Mara Jade has never been seen in a live-actionStar Warsproject, but fans and actors alike would love to see her make the jump to the screen one day.Vanessa Marshall, who voiced Hera Syndulla in theStar Wars Rebelsanimated series, jokingly expressed interest in portraying the character during a panel moderated by Collider’sArezou Aminat this year’s edition of theFan Expo: San Francisco. When asked if she would like to be a part of the live-action projects produced byRebelscreatorDave Filoni, Marshall jokingly made a bid for an unexpected fan-favorite character, saying:
“I would love to play Mara Jade. Can you call Dave Filoni and just let him know that I’d love to play Mara Jade?”
Mara Jade was introduced in theStar Warsnovels that were published after the release ofReturn of the Jedi, she first debuted in a book titledHeir to the Empire. Originally conceived as an assassin working for Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), Mara Jade was sent out to eliminate Jedi who had survived Order 66. Her path would eventually lead her to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and after facing each other in a variety of fights, the characters would realize they were falling in love. They would eventually get married and lead a happy life until Jade was killed in a different book.
If that sounds like nothing that has been seen inStar Warsbefore, it’s because the books have never been considered canon in the on-screen universe, although someconcepts from the novels have been borrowed in the making of video games and television series related to the franchise. There’s currently no plan to introduce Mara Jade to theStar Warsuniverse that has been expanding since the premiere ofThe Mandalorian. Hera, whom Marshall voiced inRebels,is portrayed in live-action byMary-Elizabeth Winstead.
Have Other ‘Star Wars’ Voice Actors Appeared in Live-Action?
SinceRosario Dawsonwas cast as Ahsoka Tano in the second season ofThe Mandalorian, it seems thatDave Filoniwants to choose different performers for the live-action versions of his characters.Ashley Eckstein, who voiced Ahsoka in the animated shows, was also in attendance at Fan Expo, and noted that they would all “like to be in live-action in some way.” Eckstein has a background in live-action, but like Marshall, has not had the opportunity to join the live-actionStar Warsuniverse.
But that doesn’t mean the possibility is out of the question.Lars Mikkelsen, who voiced Grand Admiral Thrawn inRebels, returned to reprise the role in live-action during the events ofAhsoka. Nothing has been announced at this time, and while Marshall’s remarks were made in jest, we’d certainly love to see more of her in futureStar Warsprojects.
Star Wars Rebelsis available for streaming on Disney+.
Star Wars Rebels
The crew of the spaceship Ghost defends those who cannot fight for themselves against the Empire, providing the spark for a rebellion.
Watch on Disney+
