Vote For the Greatest Star Wars Character of All Time

Check Out the Star Wars Week Schedule

The Star Wars Week Throwdown is starting! Sixteen famous characters will compete, with the first battles beginning on Monday, May 18th. The first round will continue on Tuesday, May 19th, and will determine who moves forward in the competition.

Okay, so things are really heating up! On Wednesday, May 20th, we’re down to the Top 8 and they’ll be battling it out in the quarter-finals. Then, on Thursday, May 21st, the semi-finals will leave us with just two characters vying for the title. And get this – on Friday, May 22nd, we, the fans, get to cast the final vote! It’s all timed perfectly to announce the winner just before The Mandalorian and Grogu hits screens. We’ll find out who’s officially crowned the “Greatest Star Wars Character of All Time” when the results are posted on Saturday, May 23rd. I’m so excited to see who takes it!

Meet the Competitors

This week, sixteen of the most famous characters from Star Wars will compete head-to-head to determine who is the greatest of all time. The competition includes beloved Jedi, memorable villains, and a few unexpected challengers, all vying for the top spot. Ultimately, only one will be crowned the ultimate Star Wars character.

Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker begins as a simple farm boy on Tatooine, but soon learns he has a crucial role in a larger story. He dedicates himself to Jedi training and, against all expectations, achieves incredible feats: destroying the powerful Death Star, repeatedly facing off against Darth Vader, overthrowing the Empire, and ultimately restoring the Jedi Order. He has captivated fans of all ages. Given his legendary past and the support behind him, Luke is expected to perform well in this week’s tournament.

Padmé

Padmé Amidala, originally the queen of Naboo and later a senator, always put peace before personal gain. Sadly, she witnessed the galaxy fall into a devastating war between the Republic and the Separatists. Despite her tireless efforts to bring peace and stability, she couldn’t succeed and ultimately became a tool in Sheev Palpatine’s manipulative plans. However, she’s fondly remembered for her compassion, strong principles, and deep love for her husband, Anakin Skywalker.

Darth Vader

Darth Vader is instantly recognizable – from his suit and breathing to his powerful voice – and remains a frightening villain even decades after his debut. But beneath the imposing exterior lies a deeply tragic character – a once-noble Jedi destroyed by his own desires. Vader’s compelling story makes him a standout figure in film, and it’s sure to take him far in this week’s competition.

Darth Maul

Darth Maul started as a minor villain in The Phantom Menace, appearing for only about six minutes. However, he’s become one of the most popular characters in Star Wars history. He reappears in several animated series that show how he survived, sought revenge on his former master, and ultimately met his final defeat at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi. These series have cemented his place as a significant figure in the entire Star Wars saga.

Han Solo

Han Solo was initially just a small-time smuggler, focused on earning a living. But he surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a key hero in the fight against the Empire. He grew into the courageous leader the Rebellion desperately needed, and his bravery would be remembered for years to come as one of the galaxy’s greatest stories.

Lando Calrissian

Lando Calrissian was a charming and clever entrepreneur who reinvented himself as the administrator of a mining colony on the gas giant Bespin. But his new life didn’t last long, as he soon found himself involved in the rebellion against the Empire. While initially prioritizing his own well-being, Lando ultimately discovers his heroic side and plays a crucial role in the destruction of the second Death Star.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

While Obi-Wan Kenobi initially appeared as a wise teacher in the original Star Wars films, Ewan McGregor’s performance in the prequel trilogy made the character a beloved fan favorite. Obi-Wan achieved a lot throughout his life, including defeating Darth Maul, mentoring Anakin Skywalker (the Chosen One), serving on the Jedi High Council, battling Darth Vader on several occasions, and surviving the devastating Order 66. Despite facing hardship and tragedy, Obi-Wan remained true to the light side of the Force, solidifying his place as one of the most accomplished Jedi Masters of all time.

Anakin Skywalker

As a huge Star Wars fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Anakin Skywalker. He was supposed to be ‘The Chosen One,’ this incredibly powerful figure destined to bring balance to the Force. And for a while, as a Jedi, he really seemed like he was on track to become the best ever. But then, things went horribly wrong. He fell to the dark side and, well, did some terrible things. It’s a really tragic story, but that’s also why I think Anakin has one of the most compelling character arcs in movie history – and why I think he’d do really well in a Star Wars Week showdown.

Yoda

Master Yoda is the wisest and most experienced being in the Star Wars universe. With an unusually high number of midichlorians, he spent centuries on the Jedi High Council, mentoring countless Jedi in the ways of the Force. Yoda is one of the most powerful Force users in the entire story, and he generously shares his knowledge with characters like Luke Skywalker. Even in his later years, when he lived in exile on the swamp planet Dagobah, he remains a beloved figure.

Grogu

Grogu is a young Jedi who survived the devastating events of Order 66 when he was just a baby. Years later, this child, who ages very slowly, travels across the galaxy. He exists between two worlds – raised as a foundling by the Mandalorians, but also possessing powerful abilities as a Force-sensitive Jedi – giving him incredible possibilities for the future. Though new to the Star Wars universe, Grogu has quickly become a beloved character among fans.

The Emperor

Emperor Sheev Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, is considered the ultimate Star Wars villain. He masterminded the downfall of the Jedi and then ruled the galaxy as emperor for almost twenty years. Even after seemingly being defeated by his apprentice, Darth Vader, Palpatine returned in The Rise of Skywalker to cause more chaos. Though completely evil, audiences love how villainous he is, and most Star Wars fans consider him one of the greatest villains ever created.

Rey Skywalker

Rey is the central hero of the Sequel Trilogy, representing a new generation of Jedi. Driven and determined, she rises as the perfect hero for a galaxy lulled into conflict by inaction. Trained by both Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, she ultimately chooses to forge her own path while honoring their memory by taking the name “Skywalker” and finally ending the threat of the Sith.

Din Djarin (aka Mando)

Din Djarin, also called Mando, is a bounty hunter from the Mandalorian culture who operates after the fall of the Empire. He travels from planet to planet on a mission to protect a young child from those who want to exploit his unique abilities. As a dedicated member of a strict Mandalorian group, Mando follows a rigid code called “The Way,” and never takes off his helmet in front of anyone. Though his armor makes him appear stern and unapproachable, Din Djarin is actually a very kind person – unless you cross him.

Chewbacca

Han Solo and Chewbacca are an iconic duo, with Chewbacca acting as Han’s steadfast co-pilot and first mate on the Millennium Falcon. Chewie uses his impressive strength and skill with his bowcaster to help the Rebel Alliance. Despite communicating only through growls and roars, he’s a fan favorite throughout the Skywalker Saga, though it remains to be seen how well he’ll perform in competitive settings.

Princess Leia

Leia Organa, the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, grew up on the planet Alderaan and dedicated herself to continuing her father’s fight against the evil Galactic Empire. After Alderaan was destroyed and she lost everything, Leia became a key leader in the Rebel Alliance, ultimately helping to free the galaxy. Later, she played a similar role in the Resistance’s fight against the First Order, and uniquely, became one of the rare individuals who weren’t Jedi to appear as a Force Ghost after death.

R2-D2

R2-D2 is arguably the most popular droid in the Star Wars universe. This brave and loyal astromech has been a vital companion to iconic heroes like Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars and his son, Luke, in the fight against the Empire. Remarkably, R2-D2 appears in every main Star Wars film, often alongside his friend and fellow droid, C-3PO.

Check Back for New Match-ups Every Day of Star Wars Week

The first round of polls will be available on Monday, May 18th at 12 pm Eastern Time. New polls will open daily at noon ET, and we’ll share the results here the following day.

Round 1, Part 1 Match-Ups

Luke Skywalker vs Padmé
Darth Vader vs Darth Maul
Han Solo vs Lando Calrissian
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Anakin Skywalker

Round 1, Part 2 Match-Ups

Yoda vs Grogu
The Emperor vs Rey Skywalker
Din Djarin vs Chewbacca
Princess Leia vs R2-D2

2026-05-18 16:13