16 best performances in Lucasfilm Animation in the last 10 years
As a devoted Star Wars fan, I must confess that the voices behind these characters have always held a special place in my heart. Each voice actor brings their unique talents and experiences to the table, breathing life into these iconic characters we’ve grown to love.
As we celebrate Star Wars Rebels‘ 10th anniversary this year, it’s been a fantastic decade filled with top-notch animation work from Lucasfilm. We’ve seen the comeback of The Clone Wars and the latest installment in the LEGO Star Wars miniseries, Rebuild the Galaxy. Let’s delve into which voice actors delivered exceptional performances.
As a devoted fan, I base my selections on the entirety of a show’s run, whether it’s a full season or miniseries. A one-off guest appearance in an individual episode doesn’t factor into my choices. However, there’s an exception to this rule – in the case of Star Wars: Visions, given its format as a collection of shorts. I’m particularly interested in actors who delivered consistent, solid performances from start to finish in their respective series.
Here, without any specific ranking, I’d like to highlight the 16 outstanding performances by Lucasfilm Animation over the past decade.
1. Ashley Eckstein
Initially, it was difficult to imagine that Dave Filoni advised Ashley Eckstein to brace herself, as Ahsoka Tano would initially encounter disfavor from fans. Now, it’s hard to conceive of this franchise without its Padawan turned live-action Jedi master and the woman who originally brought the character to life.
Season 7 of The Clone Wars marked Ahsoka’s comeback, offering a glimpse into the last phases of the war portrayed in the title. This wasn’t the naive apprentice padawan we followed as she matured over the years. The depiction of Ahsoka in this season was Ashley Eckstein’s masterpiece, having voiced the character for a decade. She had never been more captivating than during the Siege of Mandalore arc, which stands out as Eckstein’s finest performance.
2. Sam Witwer
Following Ashoka and Captain Rex, without a doubt, Darth Maul emerged as the standout character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. His reappearance spanned from Season 7 of the series to his role in Star Wars Rebels, making him one of the most captivating characters within the Star Wars universe. This transformation demonstrated the effectiveness of both animated and live-action series, as they skillfully developed a seemingly one-dimensional character into a complex, Shakespearean-style tragic antagonist. In “The Phantom Apprentice,” Sam Witwer showcased his exceptional voice acting talents by portraying Maul’s full emotional range.
3. Tiya Sircar
Choosing favorites from “Star Wars Rebels” and “Resistance” was challenging due to the consistently strong performances from their talented ensembles.
Tiya Sircar, who portrayed the initial Rebel character, delivered an exceptional performance throughout all seasons. Witnessing Sabine’s growth and evolution over four seasons is a delight, largely due to Sircar’s acting skills. Her performances often involve subtle nuances, but when she unleashes raw emotion, as seen in “Trials of the Darksaber,” that’s when both Tiya and her character, Sabine, shine brightest.
4. David Oyelowo
It’s possible that my affection for Agent Kallus influences me, but before Crosshair arrived in The Bad Batch, Kallus had one of the best redemption arcs we’ve seen in Star Wars. A lot of this is due to the exceptional acting skills of David Oyelowo. Kallus portrays a wide range of emotions, from comically bungling attempts to capture the Lothal Rebels, to being menacingly sinister when necessary, to showing vulnerability with Zeb in “The Honorable Ones,” and proudly serving the Rebellion as Fulcrum. Oyelowo’s performance in Star Wars Rebels is truly award-worthy.
5. Freddie Prinze Jr.
Similar to Tiya Sircar, Freddie Prinze Jr. steered Kanan Jarrus through an exhilarating journey across four seasons. Initially portraying a relaxed Jedi master, he later transformed into something of a cowboy Jedi in Season 1, showcasing his versatility and comedic prowess. However, as the series progressed, especially after Kanan’s blindness at the hands of Maul, Prinze Jr.’s acting took on a somber tone, evoking deep sadness that resonated with viewers. This emotional depth made Kanan a memorable character for the show.
6. Sumalee Montano
In the concluding episode of Star Wars Resistance Season 1, Agent Tierny made her appearance and quickly established herself as the series’ most chilling antagonist. Despite her gentle demeanor and friendly exterior, she delivered a compelling demonstration of how manipulation in the real world can occur. By focusing on an individual with profound emotional wounds and a sense of betrayal from their peers, Tierny effortlessly recruited them into the First Order. Resistance could be seen as a children’s version of Andor, and Tierny seamlessly fits among any of the ISB villains in that show. It is all thanks to Sumalee Montano’s hauntingly potent portrayal.
7. Nazneen Contractor
Choosing standout performances from Star Wars Resistance was challenging due to its impressive voice cast, with Jim Rash nearly making the cut. However, Nazneen Contractor’s portrayal of Synara San truly shines. As a pirate transformed into a Resistance fighter, Synara’s character development is among the finest in Star Wars animation. Her journey, torn between her pirate upbringing and seeking a new life on the Colossus, is one she forges for herself. From menacing to commanding to a softer side, Contractor’s performance is noteworthy and unforgettable.
8. Dee Bradley Baker
It’s no surprise that Dee Bradley Baker made it onto this list, considering his impressive portfolio over the past decade! He’s been the voice behind characters like Captain Rex, Jedi Youngling Nubs, and many more across various shows. Choosing just one standout role was challenging, but his portrayal of Crosshair in The Bad Batch truly shines. The character is exceptionally well-written, and Baker’s acting brings that script to vibrant life. While all of his characters are distinct due to Baker’s talent, Crosshair might just be his masterpiece, showcasing the depth and range of his vocal abilities as a voice actor in these roles.
9. Michelle Ang
This series, titled The Bad Batch, wouldn’t be the same without Michelle Ang’s portrayal of Omega. Alongside Dee Bradley Baker, she brings a warmth to this show that makes it special. I enjoy watching the initial episodes, then jumping to one from late Season 3. There’s a noticeable evolution in Omega’s character, something beautifully expressed through Ang’s acting. The light within her remains, but now there’s a sense of maturity and leadership that emerges. Omega’s journey is among the most compelling in Star Wars animation.
10. Haley Joel Osment
Sorry, Nubs Nation. The best character in Young Jedi Adventures is the capitalism loving bird man.
In this engaging preschool series, Raxlo stands out as a humorous antagonist with an unexpected development in his character. Haley Joel Osment seems to be enjoying himself immensely while voicing him. There’s a delightful blend of Sora’s charm from the Kingdom Hearts franchise and Osment’s comedic talent, as seen on shows like What We Do In The Shadows. Raxlo often delivers the wittiest jokes that leave the young Jedi in disarray. Each time he graces an episode, Raxlo manages to win over both the heroes and the viewers.
11. Christopher Sean
Among all the selections, this one might be the most personal choice, considering I’m a devoted fan of “Star Wars Resistance”. When I learned that Christopher Sean was rejoining the franchise in “Star Wars: Visions”, I was absolutely thrilled! The Season 1 episode “The Village Bride” is widely adored by fans and even earned an Emmy nomination. Sean’s portrayal of Asu masterfully blends comedic and intense moments. In a conversation with Star Wars Explained, Sean expressed that this role had been his dream part throughout his career, and his enthusiasm truly shines through.
12. Eva Whittaker
In “Screecher’s Reach” from Star Wars: Visions, Eva Whittaker’s portrayal of Daal significantly altered my perspective on Star Wars. A significant factor in this transformation is due to Whittaker’s exceptional performance as Daal, a character who embodies the Luke Skywalker archetype yet finds herself treading a dark path instead. The poignant optimism in Daal’s voice during the final scenes leaves a profound and heart-wrenching impact on viewers. Unlike many other stories with happy endings, this one doesn’t offer such resolution, but Whittaker’s performance ensures that every moment Daal appears on screen is captivating and believable.
13. Corey Burton (Tales)
Corey Burton has been a consistent voice actor for Lucasfilm for quite some time, and fans have long admired his portrayal of Count Dooku in “The Clone Wars.” However, he took this character to new heights in “Tales of the Jedi,” showcasing a multifaceted depiction of Dooku. The character’s descent from the light side is not just about anger and pain; it also includes moments of softness, as seen in his mentoring of Qui-Gon Jinn, and sorrow for the loss of his padawan. This performance was never overly dramatic, instead delivering a restrained and compelling portrayal that never became repetitive. Burton’s work as Dooku in “The Clone Wars” was already commendable, but his performance in “Tales of the Jedi” was truly exceptional.
14. Meredith Salenger (Tales)
Just as Burton’s comeback to his Clone Wars character was worth the nearly decade-long wait, so too was Meredith Salenger’s reprisal of Barriss Offee. The young Barriss, observing Order 66 from a distance, is disconcerting, her bewilderment evident. During her training as an Inquisitor, her fury and wrath are evident in the acting. Yet, Salenger never forsakes Barriss’ gentle nature, whether it’s soothing a child, a runaway Jedi, or her former Inquisitor comrade. The standout performance is in “The Way Out,” where an older Barriss appears, weary from war yet still radiating kindness at every turn. Salenger’s portrayal left us yearning for more.
15. Matthew Wood (R0-GR in Freemakers)
In more recent years, the animated series “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures” introduced an exceptional performance by Matthew Wood as R0-GR. While he’s been portraying B-1 Battle Droids since their debut and his quips in “The Clone Wars” are still fondly remembered, it’s the richness of R0-GR’s character that truly stands out. Unlike other B-1s who often lack complexity, R0-GR is a fully developed character who cherishes his family and bravely battles alongside them against the Empire. Matthew Wood excels in this role, bringing depth to this unique droid.
16. Bobby Moynihan Rebuild the Galaxy
The latest addition to the Star Wars Animation series is titled “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy“. Praised by critics and embraced by fans, a significant factor contributing to its popularity is Bobby Moynihan’s portrayal of Jedi Bob. Jedi Bob, a captivating new character, acknowledges his weaknesses as both a Jedi and a mentor, yet he perseveres, striving diligently to assist his pupil Sig in their mission to restore the galaxy. Moynihan’s comedic skills are evident throughout the series. Although not his first appearance in Star Wars (I will always cherish you, Orka), Jedi Bob ranks among Moynihan’s finest performances.
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2024-10-27 01:22