt Lanter!
Anakin isn't the only character Lanter has voiced over the years. He's played many minor characters in The Clone Wars, such as the villainous Lom Pyke and pirate Hondo Ohnaka's lieutenant, Jiro. Lanter would also reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Rebels, Forces of Destiny, Tales of the Jedi, and the LEGO Star Wars specials.
Matt Lanter also appeared in live-action, though his character wasn't too long for the galaxy. In The Mandalorian Season 1 episode "The Prisoner." He played New Republic corrections officer Lieutenant Lant Davan. While in the midst of a standoff while Din Djarin was trying to defuse the situation, Davan was killed by the Twi'lek mercenary, Xi'an.
Lanter commented about his experience on the Mandalorian to SYFY WIRE and the differences between creating live-action and animation. He said, "It was secretive, very secretive, as all Star Wars things are, and I've known that, but even more so in the live-action... Every time I got out of my trailer, I had to have a cloak; I was wearing a cloak so no one could see my uniform. It was kind of the
first time we've seen that New Republic soldier on film."
Seeing these Lucasfilm Animation alumni return to series like The Bad Batch is always a treat. It won't be surprising for Matt Lanter to appear down the line, either. Perhaps in Tales of the Empire as Darth Vader? It wouldn't be the first time he's played the Sith Lord! We'll just have to wait and see.