Filmmaker (and prominent Star Wars fan) Kevin Smith even referred to the Ewoks as the original trilogy’s “cross to bear,” comparing them to Jar-Jar Binks. Following the release of Return of the Jedi, the critters starred in two live-action TV prequels ( The Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor ) and an animated series which transformed them into a magical Care Bear pastiche.ĭespite their apparent popularity with general audiences, the Ewoks did not receive the best reception from the more ardent fanbase. They sheltered the heroes of the Rebellion and fought in the climactic ground battle⁠-and they helped lead the victory celebration. As depicted in Return of the Jedi, Endor was one of the final theaters in the war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance and while they were a late addition to the coalition against Emperor Palpatine’s totalitarian regime, the Ewoks played a crucial part. Illustration by Audrey Estok ( Ewoks are a species of miniature, bipedal, shamanistic bears whose Neolithic civilization of tree-canopy villages seemingly span their entire world, the forest moon of Endor.

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