Movies - TV
The Improvised Star Wars Moment That Gave Captain Panaka His Name
By RAFAEL MOTAMAYOR
The “Star Wars” universe is populated by many minor characters that have become overnight fan favorites. However, there is usually little or no information about them.
One such character is Quarsh Panaka, Queen Padmé Amidala’s Security head. While most background characters don’t have names, Panaka’s actor ensured he had one.
His actor, Hugh Quarshie, shared with Star Wars Insider, “I was a little concerned that in the script my character’s name didn’t get a mention in dialogue.”
He continued, “I found an opportunity to announce it while I was in the Tatooine desert with Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), so I said ‘Panaka’ when I answered my communicator.”
Quarshie added, “I wanted to make sure that the audience knew exactly who he was!” While Quarshie successfully established his character, Panaka would go on to join the Empire.