Rena Owen breaks silence on THAT surprise Bad Batch death, dream Star Wars comeback – and why George Lucas loved her ‘ordinary’ approach

She became a cult favourite in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones as the elegant alien Taun We.

Currently, Rena Owen is sharing stories about her most extraordinary fan experience, the emotional demise of her character, and her aspirations for a comeback in the distant galaxy.

Right now, Rena Owen is talking about a crazy fan meeting she had, how it was to die on screen as her character, and her hopes for going back to the Star Wars universe.

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia before her Supanova Comic Con performance, the actress from Once Were Warriors, now aged 62, shared that fans remain captivated by her character, and occasionally, their enthusiasm escalates significantly.

A person approached me and said, “I don’t want you to think I’m strange, but Taun We is the most attractive alien I’ve ever encountered in a film,” and Rena chuckled. To be honest, I considered it a genuine compliment!

In the movie “Attack of the Clones,” Owen is the one who played the physical role of the Kaminoan aide; however, many fans may be unaware that her entire performance in the film, not just her voice, was actually her contribution to the character.

In a nutshell, I brought life to the character with my unique stride, dialogue, and vibrancy. Initially, Taun We’s character was rather ambiguous, but following my portrayal, they added a headband and an earring to her appearance. Essentially, these changes were made to emphasize her femininity due to my performance.

However, the experience wasn’t just enjoyable banter and camaraderie. When Lucasfilm decided to eliminate Taun We from “The Bad Batch”, fans reacted with anger and disappointment, and Rena shared these sentiments deeply.

Initially, there were no plans to end her character – however, I learned that they needed to remove a beloved character to intensify the season finale climax. Incredibly, this strategy proved effective. I’ve rarely encountered such widespread media attention and fan backlash!

Still, she’s hoping that death could pave the way for a brand new role.

To the director, I replied, ‘It seems I can return as a different character!’, and now, my goal is to star in a new Star Wars series or film. My ambition has become clear – to perform alongside Yoda. My house is filled with plush Yodas!

She even joked that she might need a fan petition to make it happen.

‘Let’s get Rena Owen back in Star Wars – new role, new galaxy, new character. I’m ready!’

As her popularity in Star Wars expands with each passing generation, Rena acknowledged that it was only after attending conventions that she realized the franchise had a worldwide cult fanbase.

I wasn’t raised on Star Wars; instead, my childhood was spent tending to farm animals in the countryside. It wasn’t until I began attending conventions that I discovered its impact was similar to a religious following.

That included her very first time working with George Lucas, which she remembers fondly.

In an unfamiliar world, I simply interacted with him as if he were any other person: “Hey George, what are you having for breakfast?” He seemed to appreciate this. I believe that exceptional individuals enjoy the simplicity of ordinary treatment.

1. Rena mentions that following their initial project together, the creator of Star Wars maintained a close relationship with her, eventually re-casting her for Revenge of the Sith.

Here are a few more options:

2. After their first collaboration, Rena notes that the man behind Star Wars continued to work closely with her and even chose her to appear in Revenge of the Sith again.
3. Following their initial project, Rena points out that the creator of Star Wars kept her close and eventually cast her for a second time in Revenge of the Sith.
4. In their first collaboration, the Star Wars creator developed a close relationship with Rena, which continued to the point where he re-cast her for Revenge of the Sith.
5. After their initial project together, Rena highlights that the man behind Star Wars kept her in mind and ended up casting her again in Revenge of the Sith.

If filmmakers appreciate your work, they tend to invite you back for more projects. This is the usual pattern. However, when that opportunity came around again, I had become significantly more aware of myself. The excitement and childlike wonder of working on Episode II was simply enjoying being a big kid, overflowing with joy.

Additionally, Rena is set to appear in yet another well-known series, specifically Disney’s live-action version of Moana, which is scheduled for release in July 2026.

‘Every single person you’ll see on screen is of Polynesian descent,’ she said proudly.

It’s significant. Back when I was a kid, you wouldn’t often see people of color on our television screens. Now, I have young actors telling me that my work with Temuera Morrison paved the way for them. To me, this implies everything.

Hey there! If by some stroke of luck, you’re her dentist, optician, or even an Uber driver for the amazing Rena, you might find yourself walking away with a cherished autograph on a Taun We action figure!

Occasionally, folks find it hard to recognize me; this was the case with my ophthalmologist not too long ago. Consequently, I maintain a small collection of action figures for gifting purposes. At heart, aren’t we all just grown-up kids?

And if there’s one thing she hopes fans take away from meeting her?

Keep nurturing your unique spark. Our creativity originates from within us, like our inner child, and if we neglect our ability to relate on a simple level, we risk losing the enchantment that makes us special.

2025’s Supanova is all set to conquer Sydney and Perth in June! The much-loved convention will be at Sydney Showground Olympic Park from June 21st to 22nd, then it moves to the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 28th – 29th.

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2025-06-18 13:53