Summary
There’s a continuing tradition of A-list actors joining the world ofStar Wars.AsThe Mandalorian & GroguaddsThe Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, the galaxy far, far away has landed another popular actor. Joining the franchise as Rotta the Hutt, White’s upcoming debut in the upcoming live-actionStar Warsmovie could see him become the franchise’s next Baby Yoda.
Following in the footsteps of Laura Dern (The Last Jedi), Richard E. Grant (The Rise of Skywalker), Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian),Jude Law (Skeleton Crew), and more, Jeremy Allen White is the latest big name to join the sci-fi series. More than playing a brand-new character created for Jon Favreau’s movie, he’s bringing back an obscure addition from 2008’sStar Wars: The Clone Warsand the subsequent TV series.
Who Is Rotta the Hutt?
The Mandalorianhas already brought over popularClone Warscharacters, including Bo-Katan Kryze and Ahsoka Tano. It has folded in Legends canon including Cobb Vanth and Boba Fett’s survival, and expanded the Hutt empire viaThe Book of Boba Fett. While fans only got a fleeting glimpse ofJabba the Hutt’s twin cousinsinThe Book of Boba Fett, it’s clear the Hutts still have quite a reputation in the Outer Rim.
Jeremy Allen White has been confirmed as Rotta the Hutt, Jabba the Hutt’s son who was last seen inThe Clone Warsseason 3. First appearing inThe Clone Warsmovie, Rotta was kidnapped under the orders of Count Dooku with help from Ziro the Hutt – Rotta’s great uncle. It turned out that Asajj Ventress was behind the kidnapping as Dooku’s Sith acolyte, leading to a rescue mission from Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. Rotta was saved on the planet Teth, but nearly died on his way back to Tatooine. Ahsoka saved Rotta and grew particularly fond of him, even nicknaming him ‘Stinky.’
Jabba’s infant son has hardly had a starring role. After briefly appearing inThe Clone Warsseason 3’s “Sphere of Influence,” he was mentioned in “Hunt for Ziro” and got a throwaway acknowledgment inThe Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Darkanthology. The fact that Rotta has been MIA from canon since then, and missed out on major events like Jabba’s death, has led to much speculation from fans about where he’s been.
Following Boba Fett’s return inThe Mandalorian,Star Warsmade the most of its place in a post-Return of the Jediworld to pick up the story of what happened in the aftermath of Jabba’s death.The Book of Boba Fettwasn’t without its critiques. Among the many underdeveloped plot points, some were disappointed by the fact that the supposedly formidable Hutts rolled over to let Boba take over Jabba’s Palace. The heir to his father’s throne could change that. Even though Temuera Morrison has suggestedBoba Fett won’t be inThe Mandalorian & Grogu, this could actually work in favor of bringing back Rotta.
Star Wars Needs Another Baby Yoda
The Mandalorian & Groguhas confirmed the return ofStar Wars Rebels’ Zeb Orrelios, the return of Jonny Coyne as an Imperial Warlord who appeared inThe Mandalorianseason 3, and the beloved Babu Frik alongside a mystery role for the legendary Sigourney Weaver. Others from the Mandoverse are expected to appear, meaning Rotta will need something to help him stand out from the crowd. Like Grogu made a name for himself as ‘Baby Yoda,’ Rotta could be the next ‘Baby Jabba.’ On merchandising alone, Disney could make a fortune on tiny Jabba plushies.
Although there are rumors Rotta will break from the tradition of the usually portly Hutts displayed on screen and appear as abuff Hutt like Jabba’s cousin, Bokku, he might still be an infant during the events ofThe Mandalorian & Grogu. Jabba the Hutt was 600 when he died on his sail barge inReturn of the Jedi, suggesting the Hutts have a long lifespan akin to Yoda and Grogu’s species.StarWars.comconfirmed Rotta the Hutt was 55 inThe Clone Wars.WithThe Mandalorian & Groguset around five years afterReturn of the Jedi, it makes the gap between the two about 23 years. This means Rotta might still be a relative youngster.
Star Warskeeps trying to make ‘cute’ additions like Porgs,Skeleton Crew’s adorable Neel, and the return of Gungi forThe Bad Batch.However, none have had the marketing power of Baby Yoda. The idea of a Baby Jabba is nothing new, with 3D artistLeonardo Viticreating a concept for a pint-sized version of the criminal overlord back in 2020. The idea took off, as Baby Jabba became an overnight sensation but was quickly forgotten. Even if some are sure to accuse Disney of rehashing the Baby Yoda schtick if a young Rotta returns, the dollar signs are likely ringing in someone’s eyes.
A young Rotta also fits narratively, instead of moody teen version. Ahsoka has already shown affection for Grogu, and given her history with Rotta, she could be forming her own crèche for wayward kids. Then again, casting White in the role of Rotta suggests he’ll be more than a babbling bundle of joy.Star Warscanon has never made the most of the Hutt empire, but Sigourney Weaver’s casting could be a hint as to this aspect of the movie’s direction.Star Wars Outlaws’ Kay Vess, who has her own history with Jabba, looks like she was modeled on Weaver’s Ellen Ripley. TheAlienstar could be playing an older version of Vess, which would be another easy way to bring Rotta back into the fold.
AsStar Warscontinues to tighten up its canon and hopefully solve some long-standing mysteries, the return of Rotta the Hutt has the potential to complete an arc that started 16 years ago. Din Djarin is no stranger to saving helpless baby aliens. And since theHutt Clan has lost most of its powerby the time of the New Republic, Favreau has the chance to bring them back in a big way. Still, withThe Mandalorian & Grogudue to hit cinemas on July 20, 2025, the movie’s plot is still shrouded in mystery.
