5 most overrated Star Wars characters of all time

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When you think of characters like Boba Fett and Darth Vader in the Star Wars universe, you might automatically classify them as elite. However, it’s possible that these characters are merely average, and have been given undeserved praise.

Get ready, because we’re about to share some alternative viewpoints on five characters from the Star Wars universe who might be more celebrated than they deserve! Let’s dive in.

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters. Marvel Comics. Boba Fett. Image Credit: StarWars.com

1. Boba Fett

Boba Fett has an intriguing backstory outside the Star Wars universe. He initially debuted as an animated character in the controversial 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, and later appeared in the last two films of the Original Trilogy. Furthermore, he featured in the prequels, on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and even starred in his own series, The Book of Boba Fett, in 2021.

Within the Star Wars universe, Boba Fett is generally considered alright. Much like Darth Vader, he’s frequently reintroduced in comics as a symbol of unyielding, brutal masculinity. The Book of Boba Fett made some significant strides for his character, but it seems that these developments are seldom discussed today. When one thinks of Boba Fett, the image that usually comes to mind is the helmeted bounty hunter who met his supposed demise on Tatooine. Although this image was groundbreaking at the time, he continues to reappear without adding much fresh material to the Star Wars lore.

Star Wars Expanded Universe’s Mara Jade holding a purple lightsaber in front of a Star Destroyer. | Image Credit: StarWars.com

2. Mara Jade

Mara Jade, a character with an intriguing past and captivating history, takes on a new dimension following her marriage to Luke Skywalker in the period after “Return of the Jedi”. Her portrayal in Timothy Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” series stands out as well-developed and impactful. In essence, it seems that Mara Jade’s story could have concluded at this point.

The character was shaped by the period of her creation, a time when women in literature frequently played secondary roles to their predominantly male romantic interests. As the narrative progresses, she appears to have less autonomy and mystery. Nowadays, she is often depicted as a prop in lists highlighting “female characters” within Legends, merely to demonstrate their existence.

3. Starkiller

In the video games and novels of The Force Unleashed, Starkiller is famed for his immense Force abilities, demonstrated by pulling an entire Star Destroyer from the sky – quite the impressive feat during a first playthrough of the original game. However, if you find yourself knowing little else about him, it suggests that perhaps he’s more overhyped than truly exceptional.

With so many Star Wars tales focusing on Inquisitors and other dark side Force wielders now available, the concept of a hidden Darth Vader apprentice isn’t as groundbreaking as it once was. Starkiller has been recognized in the Star Wars lore through two means – Starkiller Base and Galen Erso, who bears the same first name as Galen “Starkiller” Marek – which is more than enough for me.

Revan image courtesy of Starwars.com

4. Revan

If you’re not familiar with Revan, here’s a quick rundown: Originally introduced as a character from the Expanded Universe (now known as Star Wars Legends) in video games, Revan has since gained significant popularity within the online Star Wars community. The question on everyone’s lips is when more canonical stories about Revan will be released. This is because Revan is exceptionally powerful, capable of wielding both the dark side of the Force as a Sith and the light side as a Jedi, depending on the course their story takes.

I’m quite fond of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series. On the whole, they present an engaging narrative. However, Revan may not be as captivating as some enthusiasts might suggest. It’s enjoyable to control this character in the games, and the standalone book titled “Revan” isn’t terrible, but I prefer him staying in the Legends canon – it’s plenty for me.

Darth Vader image courtesy of Starwars.com

5. Darth Vader

Darth Vader, undeniably one of the most renowned villains in popular culture, lacks no merit as a character. The moment when he turns back to the light at the end of the initial Star Wars trilogy represents a timeless tale of redemption, love, and mercy. Simply because he’s a beloved Star Wars figure doesn’t diminish the significance or impact of his original narrative.

For a while now, the character has been excessively showcased and repetitively used in various stories. The latest comic book series, not his debut and probably not his final one, has unfortunately delved into a tangled web of narratives that solely emphasize his dark powers and control over everything and everyone. Frankly, it’s becoming monotonous. Isn’t it time for something new? We’re also expecting a novel centered around Vader later this year. It seems like this never-ending saga will continue.

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2025-07-19 22:14