From the Pearl of the Orient Seas to a galaxy far, far away—Filipino talents have continued making waves on the international stage as they take on roles in the Star Wars universe. Recent entries in the sci-fi space opera franchise such as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka and The Acolyte have featured Filipino actors who showed off their acting chops to the world, proving that Filipino talents are world class and beyond.
The force is truly strong with these Filipino actors in the Star Wars universe.
Manny Jacinto
Photo from Disney
Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto was born in Quezon City, Philippines, migrating with his family to Canada at the age of three, where he eventually studied civil engineering. He shifted careers to acting, moving to Los Angeles and landing small roles in series like Supernatural and iZombie. His big break came in 2016 when he was cast as the lovable himbo Jason Mendoza in the comedy series The Good Place.
Jacinto’s character in The Acolyte is known simply as The Stranger—a mysterious Sith Lord and the main antagonist of the series. The Stranger was initially a padawan who was cast aside by his master. He eventually embraced the dark side and was trained by Sith Lord Darth Plagueis. Now looking for his own apprentice, The Stranger goes by the fake name “Qimir,” pretending to be a former arms smuggler as his cover.
Through his performance as the impenetrable stranger, Jacinto made this season of The Acolyte one worth remembering, and adding yet again to the roster of terrifying Sith Lords in the Star Wars universe.
Jacob Glenn Aquino
Still from Disney
The next person on our list of talented Filipinos to join the Star Wars universe is Jacob Glenn Aquino. A Filipino-born American actor and cinematographer, Aquino previously landed small roles in various shorts, series and movies including Cult Fiction, Smosh: The Movie, and Sex Sent Me to the ER. He is also a cinematographer, with credits in short films such as Repercussions, Leveling Up and Power of Attorney.
Aquino played the role of a bounty hunter in the third episode of The Mandalorian—a Star Wars series that follows the journey of a lone gunfighter as he navigates the lawless galaxy after the fall of the Galactic Empire. While he did not have a speaking role in the series, he played the stoic bounty hunter to a tee, working with other bounty hunters to outnumber the titular Mandalorian in a shootout scene for the ages.
Eugene Cordero
Photo from Disney
Known for his comedic roles and improv chops, Filipino-American actor, writer, and comedian Eugene Cordero has been in series and movies such as Kong: Skull Island, Tacoman FD and Loki. With over 137 acting credits to his name, Cordero’s talent as a versatile actor allowed him to explore other film genres, such as science fiction, which led him to the Star Wars universe.
Cordero made an appearance in the fourth episode of The Mandalorian, where he played Stoke—a Krill-farmer who lives in a small village on the planet Sorgan. The straightforward role had Cordero asking the Mandalorian to deal with raiders taking their town’s harvest. While a small role in the grand scheme of things, Stoke helped The Mandalorian and Cara Dune fend off attacks from Klatooinian raiders, which helped save their small village. Who says only jedi and bounty hunters can be heroes?
Diana Lee Inosanto
Photo from Disney
Last, but definitely not least is the internationally renowned Diana Lee Inosanto. She is known as an actor, director and martial artist. Diana is the daughter of Filipino martial arts legend Dan Inosanto, and it shows given her extensive experience as a stunt performer, fight choreographer and martial arts trainer in various films such as Blade, Hulk and Resident Evil: Apocalypse.
With her background in martial arts, Diana made her grand entry into the Star Wars universe as the formidable Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth, a member of the Nightsisters who wishes to restore Admiral Thrawn to power. Inosanto portrayed the magistrate in the second season of The Mandalorian in 2020, the first season of Ahsoka in 2023, and most recently in Star Wars: Tales of the Empire in 2024, showing the lasting impression and legacy she has made in her role.
The force is truly undeniable with Filipino actors’ world-class talent as they captivate audiences from different countries and beyond. Which Filipino actor would you like to see in the Star Wars universe? Share your answers with us in the comments section below!