Maz Kanata

A diminutive orange-skinned alien with an enormous pair of goggles, Maz Kanata operates as one of the galaxy’s most well-connected smugglers and information brokers. Born over a thousand years before the Battle of Yavin, she has witnessed the rise and fall of countless governments, accumulating wisdom, artifacts, and debts across the galaxy. Her ancient castle on the verdant world of Takodana serves as a neutral meeting ground where pirates, smugglers, and rebels conduct business under her watchful protection.

Despite her diminutive stature, the centuries-old pirate commands respect through her extensive network of contacts and her mysterious connection to the Force. She claims no allegiance to Jedi or Sith philosophies, instead viewing the Force as a guide that helps her navigate the complex political landscape of galactic conflict. Her castle houses an impressive collection of lightsabres and other Force-sensitive artifacts, including Luke Skywalker’s lost weapon that eventually finds its way to Rey.

When the First Order destroys her ancient stronghold, she transitions from neutral observer to active participant in galactic affairs. The attack forces her to abandon her traditional role as a behind-the-scenes facilitator and openly support the Resistance against the emerging threat. Her vast knowledge of the galaxy’s hidden corners and forgotten histories proves invaluable to the Resistance’s struggle, whilst her personal connections help coordinate support across multiple star systems.

Lupita Nyong’o brings warmth and gravitas to the motion-capture performance, creating a character who balances maternal wisdom with the cunning of a seasoned criminal. Through subtle vocal work and physicality, she transforms the digitally-created alien into a memorable mentor figure who bridges the gap between the original trilogy’s legacy and the sequel trilogy’s new generation of heroes.