10 things you didn't know about the background characters in the iconic 'Star Wars' cantina scene

Jason Guerrasio
·4 min read
Cantina scene in "Star Wars: A New Hope." Lucasfilm
  • The scene is known as the first time we set eyes on Han Solo and Chewbacca.

  • But there are many other interesting characters in the cantina scene.

  • Here are 10 others who were in the cantina the day Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi walked in.

  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

BoShek is a faster pilot than Han Solo.

BoShek final
This pilot has the record for the Kessel Run after Han and Chewie broke it. StarWars.com/Lucasfilm

This Corellian smuggler (who dabbled a little in The Force) is distinctly known for introducing Obi-Wan to the Millennium Falcon's first mate, Chewbacca. But Obi-Wan and Luke would have been in good hands if BoShek decided to take them to Alderaan.

He set a new record for the Kessel Run before his meeting with the Jedi that day. Taking bragging rights from Solo and Chewbacca, who were the previous record holders. Though Solo still boasted his feat when he met Luke and Obi-Wan.

Wuher The Bartender doesn't want to deal with droids or blasters.

Wuher final
A bartender who doesn't want to know your name. StarWars.com/Lucasfilm

This gruff fellow is known for not allowing droids in the establishment and takes cover when a blaster is drawn.

Ackmena the Bartender does the night shift.

ackmena final
Supposedly Ackmena was in the backroom of the bar that day. Lucasfilm

The night shift at the cantina was overseen by Ackmena. We saw her in the now-infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special" played by "Golden Girls" great Bea Arthur. Legend has it the day Luke and Obi-Wan were in the cantina she was in the backroom.

Ackmena was more liked at the cantina than, Wuher, the bartender during the day.

Dannik Jerriko was also seeking out Solo that day.

Dannik final
Always down for a good smoke. YouTube/Lucasfilm

This assassin and bounty hunter is remembered best for enjoying his hookah during the cantina scene. But according to "Star Wars" lore, he's a species that feeds on the brains of other lifeforms and on that particular day had an interest in making Solo his next victim.

Cornelius Evazan's bullying ways ends after meeting Luke.

Evazan final
Meet the good doctor. YouTube/Lucasfilm

Better known as "Doctor Evazan," because he was a mad surgeon with an interest in experimenting on his patients, that hobby led to a death sentence on 12 systems. But he picked on the wrong kid when he ran into Luke at the cantina, as Obi-Wan ended his bullying ways when he whipped out his lightsaber.

Garouf Lafoe seeing a Jedi piqued his interest ...

Lafoe final
Not to be trusted. YouTube/Lucasfilm

This free trader who spent his days shipping ice from Adriana to Tatooine was standing at the bar when Obi Wan took down Evazan ...

... Because he was the one who left the cantina to tell a sand trooper standing outside what he witnessed.

Because he's a snitch for the Empire. Star Wars Wiki/Lucasfilm

Debnoli is mad at the Empire because it took his ship.

Without a ship, he wouldn't have been much help to Luke. StarWars.com/Lucasfilm

A smuggler and bounty hunter who frequented the cantina, Debnoli held a grudge against the Galactic Empire for impounding his ship.

Danz Borin might be the best-dressed pilot at the bar that day.

A confident fellow with a unique style. StarWars.com/Lucasfilm

If you look hard enough you'll find this patron in the space helmet. It's not certain if he couldn't breathe in the Tatooine atmosphere or this was a style choice, what we do know is Danz always bragged about being a top-flight pilot.

Karolyn D'ulin and Shada D'ukal have an interesting backstory.

dulin dukal final
Sisters with secrets. StarWars.com/Lucasfilm

These two mercenaries from the Mistryl Shadow Guard ended up on Tatooine while on the run from the Empire after stealing a prototype of the Death Star's super laser. They were in the cantina, disguised as con artists the Tonnika sisters, with the hopes of finding a freighter to help them transport the prototype laser.

Jenny has an eye for pilots.

Jenny final

Known to hang around the cantina with an eye for pilots, early test footage from "A New Hope" shows her kissing Solo before Luke and Obi-Wan show up at his table. Jenny's smooch with Han was cut, but the test footage has surfaced on the internet.

Here's a glimpse:

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