Ever sinceStar Wars Rebelsconcluded in 2018,Star Warsfans have been itching to not only see their favorite characters in live-action but on the big screen, which will now be possible inThe Mandalorian and Grogu. With a whole slew ofupcomingStar Warsmovies, it’s known that at least oneRebelscharacter will be making their big screen debut, though it’s not who you would expect.Star WarsCelebration 2025gave us a good indication of what to expect from a galaxy far, far away in the next few years.
As someone who lovesRebelsand thinks of it as one of my favoriteStar Warstitles, I always thought about which characters would be best suited for a film. Most often, I kept thinking it would be a Jedi likeEzra Bridgeror Kanan Jarrus, but I could see how characters like Hera Syndulla would factor into a film set during the age of the Rebellion. However,Star Warsseems satisfied with focusing on the New Republic era and beyond for their next batch of films - and one keyRebelsNew Republic figure.
Zeb Looks Like He’ll Have An Important Role In The Mandalorian And Grogu
Which Is A Step Up From His Live-Action Cameo
When thefirst footage ofThe Mandalorian and Groguwas shown at D23, it was confirmed that Steve Blum would return to play Zeb Orrelios inStar Wars’ first film since 2019. Zeb had previously made his live-action debut inThe Mandalorianseason 3, where he briefly met up with Captain Carson Teva on Adelphi Base.It’s still not clear exactly how large of a role Zeb will have inThe Mandalorian and Grogu, butit’s clearly not some simple cameo.
Until now, the only otherGhostcrew member to appear in aStar Warsmovie is Chopper, who appeared briefly in the background of a scene inRogue One: A Star Wars Story. However, withThe Mandalorian and Grogu, Zeb seems to actively be a part of the adventure. This suggestsRebelsfans are already getting more than we ever have in a live-actionStar Warsmovie. While many people, including me, didn’t think Zeb would be the firstGhostcrew member to appear in aStar Warsfilm, I can’t be mad about it.
Zeb’s Live-Action Movie Record Is Surprising, But Great
Surprising, But Not Undeserved
When Zeb appeared inThe Mandalorianseason 3, it was odd, because the last thing we knew was that he had taken former ISB Agent Alexsandr Kallus to meet his people on Lira San, not training New Republic pilots. However, it’s now clear that his cameo was a clear setup forThe Mandalorian and Grogu. Still,when thinking ofRebelscharacters we would want to see in an action movie likeThe Mandalorian and Grogu, Zeb isn’t the first character to come to mind.
The Mandalorian and Groguis set to premiere in theaters July 12, 2025.
If only for the time and work it takes to create Zeb’s physique in live-action, it’s surprising Lucasfilm didn’t opt for a different character likeSabine Wren, who would have a Mandalorian connection to Din Djarin. Despite this, Zeb is totally worthy of the spot. He was a great and well-rounded character inRebels,andpairing his exterior gruffness with Din Djarin seems like a match made in heaven.
More Rebels Characters In Live-Action Movies Seems Likely
A Real Dream Come True For Rebels Fans
All members of theGhostcrew have made their live-action debuts except for Kanan Jarrus, who died inRebelsseason 4. As announced atStar WarsCelebration 2025,theGhostcrew will be reunited inAhsokaseason 2, making it feel inevitable that they will all appear in a movie together at some point.Zeb stepping into a role on the big screen first is a great way to test-run how audiences feel about beloved animated characters making their way into live-action films.
With Dave Filoni’s untitled film still in the works at Lucasfilm, he’ll likely be the one to reunite all of these characters on the big screen.
With Dave Filoni’s untitled film still in the works at Lucasfilm, he’ll likely be the one to reunite all of these characters on the big screen. Filoni’s film will likely revolve aroundGrand Admiral Thrawnand is said to be concluding the arcs fromStar Warsshows likeThe Mandalorian,The Book of Boba Fett, andAhsoka. With Zeb, Hera, Sabine, and Ezra having all previously faced off against Thrawn,it would be odd if they were missing from a film meant to show his likely final defeat.
While audiences will still have to wait more than a year until we can see Zeb inThe Mandalorian and Grogu, it’s good to know thatAhsokaseason 2 is now in production, meaning all theGhostcrew members being together isn’t too far away. ThoughRebelsmay have ended in 2018, the stories continue forStar Wars’ beloved found family.
