The Hottest Star Wars Characters Are Smugglers

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On June 18, 2024, the highly anticipated return of the charismatic smuggler Cassian Andor on Disney+ was announced. To refresh your memory, here’s a reminder of why we consider Diego Luna’s portrayal of the rebel leader to be unparalleled in our rankings.

Star Wars often focuses on the battle between light and dark in the Jedi, but its most captivating figures reside on the moral borderland. These characters engage in plots, heists, and skirmishes amidst growing tension, Empire oppression, and intensifying turmoil. They are pilots, pirates, defectors, and tricksters, creatures both biological and artificial who claim self-interest but beneath their bluster and smooth talk, possess an authentic heart. They’re smugglers, and they happen to be the most alluring characters within Star Wars — whether this is by chance, design, or simply delightful! It’s a stark contrast to the (mostly) asexual Jedi. Goodness gracious!

Almost every live-action Star Wars project features a character who fits this mold, as highlighted by Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna), a wandering individual transformed from a spy to a key figure in the Rebel Alliance, starring in Andor, now back for its second and final season. Star Wars is rich with rogues and rascals exuding charm beneath their practical, earthy garments and disguising helmets, so we’ve rounded up 16 of the most alluring.

In our approach, we narrowed down a large list of characters by distinguishing between smugglers and crime lords (leaving out the Hutts), as well as excluding animated characters. We apologize if your favorite characters like Jolee Bindo or Trace and Rafa Martez are not included in this discussion. Feel free to share your passionate opinions about them in the comments section! Now, let’s celebrate the scoundrels and reprobates who add excitement and intrigue to the galaxy with their daring exploits.

16.
Tobias Beckett (Solo: A Star Wars Story)

To put it simply, Tobias Beckett isn’t all that bad, but he’s got a complex past as a double-crossing thief who lost his spouse and partner in crime during a botched heist. His betrayal of Han Solo, though seemingly unjustified at first glance, was understandable given the circumstances – after all, they had only just met. However, it’s his distinctive blond, swirly hairstyle that truly earns him a low ranking. Woody Harrelson has played characters with some peculiar hairdos before (like in The Hunger Games), but Beckett’s style stands out – in a not so good way. – Nicholas Quah

15.
Babu Frik (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker)

He’s quite skilled with manual work, sports a charmingly roguish mustache, and is capable of mending any technical issue you encounter. A potential husband.

[Roxana Hadadi]

14.
Maz Kanata (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

Please, refrain from making ageist or anti-wrinkle comments. Maz Kanata, with over a thousand years of pirate-queen experience, carries those unique goggles off magnificently; it’s fortunate to even be associated with someone who exudes this level of confidence. Although Lupita Nyong’o didn’t get a live-action role in the Star Wars reboot trilogy, her captivating, amused voice performance adds life to the character. Maz Kanata is self-assured enough to traverse a restaurant table for a closer look at a man’s eyes and has connections spanning every corner of the underworld. Can anyone rival her charm?

13.
L3-37 (Solo: A Star Wars Story)

A few of us were already fans of her AI-erotica long before OpenAI tried to capitalize on it. We’re simply trendsetters! However, L3-37 offers more than just a casual interest in robots. It’s refreshing to see a character fighting for civil rights, and the fact that Phoebe Waller-Bridge provides its voice is an added bonus. —N.Q.

12.
Young Han Solo (Solo: A Star Wars Story)

The movie “Solo” presents Baby Solo as somewhat lackluster, however, it’s worth noting that this iteration of Han Solo is in the midst of evolving into a galactic smuggler. Throughout the film, Alden Ehrenreich’s portrayal leans more towards street-wise vigor rather than classic smuggler charm. While this type of charm has its own unique allure, it differs from traditional smuggler appeal, which is primarily associated with a life of constant, free-floating movement – much like a pirate! Conversely, the appeal of a street rat lies in their resourcefulness and pretentiousness – reminiscent of Aladdin. Although this can be equally captivating, it’s not quite the same as the smuggler’s charm. –N.Q.

11.
Young Lando Calrissian (Solo: A Star Wars Story)

It appears that Donald Glover’s roles are increasingly similar, encompassing his Childish Gambino persona and various projects like Magic Mike XXL, Guava Island, Atlanta, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. In retrospect, the portrayal of Lando in the film carries a significant amount of speculation about Glover’s career path. However, within the context of the movie, his smuggler character offers an entertaining blend of sneering, flirting, and posturing, albeit lacking the weight of the original Lando Calrissian. The intense eye contact he shares with Han Solo when he says “Everything you heard about me is true” is a memorable moment. Glover’s Lando may not be a long-term romantic option, but dressed in that high-collared cloak, he certainly exudes the charm of someone who could potentially disrupt your life for a night or several months. – R.H.

10.
Ezra Bridger (Ahsoka)

In a more casual and straightforward manner,

Hey there, Space Jesus, I confess that I’ve been thinking about how good-looking you are again! The pilot from the Ghost smuggling crew in Star Wars Rebels, who is making his live-action debut in Ahsoka, has a charm that’s hard to resist. I wonder what hair products actor Eman Esfandi uses, because it certainly looks great. That curl texture: It makes me want to run my fingers through it! The appeal is undeniable.

—R.H.

9.
Chewbacca (Star Wars: A New Hope)

What if chest hair but everywhere? —N.Q.

8.
Val (Solo: A Star Wars Story)

A leather jacket can overpower you if you lack the right persona or charisma to wear it. However, Thandiwe Newton’s portrayal of Val in Solo is unforgettable because her aviator-style coat with white fur lining perfectly suits her character and powerfully portrays a capable, badass woman who exudes confidence. Even during the train heist scene that ends with her death, Val radiates an air of dominance that leaves you wishing she could step on your neck and you’d be glad for it – which happens to be one of Newton’s strong suits, as evidenced in Solo, Westworld, and The Chronicles of Riddick. The fact that Val is killed off so early in the story is a disappointment for fans who were eager to see her deliver a well-deserved slap. —R.H 

7.
DJ (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)

In a more conversational tone: The part of Canto Bight from The Last Jedi that explores war profiteering isn’t entirely timeless; it comes off as overly preachy rather than subtle. However, Benicio del Toro perfectly embodies the character DJ, a morally ambiguous individual whose cynical outlook justifies any actions he takes. Del Toro’s portrayal of a line like “Good guys, bad guys, made-up words” is remarkable – he makes it sound insightful instead of naive, which is part of DJ’s charm. He peddles a disillusioned dream, and he does it while being tall, dark, and handsome.

—R.H.

6.
Poe Dameron (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

With his firearms, the curl cascading across his brow, and that mischievous grin… it’s hard not to be drawn into the character of the ex-spice runner turned rebel leader who, for a time, ruled the spice-rich planet Arrakis. Despite my best efforts, I find myself empathizing with this rebellious figure as well. But alas, I am only human and cannot fully resist. – A.P.

5.
Lando Calrissian, original recipe (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be drawn to Lando, the smooth-talking smuggler turned powerful figure, embodying what some might achieve when they turn their lives around. For someone like me who appreciates the charm of a character with a shady past and Billy Dee Williams’ charisma, it’s hard to find anything more appealing.

Yes, Lando may have sold out Han and the gang to the Empire in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, but let’s not forget that he was merely looking out for his own people, a choice I believe is perfectly justifiable. After all, pragmatism often gets overlooked! In any case, Lando makes amends by saving Luke later, demonstrating that a true smuggler knows how to work every angle.

-N.Q.

4.
Zorii Bliss (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker)

Despite The Rise of Skywalker having numerous flaws that I’d prefer to forget, the film’s tantalizing few scenes featuring Zorii Bliss, Poe’s ex-partner in spice smuggling and past lover, kept it from being completely expunged from my memory. While it might be another sin to conceal Keri Russell’s face behind a Daft Punk helmet, I can understand the desire for a touch of mystery. After all, an air of enigma is the epitome of allure. Moreover, Russell manages to convey her sultry voice and expressive eyes despite the disguise, and Zorii’s cryptic past with Poe adds a noir-like element that is the very embodiment of seductiveness, the most captivating genre of storytelling. —N.Q.

3.
Qimir (The Acolyte)

To start, let me express that Manny Jacinto is the man behind a chiseled jawline that could carve through oceanic rocks. In The Acolyte, his ruggedly angular face is accentuated by long emo-inspired hair, which surprisingly suits him perfectly. His portrayal subtly echoes the enigmatic allure of Tony Leung – aloof, slightly peculiar, yet irresistibly captivating and undeniably menacing. This intriguing blend is a refreshing deviation from Star Wars’ usual character dichotomy of either noble rogues or petty criminals who seldom transcend their baser instincts. Qimir seems to be a different breed of feline, and I can only imagine where The Acolyte will lead this character. With Manny Jacinto at the helm, it’s hard not to be drawn in by his magnetic presence. —N.Q.

2.
Han Solo, original recipe (Star Wars: A New Hope)

It’s clear that you can’t dispute his appeal. After all, countless generations of Star Wars enthusiasts have secretly imagined throwing caution to the wind for this man. Harrison Ford embodied a timeless character: the cynical outlaw, the smirking monarch, The Man Who Shot First. If you find him attractive, he’s already aware. While Luke Skywalker is the ideal farm boy hero, isn’t it Han Solo who captures our dreams? He seems like someone you might actually meet at a bar (or a cantina) – just add a blaster, a large furry companion, and an amazing spaceship.
—N.Q.

1.
Cassian Andor (Rogue One)

In order to keep the “Star Wars” franchise fresh and relevant, it was crucial to move beyond the nostalgia that had become synonymous with this cultural titan. While Han Solo certainly left a lasting impact as a generational icon, it’s time for fresh, complex heroes, intriguing smuggler characters, and narratives that delve into the moral complexity of this galaxy. Diego Luna’s Cassian is just such a character. Introduced in “Rogue One,” he was a smuggler willing to shoot stormtroopers and an informer to save himself and deliver vital information about the Death Star, and his story has been further developed in the franchise-topping TV series “Andor.” Cassian is now the rugged, brooding, anti-Empire smuggler for our times. His intense gaze carries a powerful charge; his growing moral clarity is contagious. Consider his steadfast expression as he listens to Nemik’s manifesto and hears “Remember this: try” – that’s the face of a man who will do whatever it takes, including smuggling, lying, stealing, or killing, to create a better future for those living under tyranny. What could be more appealing than a man who embraces revolutionary politics as the path forward? Nothing, indeed. –R.H 

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2025-04-22 18:56