With no shortage of memorable villains, the Star Wars saga has given us unforgettable characters, spearheaded by the legendary Darth Vader. Alongside him, we find a parade of other antagonists, from the purely malevolent Emperor Palpatine to the more tragic figures like Kylo Ren—even those who carry out questionable deeds while claiming it’s just part of surviving in the galaxy. Respawn has tapped into this rich vein in its Star Wars Jedi series, featuring a diverse array of villainous characters.
While we don’t yet have an official announcement from Respawn or EA, a third installment in the Star Wars Jedi series is all but confirmed. When it does arrive, there’s a good chance it’ll once again shine a light on its rogues gallery, continuing the series’ long-standing tradition.
Fans might have a hint of what to expect from the next entry’s villain. The Star Wars Jedi games have a track record of introducing villains with compelling backstories. In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, players step into the shoes of Cal Kestis, who finds himself pursued by Darth Vader’s Inquisitors—a group of former Jedi tasked with eradicating Force-Sensitive individuals. Among his hunters is the Second Sister, once known as Trilla.
Trilla’s tale is one of profound tragedy. A former Jedi Padawan, she and her mentor, Cere Junda, initially escaped the catastrophic purge known as Order 66. They even managed to protect a group of younglings for a time, but their luck eventually ran out. Cere was captured and, under severe torture, revealed the location of her young companion and the children. Trilla was subsequently caught and subjected to her own torment, transforming her fear into anger and setting her on the path to becoming one of the Inquisitors.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor introduces Dagan Gera, a turncoat whose defection to the Dark Side stems from the Jedi Council halting his instruction of Padawans on Tanalorr. However, it’s Bode Akuna who truly embodies tragedy in the sequel. A Jedi Knight who had ties to the Republic Intelligence during the Clone Wars, Bode survived Order 66. He started a new chapter, marrying and starting a family, only for Inquisitors to kill his wife. His subsequent mercenary work was fueled by a fierce desire to protect his daughter, keeping them one step ahead of ever-present danger.
Bode’s story takes a decisive turn when he collaborates with his old Republic Intelligence contact, Lank Denvik, now a chief in the Imperial Security Bureau. Although Bode had no allegiance to the Empire, the work ensured his daughter’s safety. Learning about Tanalorr presented Bode with an opportunity for a fresh start. Despite forming connections with Cal and the Stinger Mantis crew, Bode’s paternal instincts overshadowed these ties, propelling the narrative to its intense climax.
A future Star Wars Jedi installment will likely continue this trend, with a villain whose story resonates with its predecessors. It’s probable we’ll see another Force-user with a poignant, complex history—perhaps another former Jedi who narrowly escaped Order 66, spent decades in hiding, and constantly anticipated the next threat.
These insightful arcs grant these villains depth, making them not just adversaries but also engaging figures with human elements. The cycle of formidable and emotionally resonant villains is a signature of the Star Wars Jedi games, and it’ll be intriguing to see how it evolves in the series’ future.
