‘Star Wars’ Series Gives New Life to Fan-Favorite Jedi, Could Replace Luke Skywalker

For nearly 50 years, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has been the figurehead of the Star Wars franchise. While many iconic protagonists have followed, with the likes of Ahsoka Tano becoming worthy successors to Luke in terms of popularity, the original Jedi remains the most popular character of them all. But that could be set to change in the coming years.

While the name Cameron Monaghan might not ring a bell for every Star Wars fan out there, the fact that he’s officially returning to the franchise in the upcoming four-part miniseries LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past could be the beginning of a journey that eventually sees him becoming a household name like Luke and Ahsoka.

The Shameless actor, best known to Star Wars gamers as Jedi Cal Kestis from Respawn Entertainment’s “Jedi: Fallen Order” and “Jedi: Survivor” video game titles, will reprise his role in the new follow-up series to last year’s Rebuild the Galaxy left off — a “Multiverse” version of the faraway galaxy where Darth Jar Jar exists and almost anything else goes.

Monaghan joins an impressive voice cast that also includes Gaten Matarazzo, Tony Revolori, Bobby Moynihan, Marsai Martin, Michael Cusack, Ahmed Best, and Mark Hamill, all of whom reprise their respective characters from the first season.

This marks a major milestone for Cal Kestis. While the character has shown up in a “Jedi” spin-off novel and a Star Wars mobile game, this is his first appearance beyond the Respawn titles with Monaghan directly attached.

Fans have been vocal about wanting him to appear in live-action, especially as Lucasfilm has increasingly transitioned animated and game characters into the flesh-and-blood galaxy — just look at Ahsoka, Bo-Katan, and Cad Bane.

Related: Universal Officially Takes Over Disney World’s ‘Star Wars’ Ride

Monaghan himself has even said he’d be open to a live-action Cal Kestis, but only if the story made sense. In interviews last year, he said he wouldn’t want the character to appear just for the sake of it. That makes his LEGO return a low-stakes way to keep the character active while Lucasfilm figures out bigger plans.

Meanwhile, the Star Wars slate remains packed. Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for May 2026, followed by Shawn Levy’s Starfighter in May 2027 with Ryan Gosling in the cockpit. Other projects, including Daisy Ridley’s Rey sequel and Dave Filoni’s Mando-Verse crossover film, are reportedly still in development.

On Disney+, fans are still waiting for Ahsoka Season 2. Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past might not be canon, but seeing Monaghan back as Cal Kestis proves that Lucasfilm hasn’t forgotten the character — and may hint at bigger things ahead.

But could he really rival Luke and Ahsoka? It’s not impossible — after all, the former has been side-lined to make way for the latter. For starters, Luke doesn’t have his own live-action series, but Ahsoka does. And not only that, but Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy previously said that Luke’s future is “uncertain”, while Ahsoka is getting another season.

The four-part animated special arrives September 19 on Disney+.

Would you like to see Cameron Monaghan bring Cal Kestis to life in live-action Star Wars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!