In the vast tapestry of the ever-expanding Star Wars universe, few characters have failed to etch a permanent name for themselves in the stars.
One that comes to mind is Jar Jar Binks from the prequel trilogy. But perhaps the fact that the slapstick-struck Gungan was relegated to a supporting character in subsequent films and TV appearances made sense given his lack of gravitas and emotional resonance.
The same can't be said about Lop, the Lepi Jedi from the Star Wars: Visions episode “Lop & Ochō.” Lop's heartfelt narrative and unique design—she's a rare, rabbit-like species, who flies around on a motorized umbrella with a tiny droid by her side, and wields a Samurai-inspired lightsaber—resonated deeply with fans.
As such, given the evolving landscape of Star Wars, it's worth considering: Could Lop be the next iconic character to lead the saga into new horizons?
Introduced in the anime anthology series Star Wars: Visions, Lop's story unfolds on the planet Tao during the tumultuous Imperial era. An orphaned Lepi, Lop escapes Imperial enslavement and is adopted by the Yasaburō family.
However, this familial bond is tested as the Empire's influence grows, leading to a poignant conflict between tradition and progress, family loyalty, and ideological divides. Lop's journey is not just one of personal discovery but also a reflection of broader themes that have long been central to Star Wars.
“Lop & Ochō” has been praised for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, and though the character was missing from Star Wars: Visions Season 2, fans have expressed a desire to see more of Lop—especially given how the episode ended on a cliffhanger.
A discussion thread on Reddit highlights this sentiment, with one user noting, “Definitely one of the three episodes [“Lop and Ocho”] that I think could easily support a full-length series, and one of the best episodes in general.”
Lop's potential extends beyond her initial appearance. Her character embodies the essence of what makes Star Wars resonate with audiences: the exploration of identity, the struggle against oppression, and the quest for belonging.
Moreover, her non-human lineage challenges the franchise's historical tendency to center human characters, paving the way for more diverse storytelling. As evidenced by characters like Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein/Rosario Dawson)—a Togruta who has become a fan favorite and a central figure in the Star Wars narrative—non-human characters can indeed lead and enrich the saga.
The Star Wars universe is once again at a crossroads. While there are numerous projects in the works, with Disney and Lucasfilm seemingly shifting their focus back to the theatrical side of things over Disney+, whose Star Wars content has been lackluster in recent years (The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Mandalorian Season 3, and The Acolyte), many fans have distanced themselves from the franchise.
The upcoming film set to follow on from the incredibly divisive Skywalker Saga-concluding Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker (2019), which will see the return of Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker, appears to hold very little intrigue for many fans.
Perhaps we've grown tired of seeing the same old faces spearheading the Star Wars franchise, whether it's Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Din Djarin/The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal), or Daisy Ridley (Rey Skywalker). Maybe it's time for a different kind of central protagonist. As such, integrating Lop into the broader canon could offer fresh perspectives and narratives that honor the franchise's legacy while propelling it forward.
Lop's story is ripe for expansion, whether through a dedicated anime series (or live action), appearances in upcoming films, or inclusion in other media formats.
As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, embracing characters like Lop ensures that the galaxy far, far away remains as diverse and captivating as ever.
Would you like to see Lop from “Lop and Ocho” return to Star Wars? Let us know in the comments down below!
