EXCLUSIVE Rena Owen breaks silence on THAT surprise Bad Batch death, dream Star Wars comeback - and why George Lucas loved her 'ordinary' approach
She became a cult favourite in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones as the elegant alien Taun We.
But now Rena Owen is opening up about her wildest fan encounter, emotional character death, and dream return to the galaxy far, far away.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia ahead of her appearance at Supanova Comic Con, the Once Were Warriors star, 62, revealed fans still can't get enough of her character – and some of them take it to the next level.
'I had someone come up to me and say, 'I hope you don't think I'm weird, but I think Taun We is the sexiest alien I've ever seen in a movie,' Rena laughed. 'And honestly? I took that as a total compliment!'
Owen, who physically portrayed the Kaminoan aide in Attack of the Clones, says many fans don't realise it was her entire performance - not just her voice.
'It was my walking, my talking, my energy, my sensuality. The original character was quite androgynous, but after my take, they gave Taun We a headband and an earring. They feminised her because of me!'
But it wasn't all fun and flirtation. When Lucasfilm recently killed off Taun We in The Bad Batch, fans were furious - and Rena was devastated too.
'Originally, they weren't going to kill her off – but they told me they had to eliminate a character fans cared about to elevate the season finale. And wow, it worked. I've never had more media headlines or fan outrage!'
Still, she's hoping that death could pave the way for a brand new role.
'I said to the director, 'Well, I guess this means I can come back as someone else!' I would love to be in a new Star Wars series or movie. That's my dream now – to act in scenes with Yoda. I've got plush Yodas all over my house!'
She even joked that she might need a fan petition to make it happen.
'Let's get Rena Owen back in Star Wars – new role, new galaxy, new character. I'm ready!'
While her Star Wars fame continues to grow with each new generation, Rena admitted she only became aware of the franchise's global cult following after attending conventions.
And if being part of one major franchise wasn't enough, Rena will soon be seen in another – Disney's live-action Moana, set for release in July 2026
'I didn't grow up with Star Wars. I grew up a country bumpkin milking cows. It wasn't until I started doing conventions that I realised it was like a religion.'
That included her very first time working with George Lucas, which she remembers fondly.
'I had no idea what universe I was stepping into – so I just treated him like a regular guy. I'd be like, 'Hey George, what are you having for brekkie?' And he loved that. I think extraordinary people like being treated ordinary.'
Rena says the Star Wars creator kept her close after their first collaboration, even casting her again in Revenge of the Sith.
'If filmmakers like you, they bring you back. That's how it works. But by then I was much more self-conscious. The magic of Episode II was just being a big kid, full of joy.'
And if being part of one major franchise wasn't enough, Rena will soon be seen in another – Disney's live-action Moana, set for release in July 2026.
'Every single person you'll see on screen is of Polynesian descent,' she said proudly.
'It's historic. When I grew up, there were no brown faces on our TVs. Now I get young actors saying, 'You and Temuera Morrison opened the door for us.' That means everything.'
As for the rest of us? If you happen to be Rena's dentist, optician, or Uber driver – you might just walk away with a signed Taun We action figure.
'Sometimes people don't believe it's me – I had to prove it to my eye specialist recently! So now I keep a few action figures to give away as gifts. We're all just big kids, after all.'
And if there's one thing she hopes fans take away from meeting her?
'Never lose your magic. The source of our creativity is our inner child – and if you lose your common touch, you lose your magic.'
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