Hondo Ohnaka Confirmed to Return in Upcoming Star Wars Project, Says Jim Cummings

Looks like everyone’s favorite space pirate might be making a comeback—and no, it’s not a smuggler’s tall tale this time. Jim Cummings, the legendary voice behind Hondo Ohnaka, has officially spilled the space beans: the Weequay outlaw is returning to the Star Wars galaxy in an upcoming project. That’s right, Hondo’s back, and he’s bringing the chaos with him.

In a recent interview with ComicBookMovie.com, Cummings casually confirmed, “I did the facial recognition for Hondo Ohnaka for an upcoming project, so stay tuned [for] that.” (source)

While details about the project remain securely locked behind an Imperial-level security firewall, the confirmation is enough to stir excitement across hyperspace. This development marks the first time Hondo has been confirmed for a new appearance since his role in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Parks, and before that, Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars.

Who Is Hondo Ohnaka, Again?

For anyone who might’ve missed a few holovids: Hondo Ohnaka is a space pirate, occasional freedom fighter, and all-around charming rogue who first appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to his unpredictable behavior, morally gray choices, and Jim Cummings’ pitch-perfect vocal performance that walks a tightrope between dangerous and delightful.

By the time he appeared in Star Wars Rebels, Hondo had upgraded (or maybe just sideways-graded) from pirate lord to semi-legit smuggler and sometimes ally to Ezra Bridger and the Ghost crew. He’s the kind of character who could double-cross you mid-mission and then help you escape the mess he just caused. Classic Hondo.

Why Facial Recognition Is a Big Deal

Cummings has voiced Hondo for over a decade, but this time, he’s not just lending his vocal cords. The mention of facial recognition suggests a more involved role, possibly a CGI character built using motion capture or photorealistic animation.

This opens up a few possibilities. Are we talking about a return in an animated series like Tales of the Empire? Could it be a surprise cameo in a live-action show such as The Mandalorian or Skeleton Crew? Maybe even a video game like Star Wars Outlaws? Given that Ubisoft’s upcoming title already features plenty of underworld action, it’s not out of the question.

What Project Could This Be?

So far, Lucasfilm has kept a tight lid on what’s coming next. But let’s speculate responsibly. Hondo Ohnaka fits snugly into any story dealing with smugglers, bounty hunters, or fringe elements of the galaxy. He could pop up in:

• Skeleton Crew – The show promises a band of lost kids navigating the galaxy. Hondo helping (or hindering) them? Sounds like gold.
• The Mandalorian Season 4 – With pirates already a major theme in Season 3, bringing in the galaxy’s most charismatic pirate makes perfect sense.
• Star Wars Outlaws – Hondo in a game where you play as a scoundrel-type character? Yes, please.
• Animated anthology projects – Tales of the Empire or a potential Tales of the Underworld? It’s a sandbox built for Hondo.

Why Hondo Still Matters

Let’s face it—Star Wars has no shortage of serious, brooding characters and galaxy-ending stakes. Hondo brings levity without being a joke. He’s got depth, but he’s also the guy who’ll steal your ship and then give it back because he likes you.

Characters like him help round out the galaxy. They make it feel lived-in, chaotic, and unpredictable—like a place where the line between hero and villain isn’t a line at all, but more of a squiggly suggestion.

He also serves a critical narrative role: the morally ambiguous middleman. In a world often reduced to Jedi vs. Sith or Empire vs. Rebellion, Hondo represents the gray areas that many fans crave. He’s not here to save the day—he’s here to make a profit. If he happens to save the day in the process? Well, even better.

Jim Cummings: The Voice Behind the Pirate

Jim Cummings is one of those rare talents whose voice practically has its own IMDb page. From Winnie the Pooh to Darkwing Duck, he’s been an icon across generations. His portrayal of Hondo is layered and expressive, blending humor, menace, and unexpected heart. That he’s doing facial recognition now shows Lucasfilm trusts him not just as a voice but as the embodiment of Hondo.

And honestly, who else could pull that off? Cummings is Hondo.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for Hondo Mayhem

While the project remains officially unnamed, one thing is clear: Hondo Ohnaka is returning, and that can only mean trouble—the fun kind. Whether he shows up in a show, a game, or a secret smuggler’s podcast (hey, it could happen), Hondo’s reappearance is a welcome reminder that the Star Wars galaxy still has room for unpredictable pirates with hearts of not-quite-gold.

One can only hope that when he returns, he opens with something like: “Hello, my friends! It is I, Hondo Ohnaka, and I am here to… uh, liberate your valuables!”

Whatever form it takes, it’s safe to say the next Star Wars chapter just got a whole lot more interesting.

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