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The Star Wars prequel trilogy is full of terrific actors who have all played iconic characters in George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away. While the original trilogy focused on Luke Skywalker and how he became a Jedi, the prequels followed the origin story of his father, Anakin Skywalker, and how he became one of cinema's most iconic villains, Darth Vader. Alongside that, the movies also depicted how the Galactic Empire came to fruition and why several of the Jedi, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, had to go into hiding.
Over six years, several talented stars joined the franchise. Some cast members were already revered movie stars before appearing in the Star Wars prequels, like Dracula's Christopher Lee, while others were launched to stardom by the trilogy, such as Hayden Christensen. In some cases, it took more than one actor to breathe life into a classic Star Wars character, including Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul. While there were some initial criticisms, in hindsight, Lucas found the perfect actor (or actors) to play each character in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Actor | Role |
Ewan McGregor | Obi-Wan Kenobi |
Hayden Christensen | Anakin Skywalker |
Natalie Portman | Padmé Amidala |
Ian McDiarmid | Sheev Palpatine |
Frank Oz | Yoda |
Samuel L. Jackson | Mace Windu |
Anthony Daniels | C-3PO |
Kenny Baker | R2-D2 |
Liam Neeson | Qui-Gon Jinn |
Jake Lloyd | Young Anakin Skywalker |
Ahmed Best | Jar Jar Binks |
Sir Christopher Lee | Count Dooku |
Ewan McGregor Is Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date of Birth: March 31, 1971
- Active since: 1993
Ewan McGregor, born in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland, inherited the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the wise Jedi Master who failed to save Anakin from the dark side, from the legendary Alec Guinness. McGregor went on to reprise his role in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series, set between the prequel and original trilogies. Before playing Obi-Wan, McGregor had worked with director Danny Boyle on Shallow Grave and Trainspotting and also starred in Moulin Rouge!, The Island, I Love You Phillip Morris, and Doctor Sleep. He has been awarded the OBE for his services to the arts and humanitarian efforts.
Trainspotting (1996) | Renton |
Moulin Rouge! (2001) | Christian |
A Gentleman in Moscow (2024) | Alexander Rostov |
Character: Starting as a Jedi Padawan to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a rather by-the-book student, unwavering in his faithfulness to the Galactic Republic. After his master's tragic death, however, Obi-Wan follows through on his promise to train the young boy Anakin Skywalker, regardless of the Jedi Council's warnings. Obi-Wan becomes more relaxed as he grows closer to Anakin, though even he can't anticipate what Anakin will soon become thanks to Palpatine's manipulations.
Hayden Christensen Is Anakin Skywalker
Date of Birth: April 19, 1981
- Active since: 1993
Born in Vancouver, Canada, Hayden Christensen played Anakin Skywalker, the promising Jedi Padawan prophesied to be the Chosen One but destined to become Darth Vader. When Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones picked up a decade after Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in-universe, Christensen brought the older iteration of his character to life in a performance that's now beloved by generations. Christensen has also appeared in The Virgin Suicides, Shattered Glass, and Jumper. He reprised his role of Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka.
Life as a House (2001) | Sam Monroe |
Shattered Glass (2003) | Stephen Glass |
Jumper (2008) | David Rice |
Character: Ten years after Qui-Gon Jinn's death, Anakin is now the student of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who he's grown close with despite his frustrations about Obi-Wan supposedly withholding some of Anakin's power. The death of Anakin's mother nearly sends him into a spiral that only Padmé Amidala can help him out of, as he latches on to her and their secret romance. This loving relationship, however, helps Anakin to become even more vulnerable to Palpatine's manipulations, setting the Chosen One on a path to becoming the sinister Darth Vader.
Natalie Portman Is Padmé Amidala
Date of Birth: June 9, 1981
- Active since: 1994
Padmé Amidala, the mother of Luke and Leia and a Galactic Senator, is played by Natalie Portman. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she got her break as a child actor when she played Mathilda, the protégée of the eponymous hitman in Léon: The Professional. Portman went on to star in Closer, V for Vendetta, and Jackie, and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her turn in the psychological thriller Black Swan. Portman has played Jane Foster, also known as the Mighty Thor, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Black Swan (2010) | Nina Sayers |
Thor (2011) | Jane Foster |
Jackie (2016) | Jackie Kennedy |
Character: Serving as Naboo's young queen at just 14 years old, Padmé Amidala has long since been a vocal advocate for what she believes in. After leading her people through the Naboo Crisis, Padmé accepts Palpatine's former position as senator for Naboo, eventually reuniting her with Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Time spent away with the former causes their love to blossom, and despite Padmé's determination to always do the right thing, even she cannot sway her husband from the dark side.
Ian McDiarmid Is Chancellor Sheev Palpatine
Date of Birth: August 11, 1944
- Active since: 1976
Ian McDiarmid, born in Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, reprises his role as Palpatine from Return of the Jedi as the main villain of the prequels. The prequels detail how Palpatine became the Emperor, stoking a war between two factions he secretly controlled to use a loophole in the political system to overturn a democracy. McDiarmid also played Michael Caine’s manservant in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the town surgeon in Sleepy Hollow, and Margaret Thatcher’s husband in the TV biopic Margaret. He later reprised his role as Palpatine in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and various Star Wars animated series.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) | Arthur |
Sleepy Hollow (1999) | Doctor Lancaster |
Utopia (2014) | Anton |
Character: In the years before his reign as the Galactic Emperor, Sheev Palpatine is a senator for his homeworld, Naboo. Keeping his Sith identity, Darth Sidious, tightly under wraps, Palpatine secretly plays two sides of a brewing war to execute his master plan to rule the galaxy. Along the way, Palpatine recruits several Sith apprentices to assist him in this effort, though each one is disposable until he can have Anakin Skywalker at his side. As chancellor of the Galactic Republic, Palpatine is given the perfect power to take over the galaxy.
Frank Oz Is Yoda
Date of Birth: May 25, 1944
- Active since: 1963
Frank Oz reprised his role as Yoda from the original Star Wars trilogy in the prequels. Born in Hereford, England, Oz did old-fashioned puppeteering in The Phantom Menace before the technology had been perfected to create Yoda entirely with CGI. He then just voiced the character in Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Oz began his career as a puppeteer on The Muppet Show, performing classic Muppet characters like Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. He has also directed such films as The Dark Crystal, Little Shop of Horrors, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Sesame Street (1969-2014) | Bert/Grover/Cookie Monster |
The Muppet Show (1976-1981) | Miss Piggy/Fozzie Bear |
Knives Out (2019) | Alan Stevens |
Character: Long before his exile on Dagobah, Yoda is the wise Grand Master of the Jedi Order. Yoda initially agrees with the Jedi Council to turn away Anakin Skywalker, but allows Obi-Wan Kenobi to train the boy after Qui-Gon Jinn's death. Yoda goes on to play a key role in Anakin's fall, as he fails to provide the proper counsel for Anakin in the wake of his mother's death and his fears about Padmé Amidala's fate. Yoda isn't exempt from the blindness that keeps the Jedi Order from seeing the Sith's return until it's too late.
Samuel L. Jackson Is Mace Windu
Date of Birth: December 21, 1948
- Active since: 1972
Mace Windu, a powerful Jedi Master and Yoda’s right-hand man, is played by Samuel L. Jackson. The actor later voiced Windu in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie and the LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game. Jackson, born in Washington, D.C., is a screen icon known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino on films like Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, and his appearances in multiple Spike Lee films, like School Daze and Do the Right Thing. Jackson's best characters also involve the MCU's Nick Fury and Frozone in The Incredibles franchise.
Pulp Fiction (1994) | Jules Winnfield |
The Avengers (2012) | Nick Fury |
Django Unchained (2012) | Stephen |
Character: Mace Windu is a powerful member of the Jedi Council, acting as a right-hand to Yoda himself in many ways. Mace, like Yoda, is cautious of Anakin Skywalker, due to the boy's strong amount of fear and other powerful emotions. Over the years, Mace maintains this stance on Anakin, regardless of the ways in which Anakin attempts to prove himself. This doubt becomes key in Anakin's fall, even as Mace acts in what he truly believes to be the best interest of the Republic and the greater galaxy.
Anthony Daniels Is C-3PO
Date of Birth: February 21, 1946
- Active since: 1975
Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Anthony Daniels reprises his role as protocol droid C-3PO in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The Phantom Menace revealed that C-3PO was originally built by Anakin to help his mother with housework. Daniels has since reprised his role in the sequel trilogy, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Ahsoka, the animated TV shows, and various video games and theme park attractions. He also appeared in Ralph Bakshi’s animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings as the voice of Legolas.
Star Wars (1977) | C-3PO |
The Country Diary of an Ewardian Lady (1984) | Kenneth |
Ghost of Albion: Legacy (2003) | Lord Nelson (voice) |
Character: Long before finding Luke Skywalker, C-3PO is built on Tatooine by Anakin Skywalker himself. Though incomplete at the time of Anakin's departure, C-3PO is eventually completed, and he goes on to serve Padmé Amidala in her and Anakin's droid exchange as a part of their wedding. C-3PO, as always, finds himself caught up in the adventures of the heroes, however reluctantly - and this eventual tragedy is no exception.
Kenny Baker Is R2-D2
Date of Birth: August 24, 1934
- Active from: 1960-2016
Kenny Baker, born in Birmingham, England, reprised his role as astromech droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars prequels. The beeps and whirs of R2’s voice were created by sound designer Ben Burtt, but Baker got in the tin can to bring him to life. Baker also appeared in such classic films as The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, Willow, Flash Gordon, and Labyrinth. Before he passed away in 2016, Baker reprised his role as R2-D2 one last time in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Star Wars (1977) | R2-D2 |
Labyrinth (1986) | Goblin Corps |
Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989) | Dufflepud |
Character: The lovable R2-D2 begins his journey as an astromech hero of the Naboo, being the only droid able to fix Queen Amidala's ship as it makes its escape offworld. Later on, he becomes Anakin Skywalker's right-hand droid after his wedding exchange with Padmé, where he proves just how formidable he is as an astromech. Sadly, his relationship with Anakin is severed as his friend falls into darkness, though R2 remains at C-3PO's side for the years to come.
Liam Neeson Is Qui-Gon Jinn
Date of Birth: June 7, 1952
- Active since: 1978
The prolific actor Liam Neeson plays Qui-Gon Jinn, the master of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Neeson was Oscar-nominated for his lead performance in Schindler’s List. Since starring in the Taken series, Neeson has transitioned from a dramatic actor into an action star. He has since starred in a memorable and iconic variety of different titles and franchises, including Batman Begins, The Chronicles of Narnia, Men in Black, and more. Neeson returned to Star Wars as Qui-Gon for the animated series The Clone Wars and Tales of the Jedi, and returned to live-action in Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Schindler's List (1993) | Oskar Schindler |
Taken (2008) | Bryan Mills |
The Grey (2011) | Ottway |
Character: Qui-Gon Jinn is Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Master and does things differently than most other Jedi. Known for his connection to the Living Force, Obi-Wan is a firm believer in the Chosen One prophecy, which leads him straight to Anakin Skywalker. Determined to train the boy who's strong in the Force, Qui-Gon prepares to defy the Jedi Council, but he's cut down by Darth Maul on Naboo before he can do so. This tragedy of his death sets the course for the rest of the Star Wars story, proving how influential Qui-Gon truly is.
Jake Lloyd Is Young Anakin Skywalker
Date of Birth: March 5, 1989
- Active from: 1996-2002
The bright-eyed nine-year-old podracer seen in The Phantom Menace is played by Jake Lloyd, who also starred as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son in Jingle All the Way. Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Lloyd stopped acting shortly after The Phantom Menace to instead prioritize his mental health. Still, Lloyd played a variety of roles before then, and he has since stated that he's continued to enjoy Star Wars - particularly the Disney+ TV shows.
Unhook the Stars (1996) | J.J. |
Jingle All the Way (1996) | Jamie Langston |
The Pretender (1996-1999) | Young Angelo/Timmy/Ronny Collins |
Character: The son of Shmi Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker is enslaved with his mother on Tatooine when Qui-Gon Jinn and Padmé Amidala come across him. Even at just nine years old, Anakin already exhibits strong signs of being a powerful Force-sensitive, such as his epic win in the Boonta Eve Classic podrace. Qui-Gon uses the race to free Anakin, but he must leave his mother behind, a decision that affects him for the rest of his life - as does the death of Qui-Gon, making him Obi-Wan Kenobi's Padawan instead.
Ahmed Best Is Jar Jar Binks
Date of Birth: August 19, 1973
- Active since: 1989
Jar Jar Binks, the Gungan who provides comic relief and unwittingly hands over control of the galaxy to Palpatine, is played by Ahmed Best via motion capture. Born in New York City, New York, Best's role in Star Wars made him the first-ever completely motion-captured actor in history. Best has since reprised the role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, and won an Annie Award for spoofing Jar Jar on Robot Chicken before playing Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian season 3. He has also worked as a comedian and musician.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Jar Jar Binks |
Big Time Rush (2009-2012) | Rob/Marketer |
The Mandalorian (2023) | Kelleran Beq |
Character: Jar Jar Binks is a Gungan who owes a life debt to Qui-Gon Jinn after the Jedi Master saves his life from a passing droid battalion on Naboo. Jar Jar, however goofy he may be, ends up becoming a key part of rescuing Naboo from the Trade Federation, with him acting as a link between Queen Amidala and the Gungans. Jar Jar goes on to serve as a representative of Naboo, even helping to grant Palpatine his emergency powers as chancellor during the start of the Clone Wars.
Sir Christopher Lee Is Count Dooku
Date of Birth: May 27, 1922
Active from: 1946-2015
Count Dooku, the Sith Lord who leads the Separatists into war and whose murder is a key step in Anakin’s turn to the dark side, is played by Christopher Lee. Like Grand Moff Tarkin actor Peter Cushing, Lee, born in Belgravia, London, is a staple of Hammer horror films, starring as Count Dracula in seven Hammer productions. He also played the villainous Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun and Saruman in both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Lee was knighted and received both the BAFTA Fellowship and the BFI Fellowship.
Horror of Dracula (1958) | Count Dracula |
The Wicker Man (1973) | Lord Summerisle |
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2014) | Saruman |
Character: Formerly the Jedi Padawan of Yoda himself, Count Dooku has since fallen from grace. Now known as Darth Tyrannus in service to Darth Sidious, Dooku's doubts about the Jedi Order have manifested into a full-on effort to help lead the Separatists into battle against the Jedi and the Galactic Republic. Dooku, however, is completely unaware that he's just another pawn in Palpatine's game, which ultimately leads to his fate at Anakin Skywalker's hands - at the request of Palpatine himself.
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Supporting Cast & Characters
The Prequel Trilogy is Full of Talent
In addition to the main cast of the Star Wars prequel trilogy is the supporting cast, another talented group of actors who helped to bring this iconic era of Star Wars to life. Both heroes and villains alike, many of these actors have since had the chance to reprise their roles in some capacity, and many have cemented themselves as Star Wars legends in their own right. Without them, the Star Wars prequel trilogy certainly wouldn't have been the same.
Actor | Role |
Ray Park | Darth Maul |
Temuera Morrison | Jango Fett/Commander Cody/Clones |
Daniel Logan | Boba Fett |
Pernilla August | Shmi Skywalker |
Jimmy Smits | Bail Organa |
Hugh Quarshie | Captain Panaka |
Terence Stamp | Chancellor Valorum |
Keira Knightley | Sabé |
Jack Thompson | Cliegg Lars |
Leeanna Walsman | Zam Wesell |
Anndy Secombe | Watto |
Silas Carson | Ki-Adi-Mundi/Nute Gunray |
Joel Edgerton | Owen Lars |
Oliver Ford Davies | Sio Bibble |
Peter Mayhew | Chewbacca |
Bonnie Piesse | Beru Lars |
Rebecca Jackson Mendoza | Breha Organa |
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
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