May the 4th is Star Wars Day, and that means new content and announcements for the galaxy far, far away. This year, the most anticipated debut during Star Wars Day is the premiere of the new animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, which will stream on Disney+. The Bad Batch is a group of four clones that were genetically defective, resulting in desirable mutations. They were introduced during Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ final season as a special operations unit when they helped rescue a captured clone named Echo. After his rescue, Echo joined their group and became the fifth member of the Bad Batch.
The new series will follow Clone Force 99 as they struggle to adapt to their changing world after the execution of Order 66. However, all signs seem to indicate that they did not participate in the infamous order that killed most of the Jedi in the galaxy. In the second trailer, Admiral Tarkin says, “I want Clone Force 99 found and wiped out.” As traitors, they are enemies of the state and will be forced to run from the growing influence of Palpatine’s new Empire and find a new way of life. Here are the members of the Bad Batch and their possible allies and enemies.
Hunter
The commanding officer for the Bad Batch is Sargent Hunter. His mutation allows him to perceive things around him through electromagnetic signals, which helps with terrain reconnaissance, enemy positioning and battlefield tactics. Hunter wears a modified version of the Katarn-class Commando Armor and a Phase II helmet, and he uses a DC-17 hand blaster. But, he mostly prefers to close the distance with his opponents and take them out at close range with his vibro-knife. Like all of the clones in the series, he will be voiced by Dee Bradley Baker.
Crosshair
Crosshair is the sniper for the elite Clone Force 99, and his genetically mutated eyesight allows him to be highly effective in that role. Crosshair’s weapon of choice is his 733 Firepuncher rifle, and he even cut a section out of his Phase II helmet to accommodate its targeting scope. As a specialist clone and as a sniper, Crosshair holds a particular dislike for regular clones and has a generally standoffish personality. A recent toy of a Black Series Crosshair toy seems to spoil that he will defect from his squad and join an elite Imperial force, possibly becoming a direct antagonist for his former friends.
Tech
As his name indicates, Tech is the brains of Clone Force 99. He is highly intelligent and proficient with anything technological. Tech’s heavily modified scout trooper armor has a computer terminal in the wrist that allows him to calculate trajectory, record sounds and translate other languages on the spot. He also wears a unique helmet that has a visor with a computer display built in. Tech’s genetic mutations caused him to be smaller and less confrontational than most of the clones around him, but that does not mean that he is not proficient in combat with his pair of DC-17 hand blasters.
Wrecker
Wrecker is the brawn behind the Bad Batch. His mutations give him exceptional size and strength, and accordingly, he routinely uses his bare hands to dispatch battle droids. Wrecker’s blaster is a DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System, and he also carries a big knife. Like other members of his unit, he wears a modified set of Katarn-class Commando Armor, but he requires a specialized helmet to fit his large head. For Wrecker, destroying droids is a game, not a job, and he often has competitions with Crosshair to see who can cause more mechanical destruction.
Echo
Designated CT-1409, Echo was originally part of Domino squad and joined the 501st Legion after his training days. His persistence and loyalty to the Republic allowed him to attain the rank of ARC trooper. However, during a mission to Lola Sayu, Echo was presumed dead after the shuttle he was defending was destroyed. Later, he was found to be alive and captured by the Techno Union, which was using the Republic battle strategies inside of his head to help the Separatist armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Clone Force 99 were able to rescue him, and his ability to infiltrate computer terminals allowed them to escape and win the Battle of Anaxes. Following the battle, Echo decided to join the Bad Batch and become its fifth member.
Omega
There has been much speculation over who exactly Omega is. Notably, she has blonde hair and wears a Kaminoan headpiece. Omega first appears on the cloning world of Kamino during The Bad Batch’s second trailer where she shows that she knows, or even idolizes, the members of Clone Force 99. One theory states that she is a female clone, while another goes so far as to suggest that she is the final clone of the Jango Fett line. Either way, Hunter offers her a place on his crew as they go on the run from the Empire.
Captain Rex
Captain Rex was one of the main characters in The Clone Wars serving in the GAR alongside Jedi General Anakin Skywalker. Rex was with Ashoka Tano following the Siege of Mandalore when Palpatine executed Order 66. The former Jedi was able to survive and remove Rex’s inhibitor chip. Together, they escaped, running from the shadow of the Empire. Rex was in the trailer for The Bad Batch, so he should be in the series but to what extent is unclear. Hopefully, the series will show how he meets up with Gregor and Wolfe.
Tarkin
Tarkin served as a captain under Master Even Piell until the Jedi’s death. He was a favorite of Palpatine and his favor, along with Tarkin’s ambition, allowed the Eriadu native to quickly climb the bureaucratic and military ladders. During The Bad Batch timeline, he holds the rank of Admiral, from which he seems to be spearheading the hunt for the rogue members of Clone Force 99. He will be voiced in the series by Stephen Stanton.
Saw Gerrera
Saw Gerrera was first introduced in The Clone Wars as a freedom fighter on the planet of Onderon. Anakin Skywalker trained him and his people to defend themselves from the attacking Separatists. Later in Rogue One and Rebels, Gerrera was shown to be a dangerous revolutionary who was willing to risk anything to hurt the Empire. Perhaps his interactions with the the Bad Batch will show how he transformed into such a radical. Andrew Kishino will be the voice behind Gerrera in the series.
Fennec Shand
Fennec Shand is an elite assassin, mercenary and bounty hunter. During the Mandalorian timeline, her reputation preceded her when Din Djarin and Toro Calican attempted to capture her on Tatooine. After Calican left her for dead, Boba Fett saved her and the pair later assisted Djarin in rescuing the Jedi hopeful, Grogu. The Bad Batch should show her early career and rise to bounty hunting prominence after the fall of the Republic. It is currently unknown whether she will be a friend or an enemy to members of Clone Force 99, as they will also likely take the mercenary route for employment. Ming-Na Wen will voice Shand in the series.
Created by Dave Filoni, Star Wars: The Bad Batch stars Dee Bradley Baker, Andrew Kishino and Ming-Na Wen. The series premieres May 4 on Disney+.