Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is one of the more anticipated sequels in the Star Wars franchise in a long time. Cal Kestis returns five years later, still battling the Empire alongside old friends and new ones. We know some characters that appear, but what about the newcomers? Who could potentially appear based on everything we know about the franchise? Let’s take a closer look ahead of its launch on April 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.
Cere Junda
Present in the first game and the novel Jedi: Battle Scars, Cere Junda started as a Jedi Padawan, just like Cal. She would become a Jedi Knight and Seeker, taking on Trilla Suduri as an apprentice. Unfortunately, when Order 66 happened, the two fought to survive and protect several Jedi younglings. Cere was eventually captured and tortured, leading to Trilla being captured and turned into an Inquisitor. Cere would then turn to the Dark Side in her rage and escape before severing her connection to the Force, and the rest is history.
At the end of Jedi: Fallen Order, Cere would take up the mantle of Jedi Knight once more. After making amends with Trilla (who unfortunately died), she and Cal would battle Darth Vader before eventually escaping Fortress Inquisitorius. In Jedi: Survivor, her appearance and attire are pretty different, and the lack of footage of her fighting seems to imply a more passive approach this time. Nevertheless, she still supports and cares for Cal and the Mantis crew.
BD-1
Even before the announcement trailer for Jedi: Survivor, BD-1’s return seemed a given. As Cal’s companion throughout Jedi: Fallen Order, he dispenses Stim Packs, surveys surroundings and enemies, and helps to rappel down ziplines. It’s hard to predict his abilities and eventual fate in the sequel, but one hopes he makes it out unscathed.
Greez Dritus
The beloved captain of the Stinger Mantis returns with some extra wear and tear than some may remember. Meeting with Cere Junda after Order 66, serving as a cook and pilot, he was enlisted to help restore the Jedi Order, which involved finding Eno Cordova’s holocron.
The duo eventually met Cal Kestis on Bracca, and after much adventuring – including a run-in with the Haxion Brood syndicate that Greez owed money to – they found the holocron. Even with their mission complete, the group stayed together and continued their journey on the Mantis.
In Jedi: Battle Scars, they would encounter the Fifth Brother on Murkana. After Cal was rendered unconscious in their fight, Cere fought the Inquisitor while Greez tried to help Cal. In the middle of the chaos, the Fifth Brother attempted to kill Cal, but Greez jumped in between, losing his arm. Cere held the Fifth Brother at bay, revived Cal, and the two retreated to help Greez. He has a robot arm in Jedi: Survivor but appears as endearing as ever.
Merrin
Part of the Nightsisters on Dathomir, Merrin is a survivor of the Clone Wars and believed the Jedi to be responsible (though it was actually General Grievous) due to the manipulation of Taron Malicos. When Cal arrived and went up against Malicos, Merrin realized the deception but sought to attack both. Eventually, she would side with Cal upon learning of his past. After defeating Malicos, she joined the crew of the Mantis and helped them find the holocron.
In Jedi: Battle Scars, she helps Cal fight against the Fifth Brother, catching the latter’s Lightsaber in her hand. With the latest story trailer for Jedi: Survivor, which sees Merrin using what seems to be Force Push, it’s assumed that she has some affinity with the Force. Regardless, she’s still a close ally to Cal, helping in battles as an AI companion.
Possible High Republic Jedi
The most mysterious character teased thus far, this Jedi was seen in the very first trailer, hanging out in a bacta tank. Subsequent trailers see him with Rayvis, and upon meeting Cal, he blames him for letting “the galaxy fall to this unworthy machine of an Empire.” Several fans have noted the High Republic logo on his clothes and the Lightsaber on his belt, so there’s no doubt of his Jedi origins. But given the age of the High Republic, what exactly is he doing in the Jedi: Survivor era, and what are his plans? Time will tell.
Rayvis
Seemingly allied with his unknown Jedi is Rayvis, a member of the Gen’Dai. Nearly annihilated by the Sith Empire thousands of years ago, they have a very long lifespan, which can lead to psychosis. Despite having a large frame, Gen’Dai actually don’t have a form due to the lack of bones and use armor to encase themselves. Rayvis is part of the Bedlam Raiders, potentially leading them as he orders Cal killed. Though there is respect for the latter’s strength, one has to wonder about his association with the Jedi from the bacta tank.
Bode Akuna
For all his appearances till now, Bode Akuna is probably as mysterious as the unknown Jedi seen in the bacta tank. Yes, he’s a mercenary and allies with Cal Kestis and the Mantis crew, but that’s all we know. The developer said he and Cal have a “special bond,” and they’re “almost like” brothers. Bode also helps out in combat occasionally, using blasters and a jetpack. One hopes his story (or lack thereof, so far) doesn’t lead to a surprise betrayal at some point, but you can never be too sure.
Darth Vader
Appearing at the end of Jedi: Fallen Order and pretty much stealing the show, Darth Vader needs no introduction. He dispensed Cal and felt slightly perturbed by Cere. You could argue that the two managed to escape and that Vader let them live. Around the same year as Jedi: Survivor, he’s dealing with Obi-Wan Kenobi, so it’s unknown whether he has time to battle Cal and his friends again. Nevertheless, a rematch, this time with Cal being stronger, would be amazing.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Former master to Anakin Skywalker, the legendary Jedi Knight received his own Disney+ TV show recently, coincidentally taking place around the same time as Jedi: Survivor. It led some to believe he could run into Cal Kestis at some point in the game. While nothing is confirmed, there have been subtle hints.
Ewan McGregor, who plays Kenobi on the show, said that director Deborah Chow knows how everything is connected. “Because now Star Wars has become, it’s the movies, but it’s also TV shows, it’s computer games, it’s novels, it’s cartoon books, comics, and all of the storylines have to sort of match up. You can’t have some fact in the video game that doesn’t match up to the movie.
“So, I would be out to sea but she was amazing at knowing all of that stuff and guiding the writers as well with that,” he said on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Again, not hard confirmation, but it’s interesting that video games when the most recent one that could tie into the show is Jedi: Survivor.
Emperor Palpatine
It’s pure speculation but fun all the same. How could you possibly top Cal Kestis battling Darth Vader? Have him encounter the Emperor as well. Maybe Palpatine recognizes Cal’s abilities and tries to recruit him to the Dark Side. He’s probably pulling the strings with the Imperial Senator that Cal makes a “dangerous deal” with, just to mess with him. Whatever the case, it would be cool to see Palpatine wreaking havoc.
Darth Maul
As strange as it sounds, Darth Maul is another possible antagonist that could appear. Not only is he somewhat connected to Merrin (with Talzin being his mother), but he is alive around the same time Jedi: Survivor takes place. XboxEra co-founder Nick Backer reported the possibility based on rumors heard in 2021, and while that may have changed, it would certainly be a crazy moment for Cal to go one-on-one with Darth Maul.
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