Star Wars’ Jimmy Smits Shares Thoughts On Whether He Could Return As Bail Organa

Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) stares on in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

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The Star Wars universe is filled with a plethora of amazing characters, some having had bigger roles than others. Sure, fans are likely familiar with the likes of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo or Emperor Palpatine. Yet the franchise also has some strong supporting characters, including Senator Bail Organa, played by the incomparable Jimmy Smits. It’s been a little while since Smits has been in the galaxy far, far away, and it would be nice to see him there again. But what does he think about a potential return to the galactic franchise?

Jimmy Smits has had quite the career, amassing numerous credits and recently (and rightfully earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a result. Within his vast body of work, his Star Wars role is definitely one of his most well-known performances. As Smits keeps busy with other movies like action thriller The Tax Collector and acclaimed musical In the Heights, Star Wars is still going strong. So when asked about reprising the role of Bail Organa, he shared some brief, yet honest, thoughts with Yahoo!:

Now that it’s been Disneyfied, there’s possibilities of that universe continuing. Who knows?

In the age of the “Disneyfied” Star Wars, just about anything is possible at this point. The franchise is gradually growing in different directions -- with some directions that don’t necessarily involve the big screen. So while Jimmy Smits doesn’t necessarily shoot down the idea of a return, he does seem to be somewhat unsure given the fluid nature of the property.

Jimmy Smits’ Bail Organa made his Star Wars debut in 2002’s Attack of the Clones and returned in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. Established as a senator from the planet Alderaan, Organa would become a key ally of the Jedi and senator Padmé Amidala. Following the collapse of the Galactic Republic, he became one of the founding members of the Rebel Alliance and adopted Amidala’s baby daughter, Leia Organa. Smits also returned to the role in 2016’s Rogue One. The aforementioned films can be streamed on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.

The actor’s return in Rogue One is firm evidence that no character is off limits during this new era in Star Wars’ history. Bail Organa could easily show up in another standalone movie, either in a leading or supporting role. He could also appear in the same capacities on a Disney+ TV series. Recent rumors even linked the actor to the steamer’s Cassian Andor show though, in a separate interview, Jimmy Smits dispelled those reports.

There’s still plenty to be explored when it comes to Bail Organa, and it seems Jimmy Smits is game for the opportunity. I don’t know about all of you, but I like the sound of an Alderaan-set show that sees Organa fighting figurative (and literal) battles for the Rebel Alliance while raising his adopted daughter.

Erik Swann
Senior Content Producer

Erik Swann is a Senior Content Producer at CinemaBlend. He began working with the publication in 2020 when he was hired as Weekend Editor. Today, he continues to write, edit and handle social media responsibilities over the weekend. On weekdays, he also writes TV and movie-related news and helps out with editing and social media as needed. He graduated from the University of Maryland, where he received a degree in Broadcast Journalism. After shifting into multi-platform journalism, he started working as a freelance writer and editor before joining CB. Covers superheroes, sci-fi, comedy, and almost anything else in film and TV. He eats more pizza than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.