The Star Wars franchise needed a comedic character, and they got exactly that with Hondo Ohnaka. The bumbling pirate, who many liken to Jack Sparrow, always seems to find himself in trouble. To the dismay of everyone else, he usually drags those around him into trouble as well. While he has yet to make his live-action debut, Ohnaka, voiced by Jim Cummings, has become one of the most beloved characters in the entire Star Wars franchise.

In most appearances, the Weequay pirate captain dons an eclectic jacket, an infantry helmet, and his famous protective goggles. As a greedy, selfish, hostage-taker, it would be easy to label him a villain. But Ohnaka shows his true heart eventually, and it sure doesn't hurt that he can make anyone laugh.

Hondo Ohnaka Made His Debut In The Clone Wars

He was only supposed to be around for a two-episode story arc

The pirate's first appearance came in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 1, episode 11 "Dooku Captured." When viewers first meet him, he is in charge of a drunken pirate gang on the planet of Florrum, where the gang has taken Count Dooku hostage. The pirates soon capture Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi as well. While all three Force-wielders eventually escape, the star of the story arc is Ohnaka. Ever since he referred to lightsabers as, "that glowy thing, voom-voom," audiences just couldn't get enough.

Star Wars brought Ohnaka back for many episodes of The Clone Wars, and he played a major part in Star Wars Rebels, too. Sometimes, he works with the Jedi. Other times, he works with the Separatists or the Galactic Empire. Above all else, however, Ohnaka works for money. It is his main motivator; if he can profit, he will take advantage of the situation. While this may sound immoral, Ohnaka shows through his other actions that he has a heart of gold (even if he would try to sell that gold heart for credits).

Hondo Has A Complicated Relationship With The Jedi & The Rebellion

Jedi and pirates are not usually friends

As a proud criminal, Ohnaka often plays the role of foil for the law-enforcing Jedi of the Galactic Republic. During one arc in The Clone Wars, Hondo and his gang take over a Jedi training vessel in order to steal their kyber crystals. In another, he attempts to steal spice from local farmers before the Jedi step in. Ohnaka is never a real threat to the Jedi, though he is often a sharp thorn in their sides.

By the time of the Empire, it was the Rebellion that needed to break the rules to achieve their goals. They often needed to steal supplies and resources from the Empire, and Ohnaka's experience in scum and villainy provided the perfect avenue to do so. Ohnaka worked with the Ghost crew on many occasions, helping them to steal power generators and rescue prisoners, among other things. Admittedly, he would usually help only if he knew there was money to be made. Later on, however, the former pirate captain had become a full rebel, aiding the crew in Lothal's liberation.

Hondo Is Still Alive During The Sequel Trilogy

Running Ohnaka Transport Solutions on Batuu!

Ohnaka is always trying to make a buck, no matter what is going on in the galaxy. During the Galactic Civil War, he began Ohnaka Transport Solutions, which provided "transportation" services to paying customers. Later, during the war between the First Order and the Resistance, Ohnaka operated his business from the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu. He even borrowed the Millennium Falcon to steal coaxium from the First Order.

While audiences are still waiting for the inevitable live-action debut of Hondo Ohnaka, he has certainly become a frequent flyer in the galaxy far, far away.

Of course, Batuu can be found at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, with thousands of visitors coming through every day. Fans were thrilled when it was announced that Ohnaka would play a major part in the land of Galaxy's Edge. For most visitors, he is a funny side character solely there to introduce ride mechanics. For Star Wars animation enthusiasts, Ohnaka's inclusion is an exciting cameo that pays tribute to one of the most memorable characters in the franchise.

While audiences are still waiting for the inevitable live-action debut of Hondo Ohnaka, he has certainly become a frequent flyer in the galaxy far, far away. Besides the animated shows and his daily appearance in Batuu, the Weequay has also shown up in various video games, comics, and other television shows. His greed makes him an interesting obstacle for Star Wars protagonists, but it's his heart and humor that make him such a beloved figure.