Star Wars Rebels: 15 Most Powerful Characters, Ranked

Star Wars fans, rejoice! Star Wars Rebels just recently wrapped up its third season with a thrilling season finale, and Disney has already confirmed a fourth season coming to Disney XD this fall. Showrunner Dave Filoni has also discussed an upcoming tie-in with Rogue One, along with the prospect of seeing some familiar characters on-screen. While we patiently await the day until the premiere, we wanted to shine a little light on some of the most powerful characters in the series.

From the daring heroics of Kanan Jarrus to the impeccable piloting skills from Hera Syndulla, Star Wars Rebels is filled to the brim with bold characters. We definitely could have made this list quite longer, so we’d like to mention a few Imperials— the Grand Inquisitor, Seventh Sister, Fifth Brother as some of our honorable mentions. The Rebel Alliance certainly has their fair share of powerful characters, as well. Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Saw Gerrera have all made brief appearances on the show, and they definitely deserve a nod. Here are the 15 Most Powerful Characters In Star Wars Rebels, Ranked.

[WARNING – This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars Rebels season 3.]

15. Hondo Ohnaka

Ever since his debut on The Clone Wars, Hondo has been a beloved Star Wars character– even if he has his moments where he seems a bit morally gray. Voiced by Jim Cummings, Hondo was first introduced on Star Wars Rebels after meeting Ezra back in episode six of season two, “Brothers of the Broken Horn”. Hondo might seem like an unlikely character to be on this list, but the space pirate certainly isn’t short on cunning and devious schemes. With his braggadocious swagger, Ohnaka is always getting himself caught in tricky situations. But, therein lies the beauty of it all—Hondo’s infallible knack to get himself out of the most extreme situations.

In episode fourteen of season two, “Legends of the Lasat”, Hondo helped connect Zeb with a pair of rare Lasat refugees. Although the act was seemingly altruistic, Ohnaka ended up double crossing the rebels by leading the Imperials straight to them. Desperate to play both sides of the game, Hondo warned Ezra before they were captured. In episode nine of season three, “The Wynkahthu Job”, he agreed to give Ezra, Hera, and the Ghost crew proton bombs for the Rebellion if they helped him board an Imperial cargo ship. The Weequay pirate has helped Ezra and the members of the Phoenix Squadron, and even though his most powerful skill is attracting trouble, we’d have to say that his heart is (generally) in the right place.

14. Chopper

Sure, C1-10P might be a droid, but he’s the only droid found on this list or a reason. Since season one, Chopper has proven to be an invaluable member of the Ghost crew. From the time he reenacted Scarface in season two to when he discovered a prime location for the Rebel base with AP-5, Chopper is easily one of the biggest heroes on the entire show.

Throughout the past three seasons, Chopper has proven his merit on the battlefield and when going incognito as an Imperial droid. Also known as Spectre 3, the droid isn’t afraid to use his electroshock prod when he’s in a bind. In the second episode of season one, “Droids in Distress”, Chopper created the perfect diversion when he went head-to-head in a match with R2-D2.

Chopper is always looking out for the Ghost crew, even if he is known for being a notorious prankster. In an animated short called The Machine in the Ghost, Chopper surprises Kanan and Hera by taking down an entire TIE Fighter.

13. Agent Kallus

In the early days of season one, Kallus proved that he was a delightfully villainous Imperial, but more recent episodes have revealed a bold change of heart. Out of all the characters on this list, Kallus certainly deserves a nod for having the most complex character development on the show. Voiced by David Oyelowo, Agent Kallus was originally an officer of the Imperial Security Bureau. In episode seventeen of season two, “The Honorable Ones“, Zeb and Kallus became stranded on a moon near Geonosis, and the pair were forced to work together in order to survive. Despite their differences, both Zeb and Kallus were able to find common ground and surprisingly enough, share respect for one another.

In season three, we were given a closer look at how far he was willing to go to help the Rebel Alliance. Although Agent Kallus was formerly one of the Ghost crew’s most bitter enemies, he chose to defect to the Rebellion. Kallus operated under the codename Fulcrum, supplying sensitive information from the Empire to the Rebel Alliance. He continued to work as an undercover agent throughout most of season three, but Grand Admiral Thrawn was quickly on his trail. Kallus had tried to create a diversion by placing the blame onto Lieutenant Lyste, but Thrawn soon discovered the truth. With a combination of his hand-to-hand combat skills and his ability to think quickly under pressure, Kallus is a powerful asset to the Rebel Alliance.

12. Captain Rex

A beloved favorite for fans of The Clone Wars, Captain Rex is another animated Star Wars character that stands the test of time. Originally known as CT-7567, Rex served as the Captain of the 501st Clone Battalion alongside Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars.

In Star Wars Rebels, Rex was introduced with his fellow clones, Wolffe and Gregor, on the planet Seelos in the Outer Rim. Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor were some of the few clones to remove the mind control devices implanted in their heads. Although Wolffe and Gregor decided to remain in retirement, Rex joined the fray by fighting with Ahsoka and the Rebel Alliance against the Empire. Kanan might have called him Gramps in jest, but all those years of fighting in the Clone Wars prove that he has extensive experience as a leader and a soldier. A seasoned vet, Rex is known for his marksmanship skills and being able to strategize effectively.

11. Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios

While his real name is Garazeb Orrelios, he’s affectionately known by Zeb by the members of the Ghost Crew. With a towering frame and a sarcastic demeanor, Zeb is never afraid to back down from a fight. Wielding his trusty AB-75 bo-rifle weapon at his side, he’s more than capable of taking down a few bucketheads. A ceremonial weapon used by the Lasan Honor Guard, the AB-75 bo-rifle can emit blaster bolts as well as deliver an electromagnetic shock against his foes. In episode fourteen of season two, “Legends of the Lasat”, the bo-rifle weapon was also used in an ancient Lasan ritual.

With an unmistakable style, voice actor Steven Blum imparts so much personality into his role as Zeb. As many fans can attest, Zeb’s cantankerous demeanor and sarcastic quips make him even more endearing. Whether he’s facing a slew of Stormtroopers or shooting down TIE Fighters, Zeb is a courageous warrior who’s always ready for action.

10. Hera Syndulla

“If all you do is fight for your own life, then your life is worth nothing!” ― Hera Syndulla.

Voiced by Vanessa Marshall, Hera Syndulla is the fearless pilot of the Ghost and the Captain of the Phoenix Squadron. The Twi’lek rebel is also the daughter of Resistance leader Cham Syndulla, and well known for her commendable skills as a pilot. Hera has proven that she’s boldly unafraid to do whatever it takes when it comes to missions for the Rebel Alliance—even when it gets personal. In episode five of season three, “Hera’s Heroes”, she’s faced with a difficult challenge and ultimately decides to blow up her own childhood home on Ryloth, ensuring that the rebels can escape.

Time and time again, we’ve seen her strategic mindset in action, along with her ability to keep a level head in battle. In addition to proving her loyalty to the Rebel Alliance, she’s more than capable of leading her team. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, there’s an Easter egg where her name is called over the communications system, summoning General Syndulla. We can’t wait to see more of her character development in season four of Star Wars Rebels and hopefully get some more details about how she became promoted to General Syndulla.

9. Sabine Wren

Throughout the past three seasons of Star Wars Rebels, Sabine has experienced major changes—and we’re not just talking about her hair color. An artist through and through, Sabine is first introduced as a Mandalorian warrior with a mysterious past and a penchant for demolitions. While fighting with the Ghost crew and the Rebel Alliance, Sabine always has a few detonators on hand. Voiced by Tiya Sircar, Sabine has matured into a young woman tasked with heavy responsibilities.

Fans were finally given a deeper look at Sabine’s mysterious past in season three. In episode eleven of season three, “Visions and Voices”, Sabine acquired the Darksaber on Dathomir. Kanan and Fenn Rau later convinced Sabine to learn to use it and eventually unite the people of Mandalore. Sabine returned to Mandalore and fought against Gar Saxon, the Imperial Viceroy, who was later killed by her mother, Ursa Wren. Sabine chose to remain in Mandalore with her family but was later reunited with the Ghost crew during the season three finale.

On the battlefield, Sabine has proved that she can keep up with Mandalorians and Rebel alike. With her assortment of explosives on hand and her trusty jetpack, Sabine Wren is always ready for action against the Empire.

8. The Bendu

An enigmatic character, the Bendu first piqued fans interest when he was introduced in a teaser trailer for season three of Star Wars Rebels. Voiced by the impressive Tom Baker (the fourth doctor on Doctor Who), the Bendu is a mysterious being who describes himself as “the one in the middle” between the light and the dark. Since his onscreen introduction, fans have theorized and wondered about his intriguing presence in Star Wars Rebels.

In the action-packed season three finale, we were finally given a look at what the Bendu is capable of when he summoned a powerful thunderstorm on Atollon. At first glance, it might have seemed that the Bendu was defending the Rebels from the Imperial attack, however, both sides are struck by from his bolts of lightning. When Grand Admiral Thrawn encountered the creature, he boldly proclaimed that the Bendu was “beyond his power to destroy”. After witnessing his thunderstorm and lightning attacks, it’s abundantly clear that the Bendu is a force to be reckoned with.

7. Ezra Bridger

Voiced by Taylor Gray, Ezra Bridger has come a long way from his days as a young street rat. In the beginning, Ezra was introduced on screen as an orphan boy who was simply fighting for survival on the streets of Lothal. Although he first bore some resemblance to Aladdin, Bridger has grown into a hero of the Rebel Alliance.

Since he was first introduced, Ezra has matured into a budding Jedi padawan with formidable combat skills. Under the tutelage of Kanan, Ezra has learned more about the mysterious ways of the Force, despite his brief flirtations with the dark side. In the past seasons, we were given a look at some of Ezra’s more unusual powers, such as his ability to communicate with animals, like the purrgil. In episode eight from season one, Ezra used his power in a fit of angry rage by controlling a giant frynock in a battle against the Grand Inquisitor.

In season three, Ezra is shown to be more confident with his lightsaber and using the Force, by levitating objects and slashing Stormtroopers with ease. He still has the tendency to be rash—Ezra directly disobeyed Hera’s orders in the season finale, but at least he managed to help save the day with Sabine and a squad of Mandalorians. With season four on the horizon, it looks like there will be plenty to explore regarding Ezra’s pull towards the Dark side, his emotional turmoil, and internal struggle.  

6. Ahsoka Tano

To the delight of many fans, the first and second seasons of Star Wars Rebels re-introduced Ahsoka Tano to our screens. While working under the alias of “Fulcrum”, Ahsoka assisted the Rebel Alliance and the Ghost crew in the fight against the Empire. During her time on Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka was never afraid to back down from a fight. In episode nine of season two, Tano proved that she means business when she took on the Seventh Sister and the Fifth Brother. With her signature white lightsabers at her side, Ahsoka is certainly not to be underestimated, boasting swift and agile combat skills in every fight sequence.

However, after a thrilling season two finale and an epic confrontation with Darth Vader, Ahsoka’s fate remains unclear. While there hasn’t been any explicit confirmation that she’s dead, Tano didn’t appear at all in season three.  

While we count down the days until the Star Wars Rebels season four premiere and The Last Jedi, we can also theorize about Ahsoka’s on-screen return and hope that a new project may be announced at Star Wars Celebration regarding a live-action Ahsoka Tano movie or spinoff series. Actress Rosario Dawson also put in a bid for the role, spurring an #AhsokaLives frenzy by fans on the Internet. Although Dawson is one of the top contenders, we also looked at several other actresses who would work well for the role, including her voice actress, Ashley Eckstein.

5. Kanan Jarrus

Voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr, Kanan Jarrus is the heroic Jedi Knight who continues to grow and mature in Star Wars Rebels. In earlier episodes, we’ve seen Jarrus in action, whether it’s shooting down TIE Fighters, blasting bucket heads, or wielding his lightsaber. A skilled fighter, Kanan has learned to deepen his connection with the Force over time.

After being blinded by Darth Maul at the end of season two, Kanan has had to learn to adapt and fight without relying on his sense of sight. Over the past three seasons, we’ve seen Kanan struggle with conflicted emotions, including his gnawing self-doubt as a teacher and the responsibility of being a Jedi. We saw this time and time again in season one and two, but Kanan has certainly risen to the challenge in season three.

In “Trials of the Darksaber“, Kanan might have hesitated to let Sabine use the Darksaber in the beginning, but he was later able to help Sabine to confront her past. In a poignant training scene, Kanan’s incessant challenging ultimately pushed Sabine to finally open up about her past and teach her that she can become a leader for the people of Mandalore.

4. Grand Admiral Thrawn

Season three of Star Wars Rebels introduced one of the most anticipated villains on-screen to date— Grand Admiral Thrawn, from the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Author Timothy Zahn originally created the character for the novel Heir to the Empire, back in 1991, and fans have often theorized about his possible return.

While the Expanded Universe is not considered canon anymore, Lucasfilm and Disney decided to introduce Thrawn as one of the main antagonists for the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels season three. Voiced by Lars Mikkelsen, Thrawn is also known as Mitth’raw’nuruodo; a blue Chiss species with alarmingly bright red eyes. While it might be easy to underestimate his skills at first, Thrawn boasts a slew of cunning tactics. In season three, we were given a closer look at Thrawn’s combat training regime involving a sparring sequence with Imperial sentry droids. While his physical prowess is certainly not to be overlooked, Thrawn is best known for his strategic mindset.

3. Darth Maul

In season three of Star Wars Rebels, voice actor Sam Witwer returned to reprise his sinister role as Darth Maul. With his signature velvety voice, his name has shortened to merely “Maul”, yet his on-going determination to extract revenge certainly hasn’t waned.

As persistent as ever, Maul has never stopped his quest for power and revenge over time. In the season two finale, Maul cunningly manipulated Ezra by tempting him with more information about the power of the dark side. Even after their final confrontation, Maul continued to try and persuade Bridger to join him in season three. Hellbent on extracting revenge, Maul continued trying to persuade Ezra in the earlier half of season three, enticing him with promises of more power if he were to become his new apprentice. While Maul officially met his demise on Tatooine at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was a powerful character on Star Wars Rebels.

2. Obi-Wan Kenobi

Old Ben might have only made an appearance on Star Wars Rebels once, but don’t let that fool you. Judging by the fate of Maul, it’s supremely clear that Obi-Wan is not to be underestimated.

In episode twenty of season three, “Twin Suns”, fans were finally given a glimpse at Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine. At the apex of the episode, we’re given a look at Maul vs Kenobi in a fateful duel. In a surprising twist, the match is devoid of any fancy tricks or show stopping antics, and the battle ends neatly in a mere three strikes. Maul seems to celebrate a little too early about finally extracting his revenge on Obi-Wan. In a matter of seconds, Kenobi finishes off Maul with an effortless blow.

While the episode ended with a clear victory for Kenobi, fans have speculated about whether or not Witwer will return to lend his voice acting skills for another character in season four.

1. Darth Vader

Voiced by the titular James Earl Jones, Darth Vader is known for being one of the ultimate villains in the Star Wars universe, and his time spent on Star Wars Rebels is no exception to the rule. Although Vader might have only appeared on Star Wars Rebels a handful of times, each scene showcased his menacing demeanor and strong display of purpose.

Whether Vader was interrogating Minister Tua in earlier episodes, facing off against Kanan and Ezra, or battling his former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, each encounter was chillingly powerful. In a recent interview, creator Dave Filoni recently revealed that in earlier drafts, Darth Vader would have killed Maul in the season two finale. While they opted for the final version with Obi Wan, we can’t wait to possibly see more of Darth Vader in future episodes of the series.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Star Wars Rebelsseason four.

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Star Wars Rebelsseason 4 premieres this fall on Disney XD.