Rachel Zegler reveals the surprising Star Wars character she wants to voice
Actor and singer Rachel Zegler shared who she would like to voice from a galaxy far, far away. As rumors of a What If...? version of Star Wars were discussed on Twitter, Zegler joined the discourse of scenarios she would like to see. She jokingly suggested, "What if somehow Palpatine returned?" referencing Poe Dameron's infamous line in The Rise of Skywalker.
Zegler added to her earlier comment by revealing that she is a fan of Star Wars comics and shared her interest in voicing a specific character from the comics. She stated:
"As a fan of the comics, I would like to throw my hat in the ring to voice Shara Bey, mother of Poe Dameron, because her ship was an RZ-1 (my initials!) for Green Squadron."
Regardless of whether a What If...? version of Star Wars ever comes to fruition, it is exciting to see Zegler talking about a character from the comics who has not yet appeared in live-action or animation. It is also fun to see Zegler mentioning Shara Bey being part of Green Squadron and the exact designation of her A-Wing interceptor.
Shara Bey was first introduced in Shattered Empire #1, a comic series that takes place in the direct aftermath of Return of the Jedi. As a pilot who is part of the Rebellion, Shara plays an important role in combating Operation: Cinder and the Empire's other sinister plots following their defeat at the Battle of Endor. Shara even works directly with Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa throughout the Shattered Empire comic series.
Her husband and Poe's father, Kes Dameron, was also introduced as a fellow rebel in Shattered Empire. Shara has made further appearances in Star Wars comics that take place during the original trilogy, showing her life in the Rebellion much earlier in the Galactic Civil War alongside Kes. She has been mentioned or made appearances via flashback in other Star Wars publishing stories too.
Unfortunately, Shara died six years after the Battle of Endor, which is partly why she has mostly been mentioned or appeared through flashbacks in stories other than Shattered Empire and original trilogy-era comics. Despite her early passing, she greatly influenced Poe, as she taught her young son to fly. He followed in her footsteps by becoming a New Republic pilot and later a leader in the Resistance.
There are currently no confirmed plans to bring Shara Bey into live-action or animation. If it ever happens, Zegler's acting and vocal talents, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the character would make her an excellent choice for the underrated pilot to make her onscreen debut.