Hondo Ohnaka has done it all—smuggling, pirating, and even teaming up with Jedi when it suits him.
But behind the charm and bravado, there are some fascinating layers to this Weequay pirate. Here are five facts about Hondo that you probably didn’t know.
Table of Contents
5. Hondo Ohnaka’s Movie References
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hondo Ohnaka’s character design and backstory is the clever nods to iconic Lucasfilm and Disney properties hidden throughout his appearances.
If you’re a fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars or love catching subtle Easter eggs, you might already know that the creators love weaving in references to films.
His yacht, Fortune and Glory, is named after a line from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, tying Hondo’s adventurous spirit to Indy’s treasure-seeking vibe.
Even the speeder bikes used by his pirate gang draw inspiration from Mad Max, thanks to George Lucas and concept artist Thang Le.
And let’s not forget Kiera Swan, a Weequay bounty hunter whose name and backstory nod to Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean.
4. Hondo Ohnaka and His Mischievous Pets
When you think of Hondo Ohnaka, scheming pirates and wild adventures probably come to mind. But did you know his pirate gang also includes some unusual “helpers”?
Hondo keeps two Kowakian monkey-lizards, Pilf and Pikk Mukmuk, who aren’t just there for comic relief.
These mischievous creatures are pros at pouring drinks and, more impressively, swiping lightsabers from unsuspecting Jedi and Sith.
Their names are a playful nod to their skills—“Pilf” and “Pikk” reflect their knack for pilfering and pickpocketing.
And if monkey-lizards weren’t enough, Hondo’s crew also brings out the big guns with Massiffs—spiked guard dogs ready to handle any unwanted visitors with their deadly bite.
Here’s a fun twist for fans of The Clone Wars: Pikk Mukmuk was voiced by Matt Lanter, the same actor who brought Anakin Skywalker to life in the series. Who knew a monkey-lizard could have such star power?
3. Hondo Ohnaka’s Surprising Love Life
Hondo Ohnaka may be a pirate, but even rogues have a softer side. Before the events of The Clone Wars, Hondo had a romantic connection with none other than the infamous bounty hunter Aurra Sing.
Yes, the same Aurra Sing known for her ruthless demeanor and high-stakes jobs. Their relationship is one of those unexpected bits of lore that makes Hondo’s character even more layered and intriguing.
Did Hondo attend Aurra’s funeral after Tobias Beckett ended her story? That’s a mystery only the galaxy knows.
But knowing Hondo, he probably had a charming quip for the occasion, whether he was there or not.
Here’s a cool detail you might not know: Hondo’s office on Florrum wasn’t just a product of imagination—it mirrored the famously messy workspace of supervising director Dave Filoni.
4. Tough Enough for the Galaxy’s Roughest Jobs
Weequays, like Hondo Ohnaka and his band of pirates, are perfectly suited for life on the edge. Their tough, leathery skin isn’t just rugged—it actually gives them natural resistance to blaster fire.
That’s right, when things get messy (and they often do in Hondo’s line of work), they can take a hit and keep going.
But that’s not all. Their recessed eyes are designed to handle harsh environments, which makes surviving on brutal planets like Florrum a little easier.
With sulfurous geysers and barren terrain, Florrum isn’t for the faint of heart—but for Weequays, it’s just another day at the office.
It’s no wonder they take on some of the galaxy’s most dangerous gigs. Pirates, bounty hunters, bodyguards—if it’s risky, you’ll probably find a Weequay doing it, and doing it well.
When you’ve got Hondo as your captain, tough isn’t just a trait—it’s a necessity.
5. Their Name Has a Literary Origin
The Weequay species’ name has a surprisingly literary backstory, rooted in the classic novel Moby Dick. The name comes from Queequeg, the harpooner character from Herman Melville’s iconic tale.
During the production of Return of the Jedi, the species—including the character seen prodding Luke Skywalker onto Jabba’s sail barge plank—was originally referred to as “Queequeg.”
It wasn’t until decades later that this character was officially named Pagetti Rook.
Pagetti Rook, wielding a vibro-ax, became a staple image of Jabba’s entourage. Behind the scenes, bringing the Weequay to life was no small feat.
Actors wore intricate costumes designed by Nilo Rodis-Jamero, with latex heads that were both hot and heavy.
To keep these elaborate designs in place during intense action sequences, the costumes included harnesses that looped under the arms and secured around the chest.
In the scorching 100-degree heat of Buttercup Valley, the velcro-secured heads had to be removed regularly just to let the actors breathe.