Could Skeleton Crew be a good fit for Hondo Ohnaka to finally make his live-action debut?
Hondo has featured in nearly every medium except live-action, including recurring roles in Star Wars animated series such as The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Hondo also plays a prominent role at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where he's a part of Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. Based on his various appearances, including his mission in Smugglers Run, which involves stealing cargo from the First Order, Ohnaka should be alive during Skeleton Crew, which takes place before the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Hondo will also feature Star Wars Outlaws, as a part of the game's second story pack.
However, despite appearances in various Star Wars projects, Hondo has never been a part of any live-action series. There was speculation that Hondo would appear since The Book of Boba Fett brought Bounty Hunter Cade Bane, a fan favorite from The Clone Wars, to live-action. Fans were hoping for a cameo in Ahsoka but were left disappointed. Perhaps Filoni and Favreau have saved Ohnaka for another time, and according to CBR, Skeleton Crew may mark Ohnaka's live-action debut.
After the debut of Pirate King Gorian Shard's gang in The Mandalorian Season 3, Skeleton Crew is set to focus on pirates, including Vane, a member of Shard's gang. This means the young Skeleton Crew characters may encounter pirates when they accidentally get lost in the galaxy. Bringing in pirates but not including the most famous Star Wars pirate, Hondo, would be a huge miss, and it seems unlike Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni to pass up such a good opportunity.
Hondo Ohnaka is no ordinary Star Wars animated character - he's a charismatic smuggler who's a Star Wars version of Jack Sparrow. Throughout his interactions with Jedi like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ezra Bridger, Hondo has evolved from a self-serving opportunist to a complex character capable of growth and redemption. His history with the Jedi, particularly his respect for them, may prove pivotal in Skeleton Crew, especially if he crosses paths with Jude Law's Force user character, Jod Na Nawood. Their potential encounter could be intriguing, given Hondo's evolution as a character over time.
Although Hondo's live-action debut hasn't been confirmed, it's not new for Mandoverse shows to keep character appearances a secret. Skeleton Crew takes place within The Mandalorian's timeline, yet it stands apart by introducing a fresh cast of characters. However, the appearance of Hondo Ohnaka creates a connection to the animated shows, allowing the new characters to shine alongside a beloved familiar face, thus catering to fans of Star Wars animated series and Star Wars live-action shows.
Skeleton Crew premieres December 3 on Disney+.