As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary world-building and groundbreaking special effects that this franchise is famous for. It’s easy to see why some might consider the ongoing stream of movies and shows as just blockbuster material, but the skill behind it all is undeniably top-notch. The franchise has garnered numerous awards for its technical prowess, and audiences have been captivated by the compelling characters brought to life by exceptional acting performances.
In a more casual, conversational tone: People often overlook the acting in the Star Wars universe, but there’s real talent at play in this nearly 50-year-old series. It’s easy to dismiss big blockbusters as just eye candy, but the Star Wars franchise consistently delivers top-notch performances from stars like Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, as well as iconic voice acting by James Earl Jones and Alan Tudyk. Whether it’s an action-packed sequence or a deeply emotional one, Star Wars offers some of the best and most memorable acting moments in any science fiction series.
10
Adam Driver as Ben Solo/Kylo Ren
In spite of receiving several Oscar nominations for the sequel trilogy, it has been met with lukewarm responses from fans. However, one element of the trilogy universally praised is Adam Driver’s performance as Ben Solo/Kylo Ren. Driver brings to life a deeply conflicted character brimming with turmoil, depicting the darkness that has consumed him while hinting at glimmers of hope in various instances.
‘The Rise of Skywalker’ Ruined What Could Have Been a Perfect Arc
In a captivating turn of events, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi skillfully crafted Kylo Ren into one of the most intriguing and fully-realized antagonists in the Star Wars universe. Regrettably, The Rise of Skywalker undermines the conclusion of his character’s journey by hastily wrapping up his arc and introducing an unwanted romance that left viewers unimpressed. While Adam Driver delivers a powerful and moving portrayal of the complex character, the narrative falls short compared to the rest of the trilogy. Despite a disappointing finale to this saga and the possibility that his character may not return, Adam Driver’s performance remains one of the most remarkable in the entire franchise.
9
Pedro Pascal as The Mandalorian
When The Mandalorian premiered on Disney+ in 2019, it took everyone by surprise. What truly captivated viewers was not just Grogu, affectionately known as Baby Yoda, but the powerful performance of Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian character. Similar to James Earl Jones, Pascal’s acting is primarily conveyed through his voice. However, his skillful use of different tones and the deep emotions he expresses through his vocal delivery significantly enriches the show.
‘The Mandalorian’ Was The Start of the “Pescalissance”
Following his standout role in The Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal has since landed numerous significant parts, including those in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the highly praised video game adaptation, The Last of Us. His Hollywood career has flourished significantly due to the success of The Mandalorian and his memorable portrayal in it. Despite the show’s conclusion, Pascal will reprise his beloved character in the upcoming film, The Mandalorian and Grogu.
8
Donnie Yen as Chirrut Imwe
Despite having less screen time compared to others on this list, primarily due to voice performances, Donnie Yen has left a significant mark in the Star Wars universe. His portrayal of a blind warrior is captivating, showcasing his extraordinary abilities subtly and effectively. A seasoned actor with decades of experience, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story marked one of his first leading roles in a major Hollywood film. The impact he made in the movie has resulted in him being cast in several high-profile blockbusters such as John Wick: Chapter 4 and the live-action Mulan.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Has Become A Fan Favorite
In 2016, I was among those who appreciated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it first hit the screens, but its status as a beloved classic among Star Wars enthusiasts truly bloomed over time. Among younger fans especially, there’s a particular fondness for its raw war narrative that leans more towards a gripping espionage tale rather than a typical sci-fi adventure. Donnie Yen played a significant role in the film’s enduring popularity by portraying a character devoid of supernatural powers and embodying a samurai-like persona. Even though his screen time was limited, the impact he made on fans will resonate for generations to come.
7
Daisy Ridley as Rey
Developing a fresh character for one of the most iconic franchises ever created can be an arduous task, but Daisy Ridley clearly rises to the challenge and justifies her title through her dedicated performance. In many ways, she mirrors Carrie Fisher’s prowess before her, effortlessly embodying the independence and strength of her character. During high-octane action scenes, she gives it her all, while adding endearing nuances to more subdued moments. Whether it’s her captivating chemistry with Finn or her electrifying lightsaber duels against Kylo Ren, Ridley always delivers an engaging performance.
Rey Blends Perfectly With The Old Cast
Daisy Ridley not only spearheaded a fresh ensemble of characters but also had to collaborate effectively with the original cast in the Star Wars series. Fortunately, Ridley effortlessly blended with all the veteran actors. Her “father-daughter” bond with Han Solo in The Force Awakens was one of the movie’s standout aspects. Additionally, she engaged in a lively mentor-mentee dynamic with Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi, where they frequently clashed in amusing scenes. While the direction of Rey’s growth is somewhat uncertain, it’s probable that Ridley will deliver an outstanding performance, whether working alongside old or new characters.
6
Sam Witwer as Darth Maul
Darth Maul, a beloved figure from The Phantom Menace, was destined to show up in more Star Wars ventures down the line. His depiction in Star Wars: The Clone Wars is widely considered the most impactful, thanks in large part to the powerful portrayal by Sam Witwer. Witwer infused Maul with raw emotion, adding depth beyond the stoic warrior he was initially known as. The series provided a more robust narrative for his character, but it was Witwer’s voice acting that made him one of the most compelling villains in the Star Wars universe.
Witwer Worked on More Than Just Star Wars: The Clone Wars
In the vastness of the Star Wars universe, Witwer delivers one of the most remarkable performances, not just due to his role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but also because he has contributed his voice talent to several other Star Wars productions like Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: Resistance, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and even extra voices for Skeleton Crew.
5
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker stands out as a legendary figure, in part due to Mark Hamill’s dedicated acting. Throughout the original trilogy, Hamill smoothly transitions from a quirky teenager into a powerful Jedi, which is largely due to his deep comprehension of the character and innate charisma. He convincingly portrays an ordinary man, thereby creating a captivating figure that viewers can easily connect with.
Hamill’s Best Work Was At a Later Age
In a different phrasing, Mark Hamill’s performance in the original Star Wars trilogy is undeniably brilliant, but many believe that his finest work was portrayed in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In this film, Hamill’s character serves as an emotional journey as he grapples with accepting his past and the repercussions it might bring. Hamill skillfully conveys this struggle in a deeply moving way, truly demonstrating a wide spectrum of emotions that culminates in one of the most impactful scenes across the entire series. Before the sequel trilogy, Luke Skywalker was already a legend, but Mark Hamill’s performance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi solidified his character as one of the standout figures in science fiction literature.
4
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Among various actors who have played Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor leaves the most lasting impression, as he not only expanded upon a beloved character from the ’70s but also provided a backstory for him. In the prequel trilogy, McGregor masterfully blended the roles of compassionate mentor and fierce Jedi, skillfully expressing an array of emotions and excelling in numerous high-octane action scenes.
McGregor’s TV Work Further Proves His Strengths as an Actor
Despite some mixed reviews from critics and viewers, one uncontestable highlight of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series was Ewan McGregor’s performance. He effortlessly slipped back into the role, capturing what made his character endearing in previous films while infusing more layers to his ongoing storyline. The series aimed to bridge the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, a mission that was accomplished effectively thanks to McGregor’s powerful portrayal.
3
Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa
Leia Organa had the potential to become yet another princess character full of harmful female stereotypes, but Carrie Fisher breathes life into her character, making it far from typical. While there are some traces of stereotypes in the character, Fisher portrays Leia as a fierce and independent woman, with numerous memorable moments. Her performance imbues strength and resilience, resulting in a character that commands respect among men and serves as an inspiring figure for women everywhere.
Leia Became Stronger as The Franchise Progressed
Over time, Leia’s leadership role expanded significantly. Following the defeat of the Empire in “Return of the Jedi”, she ascended to command the Resistance in the sequel trilogy. Fisher’s witty persona was instrumental in shaping her character, and it proved ideal for her new role in the series. She also brought a touch of warmth to her encounters with the new characters of the sequel trilogy, demonstrating not only Fisher’s versatility as an actress but the depth of her character. Fisher’s talent for challenging the princess stereotype is what sets her performance apart in the “Star Wars” universe.
2
James Earl Jones as Darth Vader
A significant part of acting’s captivating nature lies in the tangible impact it can lend to a character. While James Earl Jones, himself, may not embody the physical aspect of acting, his vocal prowess is so potent that it surpasses what many actors have offered collectively throughout the series. The richness of Jones’s voice combined with the ominous undertone and intensity he infuses into the character has crafted one of the most unforgettable villains in cinematic history, Darth Vader. Absent his striking vocal performance, Darth Vader would have been a drastically different figure.
Voice Acting Should Be Acknowledged at the Oscars
For decades, there’s been a debate about expanding the Oscar categories. Proposals like “best comedic performance” have sparked controversy, but a category for “best voice-acting performance” is more reasonable. Voicing a character entirely is far more challenging than acting in person during filming, and it deserves recognition. If such a category had existed earlier, James Earl Jones might have several wins under his belt.
1
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Few actors exude “coolness” as effortlessly as Harrison Ford. Across multiple generations, he has skillfully guided significant franchises towards immense popularity, with his performance as Han Solo arguably being his greatest masterpiece. The character of the witty smuggler Han Solo left a profound mark on popular culture, establishing a pattern in media representation that leans towards heteronormativity through his rough demeanor and inherent charm.
Han Solo’s Best Trait Was His Heart
Han Solo is famous for his machismo and memorable catchphrases, yet it’s his innate compassion for others that has endeared him to countless fans in the Star Wars universe. Through Ford’s portrayal, we see that beneath the tough-guy exterior and occasional self-centeredness lies a tender heart capable of empathy and affection for others. Ford skillfully combined these varied traits into a richly layered character who ignited the hearts of millions of fans. Even receiving a standalone film exploring his backstory underscores the profound influence Ford had on the Star Wars franchise.
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2025-03-31 00:04