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Rotta the Hutt Returns: What His Role Means for The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Future

BBG News

In simpler terms, it’s been a while since we saw a new Star Wars movie on the big screen, but that’s about to change with “The Mandalorian” and Grogu being the next film coming to theaters. Given the immense popularity of the series on Disney+, this move isn’t surprising. Initially, “The Mandalorian,” as the first live-action Star Wars TV series, focused on a lone bounty hunter who developed feelings for the creature he was hunting. As the show progressed, it started to tie in more with other Star Wars stories, particularly Dave Filoni’s “The Clone Wars.

In its second season, The Mandalorian introduced characters such as Bo-Katan Kryze, Ahsoka Tano, Boba Fett, and even Luke Skywalker. This show is just one part of the vast Star Wars universe that spans beyond films and live-action series, encompassing animation, literature, comics, video games, and other media. Today, the connections between these different mediums within the Star Wars franchise have never felt stronger. For the upcoming season, characters like Zeb Orellios from Star Wars Rebels and another surprising figure are set to appear alongside The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Rotta the Hutt’s Star Wars History So Far

The Character Was Introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Jeremy Allen White is set to join the “Star Wars” universe by portraying one of its lesser-known characters: Rotta the Hutt, also known as “Stinky” by Ahsoka Tano and the son of Jabba the Hutt. Rotta made his debut in the contentious “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” movie that sparked the animated series. Though the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” series eventually won over fans, the film that initiated it didn’t receive as warm a welcome.

In the heart of Filoni’s movie, it was Rotta the Hutt who found himself in the clutches of the Confederacy, orchestrated by Count Dooku under the guidance of Ziro the Hutt, my great uncle. This abduction was a cunning move by Dooku to tarnish the Jedi Order’s image during a crucial dialogue between the Galactic Republic and the Hutts. At that moment in time, it was Dooku’s Sith Acolyte who snatched Rotta away from Jabba. This daring act triggered a rescue mission, where Anakin Skywalker and his newly appointed padawan, Ahsoka Tano, stepped in to save the day.

In the end, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano successfully rescued Rotta on the planet Geonosis. On their journey, Rotta came perilously close to death due to illness, but Ahsoka skillfully kept him alive. Count Dooku even tried to kill Rotta, yet failed. Eventually, the Huttlet was returned safely to his father on Tatooine. However, Rotta only made further appearances in the Star Wars series during Season 3’s episode “Sphere of Influence.” Due to his importance as Jabba the Hutt’s son within the Star Wars galaxy, the scarcity of information about him in other Clone Wars stories and tales has generated much fan speculation throughout the years.

The Status of the Hutt Clan in the New Republic

Darth Vader Contributes to the Downfall of the Hutts

Initially, Jabba made his debut in “Return of the Jedi,” with brief appearances in “A New Hope” and “The Phantom Menace.” However, since the era of the High Republic, the Hutt Clan has left a significant mark on the “Star Wars” universe. Lately, they played a pivotal role in the “Star Wars Outlaws” game, yet as the narrative progresses towards the New Republic, the once-powerful gangsters of the Hutt Clan have lost their influence.

Prior to Jabba the Hutt’s demise in “Return of the Jedi”, the Hutt Clan experienced a significant setback during the “War of the Bounty Hunters” comic book series penned by Charles Soule. The narrative revolves around Han Solo being transported while encased in carbonite. Once Crimson Dawn leader Qi’ra seizes Han Solo, an auction transpires, which draws the Hutts, the Galactic Empire, and various criminal organizations to the event orchestrated by Qi’ra, with the intention of acquiring Solo.

Initially, Jabba managed to secure Solo in the auction, but Darth Vader’s unexpected arrival disrupted the event, causing chaos. This incident sparked a conflict between the Hutts and the Empire, leading to an order from the Emperor for Vader to eliminate the Grand Hutt Council who were present at the event. Tragically, Jabba was the sole survivor of this attack, but his rule didn’t endure long as he met his demise shortly thereafter at the hands of Leia Organa.

Following Jabba’s demise, Boba Fett eventually claimed his throne in the palace after defeating Bib Fortuna in a scene following the credits of The Mandalorian Season 2. In The Book of Boba Fett, two Hutt twins attempted to dispute Boba’s authority over Jabba’s throne, but eventually submitted and presented him with a rancor instead. As such, by the time of The Mandalorian and Grogu during the New Republic era, it seems likely that Rotta the Hutt, who was part of the story at this point, may not have retained the same level of power his father once held.

Is Rotta the Hutt at the Center of Mando’s Next Adventure?

Rotta Now Appears Much Older Than Fans of the Clone Wars Remember Him

The unexpected addition of Rotta to the cast of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is one of the franchise’s delightful quirks, given his limited appearances in the past. With such a small screen time under his belt, it leaves us wondering what role he might assume in the upcoming movie. Interestingly, Rotta’s part in “The Clone Wars” film shares similarities with the narrative of “The Mandalorian,” both involving the rescue of an iconic “Star Wars” species – in this case, a baby Hutt, much like Grogu. Though Hutts are known to live for millennia, it’s only been a few decades since we last saw Rotta as a baby. However, recent glimpses from Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 suggest that Rotta has matured significantly since then.

It’s possible that Rotta the Hutt, who hasn’t been seen much in Star Wars stories since The Clone Wars, could play a significant villain role due to Lucasfilm keeping the project under wraps and White being such a notable actor. As Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta’s absence has left fans wondering. Since the Hutts have been key players in the galaxy, Rotta’s appearance in The Mandalorian and Grogu could have far-reaching effects, further linking the Star Wars franchise together as it has done since his debut 17 years ago.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Marks the Return of Star Wars to Film

The Movie Hits Theaters on May 22, 2026

Originally, Disney’s popular show “The Mandalorian” was intended to have a complete Season 4 to carry on its narrative. However, this plan shifted due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Although it’s uncertain if Season 4 will materialize, the creators, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, are still working on Mando and Grogu’s cinematic journey. They wrote the movie script with Favreau also directing. At present, details about the storyline remain scarce. However, one fact has been confirmed by the creative team: the return of Zeb Orrelios, a character from “Star Wars Rebels,” who made an appearance in Season 3 of “The Mandalorian.

In addition to the details provided, Disney has also unveiled several actors for the upcoming movie. Pedro Pascal is set to reprise his character Din Djarin, while Jeremy Allen White will portray Rotta the Hutt, Jonny Coyne will return as an Imperial Warlord, and there’s a new character named Ward. Filming for The Mandalorian and Grogu wrapped up at the end of 2024, and the movie is now slated to premiere on May 22, 2026. Although fans of the TV series have had a long wait for the next chapter in the story, the transition to film may spark renewed excitement for the Star Wars universe, particularly with the return of classic characters such as Rotta the Hutt.

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2025-05-13 00:22

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