3 Best Recast Characters in Disney Canon

It’s never easy to step into the boots of a Star Wars icon, and as a fan, I totally get it. These characters mean so much to me and millions of others, so when it comes to recasting, the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

I’ve seen how brutal fans can be when a recast doesn’t hit the mark, and honestly, I’ve felt that frustration too.

But every now and then, Disney’s Star Wars canon surprises me with a recast that absolutely nails it. These performances pay tribute to the originals while adding a fresh and exciting take that makes me appreciate the character even more.

So, let me share the three best recast characters that I think truly stand out and why they left such an unforgettable impression on me.

Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly)

Genevieve O’Reilly’s portrayal of Mon Mothma in Andor (2022) stands as one of the most compelling recastings in Star Wars history. 

Taking over the role originally brought to life by Caroline Blakiston in Return of the Jedi, O’Reilly not only honors the character’s legacy but also deepens our understanding of the Rebel leader.

In Andor, we witness Mon Mothma navigating the precarious politics of the Galactic Senate while secretly orchestrating the Rebellion. 

O’Reilly’s performance brings a layered vulnerability to the character, showing the sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by someone leading a covert uprising. This nuance adds depth to Mon Mothma’s legacy, transforming her from a figurehead of the Rebellion into a fully realized character.

By exploring her personal struggles and political maneuvering, O’Reilly’s portrayal gives audiences a closer look at the human cost of rebellion, making Mon Mothma’s journey all the more poignant.

Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich)

I remember sitting down to watch Solo: A Star Wars Story and thinking, “Can anyone really take over Han Solo after Harrison Ford?” 

It’s a tough act to follow, but Alden Ehrenreich brought something fresh to the character. He didn’t just try to copy Ford’s iconic swagger—he made young Han his own.

From the moment I saw him on screen, I could tell Ehrenreich understood what made Han Solo tick: that mix of charm, wit, and a little recklessness. 

Watching him forge his first bond with Chewbacca and learning to navigate the galaxy as an up-and-coming smuggler felt like a real look into Han’s origins. Sure, it wasn’t Harrison Ford, but Ehrenreich didn’t have to be—he found a way to honor the character while showing us a new side of Han.

Moments like his first piloting of the Millennium Falcon or his banter with Tobias Beckett really sold me on this younger, scrappier version of the Han Solo we all know and love. 

It was a bold move to recast such a legendary role, but I think Ehrenreich delivered a performance that stood out in its own way.

Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover)

Talking about Solo: A Star Wars Story, we can’t overlook the iconic character with a fresh face. 

When I heard Donald Glover was cast as Lando Calrissian, a role originally brought to life by Billy Dee Williams, I couldn’t wait to see his take on it. And honestly? He absolutely delivered.

Glover didn’t just capture Lando’s unmistakable charm—he added depth to it. Watching him glide through the galaxy with effortless charisma felt like seeing the same Lando I grew up with, but with an exciting new energy.

Whether he was winning at Sabacc or flaunting the Millennium Falcon, Glover completely owned the role.

What impressed me most was how Glover brought new dimensions to Lando’s character. Beneath the suave exterior and extravagant style, you could sense the sharp mind of a schemer, always one step ahead. 

And his connection with L3-37 offered a more personal glimpse of Lando—showing a side that was both caring and complex.